#18. Things You Won’t Pack, But Will Need

 Following up on a previous post on things you will pack for a conference but won’t need, let’s go over some items you will need that you might forget to bring along.

There’s nothing worse than getting to a conference destination and realizing you’re missing important gear or necessities. You don’t want to waste unnecessary time and money running around town during the conference trying to find these forgotten items. Write up a quick checklist before you start packing up your stuff and make sure you include these items in your bag for the trip.

These conference halls and speaker rooms in the Summer are frigid.   Thankfully this is the case, as the alternative is worse.    Bring a sweater or wrap, or even a fleece to carry with you during the day… or the air conditioning will get you!  Maybe even a sweater vest?

If you come to a conference just to hang out with pals and see old friends, you can skip this step.   However, if you are looking to really improve your business and get a ton out of a conference – you need to come with goals in mind.

Write down who you want to meet, what you want to learn, and what you hope to accomplish.  Carry it with you all the time and get it done!

Over time, the more people you meet the more cards you get, and the more cluttered your pockets get.

Keep yours organized, bring something with you so that you make sure you don’t lose the card of the one most important person that you came to meet!

Late nights, long days, dry air-conditioned air … this is all a perfect scenario for red-eyes.  Bring with you a bottle of eye drops so those early morning meetings come off the way that you want them to.

I can’t tell you how many times people have told me that they missed out on a great event, great presentation, or even a great party just because they did know it was going on.   Take the agenda with you – read it on the plane – make sure you are aware of everything that is available!  It will come in double handy when you can’t figure out what room you’re supposed to be in.  :)