Welcome back to the Blog Conference Prep series that Shell from Things and I Can’t Say have been sharing with you! If you missed any of the posts, you can catch up here:
- How to anticipate conference costs
- How to get a conference sponsor
- How to prep your blog for a conference
- How to prep your life for a conference
- How to talk to brands
- How to get over your fear of talking to other bloggers
Today, we’re talking about what to pack. No, not clothes-wise- that’s an entirely different post coming soon! Instead, today we’re talking about what to pack for your room at Blissdom at Shell’s while I cover what to have for your day bag.
Conferences involve a lot of walking and talking.. and walking and talking.. and walking and talking.. did I mention walking and talking?? The last thing you want to do is have to run back to your room constantly for something you may need- especially at the Opryland Hotel. This hotel is HUGE and you can get lost just trying to find your room.(or so I’ve heard.. ahem.) So, it’s important to carry a few essentials in a great tote bag for the conference.
Refillable water bottle. I cannot stress the importance of this. Along with a spare bottle or two of water, this can be one of the most valuable tools at a conference. Remember all that talking we discussed? Your throat will get dry, and there are hundreds of people looking for water. Be prepared!
Business Cards. Preferably in a front or easily-accessible pocket. This is your main way of communicating with others after the conference, so make sure you hand them out! Do not feel self-conscious about giving out your cards, it’s completely acceptable- and expected- at blog conferences. So share those cards as much as possible (especially if they have your picture on them).
Pen and Paper. Yes, really. Granted, my iPad will be with me for note-taking and internet access, but sometimes, it’s a lot easier to jot things down on a piece of paper, especially in between sessions. You never know what info you might want to take down while talking to one of the amazing brands at a conference, or what notes you want to take after meeting your blogging idol. Conferences are full of inspiration and connections, so be ready to write it down.
Your cell phone AND charger. Bringing your cell phone may sound like a no-brainer, but if we’re checking things off, let’s make sure we’re including the essentials! Think of your cell phone as your life line. You can tweet, email, and text to your heart’s content, sharing conference information with your twitter followers, emailing yourself blogging inspiration or texting a friend so you don’t feel so lost. Finding a spot to recharge may not always be easy, but it can be done.
Cough drops & Tissues. Okay, this one may just be for me, but when I was at Bloggy Bootcamp, I got the worst tickle in my throat. There is nothing like a room full of amazing speakers sharing their knowledge having to stop because you’re at your table hacking away. Have things like cough drops and tissues readily available- for you and those around you. You can become someone’s instant hero with these essentials.
Bonus tip: Leave your laptop in your room. When there is such a fabulous conference going on with so many internet-ready people, you may not be able to get online with wifi. Plus? That thing gets heavy! Do your shoulders a favor and leave it in the room.
What essentials have you found necessary at blog conferences?
Be sure to visit Shell’s site for 7-must-pack-items for your room today!
Great advice! I am not sure I will have a cell phone since I’ll be coming from overseas but that might be something to look into – a local pan – to avoid bringing my laptop everywhere.
Lady Jennie recently posted..Something to Show for It
Sorry – I’m talking about BlogHer this summer – didn’t make that clear. It’s my first conference though, so I’m excited!
Lady Jennie recently posted..Something to Show for It
Twitter: PorchSwingMom
says:
Hey, this advice works for all conferences!! Congrats on your first conference, so much fun!
Ashley recently posted..Blog Conference Prep: Must-Haves for your tote bag
Like I said at Shell’s…I Love You. And thank you
And I am much too excited for the clothes post. I am such an overpacker, and I KNOW the “wear what makes you comfortable”. But without a little bit of guidance, I will end up bringing enough clothes for three weekends
Twitter: PorchSwingMom
says:
We’re excited for the packing post. It was the most daunting part of prepping last year!
