by Bethany Jett, @BetJett

If you’re registered for the conference, it’s time to make travel arrangements and add our BRMCWC 2017 Packing list to your organization folder. If you haven’t registered yet, don’t worry…there is still time! It’s great to be prepared, so this week’s Conference Prep Countdown is all about travel and packing information.

Drive or Fly?

If you choose to fly to the conference, the Asheville Regional Airport is about a thirty-minute drive to the Ridgecrest Conference Center. That address is 1 Ridgecrest Dr, Ridgecrest, NC 28770. It can sometimes be tricky to use a GPS only, so here’s a link to the Google maps driving directions from the airport.

If you need a shuttle service from the airport to the conference, Ridgecrest has recommendations. Click here for their travel information.

If you’re driving to the conference, we recommend having a printout of the driving directions with you, just in case there’s heavy cloud cover and your phone or Garmin refuses to work. Carpooling is a great money-saving option, as long as you’re willing to share the trunk space. Anyone else like to overpack?!

On the subject of packing…

Soda

First and foremost, Ridgecrest is a Coke-free location. I can live off of Diet Pepsi, but for my Coke-loving friends, you’ll want to stash some cans or bottles in your luggage or have a friend pick some up for you.

Snacks

Ridgecrest has the cutest cafe, but it’s not open 24-7. While the meals are delicious, chances are you’ll need a snack, so pack some protein bars, nuts, trail mix, or chocolate. Mmmmm. Bring a little extra, pass it around, and make some new friends.

Mints

Bring some!

Shoes

Speaking as a chronic over-packer, I highly recommend not to bring a million pairs of shoes with you. Those Blue Ridge mountains are not stiletto-friendly. If you love a great heel, feel free to walk around campus in a pair of flats, then switch them out for the mule, wedge, pump, or bootie of your choice when you arrive to your destination.

Clothes

The Blue Ridge Conference dress code is business casual. The weather can be chilly at times, so dressing in layers is not only fashionable, but practical.

We recommend khakis, Polos, dark denim (as long as they’re not “hole-y” and frayed), collared-shirts, dress slacks, skirts and dresses (knee-length and longer please!), cardigans, camis or tanks to layer under tops for modesty, and suit jackets. We do not recommend t-shirts and shorts.

Genre Night

The costumes last year were so creative! If dressing up makes you feel a little silly or uncomfortable, be sure to check out Diane’s post about Genre Night. Many “costumes” are normal outfits that represent your target audience, a character in your books, or…hint hint…the genre you write. Feel free to be clever, like the lady who wore a sheet because she was a ghostwriter.

Awards Night

Who doesn’t love a chance to dress up?! Feel free to get a little fancy for our Awards Night!

Medicines

After getting sick on a business trip several years ago, I always bring a few travel-sized headache, allergy, tummy, and cold medicines. Please be sure to pack your prescription medications!

Toiletries

We include a comprehensive list of toiletry items in the BRMCWC 2017 Packing list because it’s so easy to forget a toothbrush or razor. Please note: Blue Ridge is a fragrance-free conference.

Personal and Business Supplies

Remember to pack your chargers, extra batteries, and power cords for all electronics. If you’ve created an organizing notebook, double-check that you have your business cards, proposals, one sheets, extra paper for notes, a printout of the schedule, and pens.

[reminder]What are your ‘must-haves’ when packing for a conference?[/reminder]

Bethany Jett is a military wife and homeschool boy-mom who is addicted to suspense novels and all things girly. She is an award-winning author, speaker, ghostwriter, and founder of JETTsetter Ink. In her spare time, Bethany is working on her Masters degree in Marketing: New Media and Communication.

Bethany writes on being the CEO of your life at BethanyJett.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.