Redhead Baby Mama | Atlanta Blogger

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Conference Must Haves

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Tis the season for another year of blogging conferences! Sure, conferences have been going on all summer, and some feel like they are year round, but fall (for me) seems like a the beginning of a new year since school is back in session, the season is changing and folks seem refreshed from summer.  Type A Parent Conference is around the corner for me, and while I’m reminiscing about my very first conference, I’m also gearing up for my next one.  (Take a peek at my first conference recap)

The Skinny: If you’re new to the blogging con scene, and don’t know what to expect, I’m here to help you out.  Depending on your conference, the size will vary.  Mom2.0 and BlogHer are ENORMOUS, but Type-A and such are more intimate and better for more one on one type activities.  Over the course of several days there will be workshops, mixers, speakers, free lunch breaks, roundtables and brand dinners.  You might even be able to schedule a dinner break with all your friends.  Take an open brain and a LOT of energy. You’ll have a packed schedule and even more to do when you get home.

The Awesome Stuff:  New friends, old friends, distant friends and networking! You’ll be amazed at what you will learn. Some things will go over your head, but you’re bound to come away with ways to improve yourself or new tasks to take on. You’ll make some awesome memories, too.  Sometimes, you’ll pick up some samples, sweet swag or cool contest winnings.  (yay, free fun!) Make sure to check out the must-haves for your conference. They are all hand-picked to make your trip and experience easier!

What Not to Do: Try to follow the rules of your individual conference. There may be some policies you aren’t familiar with, but should know.  Outboarding is a party that is not sponsored or approved by the conference and can get you banned from future activities. The way I see it, you paid to be at the conference, so make the most of it by attending it’s activities. Stay engaged and make new friends.  Suitcasing is also frowned upon.  That’s when a brand or person shares swag or other merchandise by a non-sponsor. Kinda bad – so don’t do it or participate in it. 

 
The Stuff You Should Bring:  These picks will make your conference experience easier and way more awesome!
A Notepad and pen: You’ll take WAY more notes than you can ever type before your computer battery goes dead.  You’ll  be tweeting your brain out, so don’t try to take notes on your phone, either. Choose something fun that makes you happy, and you’ll be excited to take more notes!
 
Mints or Gum: Think about how many people you’ll be talking to! And when you’re in conference session right after lunch, the last thing you want to worry about is it you have pita breath or spinach in your teeth. Come prepared! 
 
A portable lipstick charger for your phone: I cannot emphasize this pick enough! I found a clearance wall-type recharger that held 1 full charge for my iPhone. I placed the phone on airplane mode and it charged quickly. I wish it gave more than one full charge, but I digress… Bring your phone cord in your day tote, too. You never know when a conference will provide a “recharge” room.  Portable Charger models are as cheap as $20 or as expensive as $70.  You really get what you pay for in this department!
 
FLAT shoes: OMG, bring your cushy flats. In a BIG way. You don’t want to be walking all day long in your heels.  Save them for the mixer at the end of the night.  A few pairs ought to do, and toss in some flip flops so you don’t have to wear your boots with your PJ pants… unless that’s how you roll… then it’s cool.  I happen to own a few pairs of Emmie Ballet Flats and they are like butter. I find mine on Amazon and rarely in TJMaxx.  Save the bucks! 
 
Power strip: if you’re sharing a hotel room, you’ll want more plugs. In this technology laden world, we’ve got phones, fans, computers, ipads, curlers, straighteners and a myriad of other devices.  Make sure you’re not a plug hog and bring your own strip.  
 
A Roomy Tote Bag: There’s a lot to carry around during the day. If you’re staying at the hotel, you can make a few quick dumps of stuff to your room, but even then, you’ll still a roomy carry-all during the day.  Toss your clutch purse, your cords, charger and mints in a sweet tote bag or backpack like this one from Epiphanie Camera Bag and you’re set. Some bags can even hold your camera, laptop and sundries. Pick something that fits your needs and works for you. Everyone is different, but everyone needs a bag!
 
An Extra Duffle Bag for swag:  I know I just told you to bring a bag, but this is different. Bring a collapsible duffle bag in your suitcase, and flack it out to bring home all your swag, business cards, purchases and souvenirs.  You’d be surprised how many crap you’ll accumulate on your trip!  If you’re flying in, a thick, soft sided bag can be checked on your return trip.  
Cash: You’ll be splitting cabs, tabs and most likely sharing a few other costs with friends… Bring along a little cash and you’ll get out of splitting the bill! Plus, a little starbucks on the side never hurt anyone.

Business Cards: Bring more than you think you need. If you’re new to Moo.com (my favorite place to order) snag this 10% off code and save a few bucks.

Confidence:  If you love a manicure, your lucky bracelet, or your favorite tube of lip stain, pick it up and get yourself to a place where you feel fabulous.  I love being able to put on makeup baby-free, so that’s what I do.  A lip stain is perfect so I don’t have to reapply for all the photos that get taken at conferences.  Bring your smiles and your hugs, too. You’ll be making tons of new friends!
 
Need more packing list help? Try this FULL PACKING LIST for a conference! What’s your must-bring to a conference?

Comments

  1. Lindsey Paris says

    This is just the information I needed to know since I’m going to my first conference in a couple of weeks. (Type-A) I hope to see you there!

    Reply

  2. Lindsey Paris says

    So exciting! I can’t wait to see you there. If I don’t see you first, find me and give me a hug! 🙂

    Reply

  6. Lindsey Paris says

    Ha! Just like at my house. My boy is old enough now to start stacking stools on chairs and get to my hiding spaces in the cabinets. :O

    Reply

  10. Lindsey Paris says

    Great tips! I especially agree with the portable charger. You’ll kill your phone so fast at events like this. Also, your tip to bring a power strip if sharing hotels is a really good one.

    Reply

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