Ashley recently posted..Porch Swing Stories: Practical Parenting
Twitter: deannabe
says:
Great list! I’m not lucky enough to be able to attend Blissdom next month, but hopefully will be able to get to another blog conference later this year. This series will definitely come in handy and has been eye-opening. thanks for sharing!
Deanna @ Little Green Bow recently posted..cutting glass at home
Great tips–thanks for helping us get ready!
Natalie @MamaTrack recently posted..Script Change
Twitter: PorchSwingMom
says:
Glad to help– looking forward to meeting everyone!!
Ashley recently posted..Blog Conference Prep: Must-Haves for your tote bag
Twitter: galitbreen
says:
Such great tips, Ashley!
Galit Breen recently posted..Thunder Cake
Twitter: PorchSwingMom
says:
Thanks so much Galit!
Ashley recently posted..Blog Conference Prep: Must-Haves for your tote bag
ALL excellent advice! The CHARGER IS KEY!!!
Rachel recently posted..Sausage & Cheese Appetizer Meatballs
Twitter: PorchSwingMom
says:
That charger is sooo necessary!!
Ashley recently posted..Blog Conference Prep: Must-Haves for your tote bag
My husband bought me an extra battery for my phone that I keep charged. I keep it in my purse when I travel so I can change out quickly if it’s hard to find a charger during the day.
Twitter: PorchSwingMom
says:
That’s a really great tip Anne!! Guess what I’m off to ask my husband for..
Ashley recently posted..Blog Conference Prep: Must-Haves for your tote bag
Great tips!
Other items I’ll have in my bag:
~hand sanitizer
~extra pen (in case mine runs out of ink!)
~binder/baggie/rubberband to keep the business cards I receive together & tidy
~sticky notes (to attach to business cards & remember people I met so I don’t forget who I talked to about what! You can also write on the card, though some cards have a dark background and/or little clear space to write.)
~camera
~snacks (in case of hunger emergency!)
~gum/mints (in case of bad breath emergency! Hey, I’m going to be talking to a lot of people.)
Can’t wait for BlissDom!
Chrysta
Chrysta Bairre recently posted..How to Have an Awesome Conference Experience!
Twitter: PorchSwingMom
says:
Oh the hand sanitizer was an important one I missed! I also love the sticky notes idea. Such great suggestions!
Ashley recently posted..Porch Swing Stories: Practical Parenting
All great ideas. I always carry breath mints and hand sanitizer. Love the stuff we got last year, Veripur. Use it all the time. We’re all so tech-inclined we forget how useful a pen & paper can be. I really prefer note taking that way. I focus more on what’s being said and tend to remember better.
Twitter: PorchSwingMom
says:
A pen and paper can definitely be useful– thanks for sharing!!
Ashley recently posted..Porch Swing Stories: Practical Parenting
Not headed to a conference soon but I had to comment because I think I have that red bag. It is my every day bag that I treated myself to with birthday money. And I love it!
great tips, too!
Andrea recently posted..Let Me Potty in Peace!
Great tips, but I don’t know about the no laptop one…I would bring a netbook or Ipad (borrow if you have to) I found myself wishing I brought mine at every session at BlogHer!
Yuliya recently posted..Snapshots: cha-cha-changes
Great ideas! Can’t wait to use them for when I get to go to my first conference! (Not this year…but some day!)
Recovering Supermom recently posted..Damn Dibs!
Twitter: Janmary3
says:
I know it’s been said, but I’ll say it again CAMERA!
(although now I have discovered how to take better iPhone pics I suppose it’s not essential)
Great list! This will be my first BlissDom, and I’m so excited. I read somewhere else that it can help to bring an outlet strip because so many people may be plugging in at once.
Twitter: PorchSwingMom
says:
Yes, the outlet strip is a great one!! Looking forward to meeting you!
Ashley recently posted..Porch Swing Stories: Practical Parenting
Thank you SO MUCH for all of your (and Shell’s) blog conference prep posts. These are so helpful! I tend to overpack (esp with shoes!) and probably would’ve overlooked bringing a refillable water bottle!