What’s in your bag?
Papers
- Section One: Two-to-three copies of my proposal
- Section Two: Five-to-six copies of my one-sheets
- Section Three: Anything I want to show to a magazine editor (you can personalize different article topics for them)
- Section Four: Handouts I get at classes (remember, handouts will be online this year)
- Section Five: Usually empty, unless I drop in business cards
Laptop
We’re going green this year, so there will be no booklet print out. Laptops are strongly encouraged for some of the classes, although it’s not a requirement. We live in a glorious age where the internet and note-taking is as easy as tapping on a laptop, phone, or tablet keyboard. And don’t worry – instructors won’t be offended if you have your laptops out during class, just make sure you’ve muted the volume!
Notebook and Pens
I love my laptop, but I love taking notes by hand even more. Make sure to grab a notebook of some kind because the words of wisdom we’ll be gaining from the keynote speakers and during class times is going to be a-MAY-zing!!!
Keys and Lanyard
In past posts we’ve covered the importance of business cards, but you don’t want to leave your room without making sure you have your room key and your lanyard with your name badge. It’s important to make sure you wear your name badge at all times when you’re out and about so people can quickly call you by name when they see you (avoiding the awkward “Hey, you!”). Plus, anyone without a name badge marking them as a conference attender automatically sticks out with a “do-you-belong-here?” vibe.
I’ve walked out without my lanyard enough times that I always keep my room key tucked behind my name badge (as long as the room number isn’t visible). This way I am forced to make sure I have it when I lock my door to leave for the day.
Cash
Don’t waste money on ATM fees (there is an ATM on campus). Make sure you have enough cash so you can grab snacks from the coffee shop, and even more importantly, at the bookstore. It is extremely fun to buy books and get them personally signed by the authors. I’ve started a shelf that holds books of this nature and I love to add to it. Awesome bragging rights. “Oh yeah, these are all my buds. Signed books to me because we’re BFFs” and all that.
Snacks
Definitely have snacks in your room, but keep some with you in case you get a case of the hungries. I like to carry a small bottle of water and some snack bars. And M&Ms. and gum.
Toiletries & Meds
Yes. Bring them. Tissues, hair spray, Pepto Bismol, Advil, lip gloss, powder, you get the picture. The whole idea behind this is to not have to go back to the room unless it’s absolutely necessary!
[reminder]What’s a necessity in your bag? Let us know in the comments![/reminder]
The Conversation
There are a couple of things I would add:
You’ll want to have a way to take photos, especially on Awards Night. I recommend making sure you have your phone (silenced during classes and meetings). And for those of you who carry your cameras, remember to take extra batteries.
I would also add Bandaids to the toiletries list, especially if you’ve bought yourself a new pair of sandals or shoes that may rub. With all the walking you’ll be doing, you may end up with a blister or two. If not, then you’ve got one for someone else who needs it. 😉
Those are great!! I definitely need to remember band-aids!
Since I have to use a walker, I will have a little pouch built in under the seat ( a plus for me if I have to sit – haha) that I can tuck some things in. Just trying to figure out if I can find some kind of collapsible container to put on the seat area that I can pack for the flight. That way I can tote things much easier. Jealous yet?
A pouch built in under the seat is a great plus! Thirty-One has bags that collapse, that are made with a canvas-y material.
I never go anywhere without my cell phone charger. It’s super small, fits in my purse or bag’s side pocket, but so essential. I also bring extra Bic pens that I don’t mind loaning out (and not getting back). I carry two notebooks and an assortment of writing supplies (pen, pencil, eraser, marker/Sharpie). I like to doodle but I hate messing up my “important” notes so I have one notebook for the classes and another to just be creative. I bring drink powders like Gatorade and Crystal Light, too. My dayplanner has pockets and sleeves so it’s a wallet, ID holder, scheduler, and contact/reference info. Finally, I always bring my allergy pills and ibuprofen. Oh, and my stuffed frog. He’s my business mascot. Can’t go anywhere without the Frog.
[…] week we talked about the business-y things to bring the conference, including a conference notebook, business cards, and one sheets. This week, […]