Things you wish you had taken but didn't..... tips for bringing stuff for wave 2 & 3

[ameliasurf]

hey just wondering if any of you ladies that are at wave 1 wish they would have brought something they didn't think of or something along tat line that would have made your conference go smoother or better! any tips....?

[Flamingo]

Good question.............. Anyone with a good answer??????????????????

[chefmeg]

band-aids.........several years ago I got blisters the first day and had to run around borrowing band-aids!

[etteluap70PC]

After my first conference I swore I would always bring...
A rolling Briefcase or bag. McCormic place is big and it never fails that you have classes on the opposite sides!
An extra pair of shoes in that bag.
Band aids
a bottle of water and a small bag of snacks.
My mini Fan for the hotel room. It helps keep the air moving and helps drown out the noise of other people sleeping.
Tylenol

[wadesgirl]

For blisters Moleskin works better than bandaids. It's really sticky and doesn't come off very easily. If you have a "hot spot" (the point right before a blister) just put the Moleskin right on your foot over the spot. If you have shoes that bother you all the time, I put some inside of the shoe.

[merego]

hey just wondering if any of you ladies that are at wave 1 wish they would have brought something they didn't think of or something along tat line that would have made your conference go smoother or better! any tips....?

Most excellent question!! I am trying to make my list for what to pack while my kids are napping.

[PartiesbyJamie]

ear plugs to drown out snoring room mates ... comfy shoes only & mostly business casual clothes ... energy bars ... buy several bottles of water at a local convenience store when you get there to keep in room & take with you daily .. have fun!!

[Christ Follower]

For blisters Moleskin works better than bandaids. It's really sticky and doesn't come off very easily. If you have a "hot spot" (the point right before a blister) just put the Moleskin right on your foot over the spot. If you have shoes that bother you all the time, I put some inside of the shoe.

So good to know! I will have to look for these this weekend before I pack!

[wadesgirl]

So good to know! I will have to look for these this weekend before I pack!

I share this tip with everyone (it's on another thread too). I just bought a new pack to take with me to conference. I have two pairs of shoes that permantly have mole skin because the shoes irritated my feet.

[GeorgiaPeach]

Don't forget business cards to exchange. I would immediately write on the back something about the person so I would remember them (wearing blue shirt, met on bus, etc.)

[KellyTheChef]

After my first conference I swore I would always bring...
A rolling Briefcase or bag. McCormic place is big and it never fails that you have classes on the opposite sides!
An extra pair of shoes in that bag.
Band aids
a bottle of water and a small bag of snacks.
My mini Fan for the hotel room. It helps keep the air moving and helps drown out the noise of other people sleeping.
Tylenol

I never thought of this!! I sleep with a fan at night (for the noise) and except for the fact that I am so dog tired at conference, I would never sleep! This will help me out...I am putting it on my Word Document that I have of my permenant NC list!

GREAT IDEA!

[Christ Follower]

Are the mole skins in the same area as bandaids or somewhere else?

[Becky0216]

are ear plugs really needed? Should I be asking my roomies if they snore?

[cmdtrgd]

are ear plugs really needed? Should I be asking my roomies if they snore?

Bring em! If you don't have to use them, great! If you do, you'll be glad you have them.

[etteluap70PC]

I never thought of this!! I sleep with a fan at night (for the noise) and except for the fact that I am so dog tired at conference, I would never sleep! This will help me out...I am putting it on my Word Document that I have of my permenant NC list!

GREAT IDEA!

I have the cutest little fan. It is only about 4" across and 3" deep so It did not take up too much space in my suitcase, or add much weight.

My roomies LOVED IT! I do snore so I brought it as much for them as me. I get stressed I will keep people up and do not sleep myself.

Earplugs are a good idea. You just never know!

Yeah.... were do we find Moleskin?

[pamperedlinda]

Look for moleskin in the footcare aisle.

[Chef Kearns]

I have the cutest little fan. It is only about 4" across and 3" deep so It did not take up too much space in my suitcase, or add much weight.

My roomies LOVED IT! I do snore so I brought it as much for them as me. I get stressed I will keep people up and do not sleep myself.

Earplugs are a good idea. You just never know!

Yeah.... were do we find Moleskin?


That is just like me! One year I was up til almost 4am tossing and turning to make sure my snore wasn't too loud. :indif: However, one year at Leadership I roomed with someone who made a HUGE deal about not liking the snoring so I was the last to fall asleep...to HER snores!! :rolleyes:

Ahem...Ms. Aviano you know who you are!!:D

[wadesgirl]

Are the mole skins in the same area as bandaids or somewhere else?

Like Linda said, it's in the foot care aisle. It's large sheets of fleece type surface with a sticky backing - If that makes any sense. You do have to cut it down to size but I always just cut on of the sheets into smaller different sized pieces.

[GeorgiaPeach]

are ear plugs really needed? Should I be asking my roomies if they snore?

Yes, but sometimes ear plugs don't help. I am a very light sleeper but no one in my cluster snores so it was never a problem until.....when we moved I roomed with two ladies that I flew up with. One snored so loudly that my bed shook..I was in the next bed :eek: I am not exaggerating! By the second night I was crying because I was so tired and could not sleep.

It was not something I had ever had to ask about but I do now!

[Teresa Lynn]

tissues take a small pack i have heard Doris speak many times in the 14 years I've been selling and she still makes me cry

[mrsbettyboop0000]

Yes, but sometimes ear plugs don't help. I am a very light sleeper but no one in my cluster snores so it was never a problem until.....when we moved I roomed with two ladies that I flew up with. One snored so loudly that my bed shook..I was in the next bed :eek: I am not exaggerating! By the second night I was crying because I was so tired and could not sleep.

It was not something I had ever had to ask about but I do now!

LOL, were we in the same room, because I felt this same way last year!! :cry::cry::cry:Or maybe your girl had a twin and that's who i was with. LOL hehehehe:D

[nancycookspc]

I always take - "simply sleep"
its made by tylenol
Yeah I am dog tired but one year I was so OVer tired I could not sleep.
Directions say take 2, I only use 1 and its enough to relax my brain and fall alsleep

[chefann]

After my first conference I swore I would always bring...
A rolling Briefcase or bag. McCormic place is big and it never fails that you have classes on the opposite sides!
An extra pair of shoes in that bag.
Band aids
a bottle of water and a small bag of snacks.
My mini Fan for the hotel room. It helps keep the air moving and helps drown out the noise of other people sleeping.
Tylenol
A note on rolling bags: try to walk with them close to you. The hallways at Conference are crowded and I've lost track of the number of times people with rolling bags have blithely cut people off and run them over with their bag.

[flemings99]

:cry:HELP! What has to be in the little baggie for carry on.

I know it says gels/liquids---but what counts/doesn't count. Do I have to put my mascara in the baggie, solid deo., eye/lip liner...and so on. Having a hard time getting it all in that itty bitty bag. Last year I checked my bag & you would have thought the world was going to end---guess that is a big no, no to some.

Thanks!

[riggs62]

:cry:HELP! What has to be in the little baggie for carry on.

I know it says gels/liquids---but what counts/doesn't count. Do I have to put my mascara in the baggie, solid deo., eye/lip liner...and so on. Having a hard time getting it all in that itty bitty bag. Last year I checked my bag & you would have thought the world was going to end---guess that is a big no, no to some.

Thanks!

I pulled this off the TSA | Transportation Security Administration | U.S. Department of Homeland Security (http://www.tsa.gov) web site:

Air travelers may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints.

With certain exceptions for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby formula, breast milk, and juice, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, the following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols you want to carry through a security checkpoint.

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

Please keep in mind that these rules were developed after extensive research and understanding of current threats. They are intended to help air travelers bring essential toiletries and other liquids, gels and aerosols for short trips. If you need larger amounts of liquids, gels and aerosols such as toothpaste or shampoo, please place them in your luggage and check them with your airline.

To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers, in the absence of suspicious activity or items, greater than 3 ounces of the following liquids, gels and aerosols are permitted through the security checkpoint in reasonable quantities for the duration of your itinerary (all exceptions must be presented to the security officer in front of the checkpoint):

Baby formula, breast milk, and juice if a baby or small child is traveling;
All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;
Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
Frozen gels/liquids are permitted if required to cool medical and infant/child exemptions. Frozen gels/liquids for any other purpose are not permitted.
You are allowed reasonable amounts over 3 ounces of the items above in your carry-on baggage, but you will need to perform the following:

Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size and zip-top bag.
Declare you have the items to one of our Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening.
We have also taken steps to ensure the security boarding areas after you pass through our security checkpoints. Therefore, any liquid, gel, or aerosol purchased (such as coffee or soda) in the secure area after you process through a security checkpoint is allowed aboard your plane.

Personally, when traveling to Leadership, I did put my mascara, lip gloss, lip stick, moisturizer & eye drops in my baggie. Hope this helps.

[Christ Follower]

Like Linda said, it's in the foot care aisle. It's large sheets of fleece type surface with a sticky backing - If that makes any sense. You do have to cut it down to size but I always just cut on of the sheets into smaller different sized pieces.

Just picked them up today. Now I either have to cut them ahead of time or remember to bring a pair of scissors with me.:thumbup:

[SUSANDISCOCAIAFA]

I Always Bring My Slippers And Wear Them All Through Conference!!!

[erinyourpclady]

are ear plugs really needed? Should I be asking my roomies if they snore?

OMG...I snore and I can't help it! But I always worn my roomies WAY ahead of time. I think I may pack earplugs for them!

[etteluap70PC]

Yeah my first conference AIM (no longer a vendor) was selling rolling bags and people were getting really wild with them. You do need to use a bit of extra caution in crowds.

Something I would NEVER take again.... my laptop. It was just too heavy and took up too much space and I never used it.

[legacypc46]

That is just like me! One year I was up til almost 4am tossing and turning to make sure my snore wasn't too loud. :indif: However, one year at Leadership I roomed with someone who made a HUGE deal about not liking the snoring so I was the last to fall asleep...to HER snores!! :rolleyes:

Ahem...Ms. Aviano you know who you are!!:D

Uh, I was in that room too...and she wasn't the only one snoring (ahem, ahem) ;)

[Flamingo]

Yeah my first conference AIM (no longer a vendor) was selling rolling bags and people were getting really wild with them. You do need to use a bit of extra caution in crowds.

Something I would NEVER take again.... my laptop. It was just too heavy and took up too much space and I never used it.


I have to bring mine... I have a host that is closing her show on tuesday and I want to transmit before midnight si it is on the next payday....:grumpy:

[etteluap70PC]

closing a show is the only reason I would ever bring it again.

[mrsbettyboop0000]

OMG...I snore and I can't help it! But I always worn my roomies WAY ahead of time. I think I may pack earplugs for them!

That's sweet of you to do! :thumbup::thumbup:

[Chef Endora]

I Always Bring My Slippers And Wear Them All Through Conference!!!

What kind of slippers are they?

[JAE]

Having just gotten back, I will tell you I didn't wish I had taken much more than what I took. I had one regular sized carry on piece of rolling luggage. I should have taken one more of each of my undergarments. Lots of walking and getting really hot. It feels better to be clean for Executive banquet. Sorry if TMI.

I took 5 water bottles and needed every single one. I replaced the room in my suitcase with brand new packs of mini catalogs for the way home along with other things that I won't be sharing with you right now.

I brought an extra pair of sandals so I didn't have to wear the same shoes two days in a row. Stinky feet.... I brought only one extra shirt to change into for the banquet. I only had two pairs of capris with me. Just fine. I brought only one jacket and my umbrella. Needed the jacket but not the umbrella. I happened to miss the rain by minutes. I'd still bring it next time. I probably didn't need to bring my bag that we received last year, but I really like all the pockets and it was useful for me. Not necassarily necessary, though.

So excited for all of you who have yet to go to conference. You are going to love it. Each general session gets better!

[susanr613]

Just got back too and HAD A BLAST!!!!! Here's my bring/don't bring list:

Really glad I brought:
Sweater
Snacks
Water bottle
Earplugs
My prescription migraine meds
A nice dress and shoes for Banquet: I didn't walk, but it was nice to dress up with everyone else!

Wish I had brought
Very comfortable walking shoes, with inserts
Bandaids/moleskin
Aleve/Tylenol
Backpack: the tote is nice, but it's one shoulder only
Folding luggage cart and bungee cords for schlepping around the surprise boxes
Camera

Don't bother:
Gym clothes: up too early/to bed too late for a workout
A lot of cash
Cute but uncomfortable shoes (other than for banquet)


HAVE FUN WAVE 2 AND 3!

[pamperedbecky]

Yeah my first conference AIM (no longer a vendor) was selling rolling bags and people were getting really wild with them. You do need to use a bit of extra caution in crowds.

Something I would NEVER take again.... my laptop. It was just too heavy and took up too much space and I never used it.

I was going to bring my laptop, but leave it at the hotel like I did last year. Unfortunately my laptop has decided for me that it doesn't want to go. It's screen/monitor is about to go kaput. :cry: I can tell it's on its way out. AFter reading through some Dell forums, it seems that it's the inverter or backlight or something like that (whatever the heck THOSE are). Of course it's not under warranty any more so I need to explore getting it replaced and see if it's worth it to do that or just buy a new one.

Sorry for the rant....I'm mad at my laptop. The biggest thing I liked it for was checking emails and seeing sales that come in while I'm at conference. I let my roomies use it too. Unless it's fixed before Wednesday, it'll stay home or be at the repair shop. Bad, bad laptop.:mad: (If anyone has had similar problems, please let me know. The screen only works when I"m going off the battery because it is dimmed).

[chefbritt]

(If anyone has had similar problems, please let me know. The screen only works when I"m going off the battery because it is dimmed).

Becky, I also have a Dell and am having similar problems. My screen goes completely black though, and it only works when I'm running off the battery and its not plugged in, however my battery is pretty much dead and only lasts 10 minutes fully charged, so it makes using my laptop almost impossible.

I have no advice as far as how to fix it, but thought I'd let you know I understand your frustrations.

[pamperedbecky]

Becky, I also have a Dell and am having similar problems. My screen goes completely black though, and it only works when I'm running off the battery and its not plugged in, however my battery is pretty much dead and only lasts 10 minutes fully charged, so it makes using my laptop almost impossible.

I have no advice as far as how to fix it, but thought I'd let you know I understand your frustrations.

Yep, that's my same problem exactly-my screen going black. NOt while I'm using the battery though - although luckily my battery lasts a while longer than yours.:grumpy: I've looked at a few things on the Dell forums and those problems I mentioned seemed to be what others suggested to other people. Ugggg. I'm going to explore getting it at least checked out on Monday. Good luck with yours!! My screen sometimes flickers now even just on the battery, so I can tell it's going to get worse.:(

[janetupnorth]

Susan - If I had gotten to actually see you I would have shared my Aleve.

I packed VERY light. My purse, laptop and one very small rolling suitcase. I was fine all conference. Last year I overpacked and this year was just fine. I forgot a jacket/sweater but my mom lent me a cardigan. I wore it all 3 days - good to have - some rooms are cold but outside was beautiful except for the downpour. I got soaked BUT DID NOT MELT! :)

I thought the food was good this year, both breakfast meals equally good!

Have a blast guys! I'll post more when I'm finally back home in a few days.

Beth - if you get online - don't forget to call Monday morning - kids are looking forward to meeting you.

[susanr613]

hey janet, we did meet...i was at the M&G sitting next to you for all of 10 mins before i had to zonk out. Thanks for the retroactive offer though!

can't wait till wave 3 is over so we can dish dish dish!

[janetupnorth]

hey janet, we did meet...i was at the M&G sitting next to you for all of 10 mins before i had to zonk out. Thanks for the retroactive offer though!

can't wait till wave 3 is over so we can dish dish dish!


I'm sorry Susan! My arrival was a blur since I was late! Got it!
I hope not feeling well didn't spoil your conference!

[susanr613]

well it was a bummer not to be able to hang out late, but i enjoyed NC just the same. already have promised myself i will be 30 pounds lighter and several commission points/overrides heavier (director) next NC ;-)

[JAE]

well it was a bummer not to be able to hang out late, but i enjoyed NC just the same. already have promised myself i will be 30 pounds lighter and several commission points/overrides heavier (director) next NC ;-)

What? Seriously? I can't imagine why! We need to be able to see you. Please, don't disappear.

[susanr613]

oh jae you're too kind <blush> and thank you for reminding me we met in the elevator :-)

[ChefBeckyD]

oh jae you're too kind <blush> and thank you for reminding me we met in the elevator :-)

Actually Susan - I thought you were a petite little thing.....:)

[susanr613]

he he he you saw me in my slimming dress with shapewear, not the tight capris ;-)

[JAE]

he he he you saw me in my slimming dress with shapewear, not the tight capris ;-)
Get me some of that shapewear. It seems to be doing a great job for you.

[Chef Kearns]

I CANNOT WAIT TO GO TO CONFERENCE NOW!!!! Wave 3 stinks!

[JAE]

I think I'd be anxious if I had to wait for wave 3, too. Try not to find out about stuff from Wave 1 and 2. It's so fun to be surprised.

[Di_Can_Cook]

Take an umbrella. It may rain even if the forecast says no.

AND

Take Be a Master Seller ... it is the best workshop EVER and was taught by the best presenter EVER ... I hope they bring her back for Waves 2 and 3!

[smspamperedchef]

NO NO NO LAPTOP! I NOW NEED TO GO TO A CHIROPRACTOR from carrying it! UGH! It was nice to check e-mail once (too expensive at hotel more than that) and a royal pain in the @<hidden email>#$ on last day of Conference and through security. You REALLY DO NOT NEED IT!!!
Pack extremely light. (to make room for all the goodies! :)
Same pair of pants 2 days, different tops. Bring a jacket. I am VERY hot natured and I got COLD! BRRR. The Exec. banquet was freezing many were putting napkins over their shoulders. Some workshop rooms are a bit chilly too!
BEWARE of Hilton Chicago. BIGTIME billing issues! DO NOT LET THEM OVERCHARGE YOU!!! They kept authorizing our accounts instead of charging it like they told me they would. They authorized over $180 over what I was supposed to pay. My roomate was over $700! MANY MANY others had a ton of difficulties!
Bring snacks! Protein! Nuts, granola bars, etc. We got fed well but still get a bit hungry between meals and all that walking!
Set a LIMIT at booths! OH MY GOSH I OVERSPENT AT MERRILL AND IT WAS EXTREMELY EASY TO DO THAT THIS YEAR!!! OH MY!!!

[pamperedlinda]

How much 'extra room' will we need in our suitcase for goodies? I'm trying to get along wiht only carry-on size luggage this year.

[ChefBeckyD]

How much 'extra room' will we need in our suitcase for goodies? I'm trying to get along wiht only carry-on size luggage this year.

It's CRAZY! I didn't buy much (just some mini's, and a couple shirts) but somehow, my bag was stuffed coming home - still trying to figure out why. Your director gift, Career Club gift, and Exec Banquet gift are all WONDERFUL - but not big...it must just be an accumulation of all of the small things.

I'm a light packer. I had just a small rolling carry-on, and I managed to fit everything in there going home, except for a few small items that I had to carry in my new PC TOTE! (Which you are all going to just love!)

[pamperedlinda]

Thanks Becky.

[etteluap70PC]

Yep, that's my same problem exactly-my screen going black. NOt while I'm using the battery though - although luckily my battery lasts a while longer than yours.:grumpy: I've looked at a few things on the Dell forums and those problems I mentioned seemed to be what others suggested to other people. Ugggg. I'm going to explore getting it at least checked out on Monday. Good luck with yours!! My screen sometimes flickers now even just on the battery, so I can tell it's going to get worse.:(

Can I ask how long you have had your Dell? I just got one a few months ago and am now worried!

Oh and Becky... Don't you have internet access on your phone? I thought you had mentioned it a few months ago when we were discussing phone options.

[chefliz]

:):):chef:Reading all your posts is so helpful! I am so excited I can't stand it!!! I will be leaving on Weds for the 6hr drive. I never would have thought to bring ear plugs but I will have a roomie that snores and I am such a light sleeper-thank you for sharing. And the first year I went I froze, the second year I roasted...now it seems this year it will be cold again. But I have a heads up on that, right? I have already got my list of what I want to pack thanks to you all... :) :chef:

[JAE]

Make sure you get a second pillow out of the closet before you turn the lights out for the night. You may need it over your head to keep light or sound out.

[katie0128]

:):):chef:Reading all your posts is so helpful! I am so excited I can't stand it!!! I will be leaving on Weds for the 6hr drive. I never would have thought to bring ear plugs but I will have a roomie that snores and I am such a light sleeper-thank you for sharing. And the first year I went I froze, the second year I roasted...now it seems this year it will be cold again. But I have a heads up on that, right? I have already got my list of what I want to pack thanks to you all... :) :chef:

Where are you in OH?

[pampcheflisa]

Take an umbrella. It may rain even if the forecast says no.

AND

Take Be a Master Seller ... it is the best workshop EVER and was taught by the best presenter EVER ... I hope they bring her back for Waves 2 and 3!


Di...who did you have for your workshop? I had Penney Parkes and walked away AMAZED!!!

I agree about the umbrella, forgot mine and Thursday night it down poured.

Also, to those of you who suggested Merrell shoes....THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!! I bought a pair of sandals and my feet NEVER hurt once the whole time. Even the girls I was with that work flip flops the whole time had problems with their feet and I had ZERO!!

Also, for any first timers - if you want to go to the Merrill store, get there ASAP!!! We took the the 7:00 am HO tour and when we got back the Merrill store was completely picked over and hardly anything was left. It forced us not to over spend though!!

[wadesgirl]

I'm still shocked to hear that about Merrill, we went on the 2nd day last year and they had a ton.

[JAE]

Last year there was definitely a lot more than this year. The store was smaller and much less variety this year.

[wadesgirl]

Last year there was definitely a lot more than this year. The store was smaller and much less variety this year.
That bites! I have HO tour on the first day and won't be able to get to the store until later on. Bummer since I refuse to buy clothes on their website.

[cathyskitchen]

I second, third and fourth the earplugs - they make a world of difference! I roomed with a girl my first conference who snored like a buzzsaw and I got NO sleep. The following year, I roomed with her again, but brought earplugs and was actually coherent at the workshops! The third year, she didn't go, but we ended up with some girls from another cluster who snored like racecars - thank goodness my earplugs were still in my bag!!!! :D

[PamperMyLife]

A small rolling tote of some sort would have been real sweet! Even though I mailed my surprise boxes home, I was still hauling around mini catalogs that I wanted to make sure I had as soon as I got home and some last minute things I got at Merrill's. Keep it small though so it's not an issue going through the crowds. Don't overpack...I almost didn't leave room for everything to make it home! Especially if you don't mail your surprise boxes home. Comfortable shoes!! Did a lot of walking from workshop to workshop (not a marathon by any means) but it is a BIG place. Plenty of business cards - everyone exchanges them. In addition to notes about the person, we would exchange for notes to email each other workshop notes. You will meet very friendly consultants at conference - everyone wants to help each other out!! :-) Extra $$ for surprise boxes - they are addicting!!!!!! and so much fun!!!!! Go to Merrill's the first day to make sure you get in on the new stuff and the conference sales ... Oh, and get your memorabilia surprise box on day 1 because they were out by day 2 but never ran out of the other boxes. That's all I can think of for now ...