What Should I Pack for My First Conference?

[chefkristin]

Does anyone have a checklist or something so I know what to bring? This is my first Conference and I tend to be an overpacker.

 

[nikked]

Oh, honey, you don't know nothing about over packing unless you saw what I took last year. THREE suitcases, plus my carry on. You should have seen me trying to get on the L! My excuse was all the special events as a new director, but, honestly, it's just me!

Having said all that, here is something I got last year that I wished I had followed!

I may have something else, but I'm still searching for it. HTH!

 

[chefkristin]

Thanks so much. I am such a pack rat. It is almost impossible for me to pack light.

You never know when you might fall in a puddle and need those 10 extra outfits! LOL!!!

 

[chefann]

Based on your locations, it looks like you 2 will be flying in to Chicago, right? Remember that most airlines have weight restrictions on checked bags. Luckily, summer clothes are lighter and easier to pack than winter clothes, but it's still something to be aware of.And here's a tip I got about the "extras" that you pick up at conference. Buy 1 surprise package and put the other things that you bought at conference (logo wear, mini catalogs, etc.) into the box and ship it home.

 

[chefkristin]

Based on your locations, it looks like you 2 will be flying in to Chicago, right? Remember that most airlines have weight restrictions on checked bags. Luckily, summer clothes are lighter and easier to pack than winter clothes, but it's still something to be aware of.

And here's a tip I got about the "extras" that you pick up at conference. Buy 1 surprise package and put the other things that you bought at conference (logo wear, mini catalogs, etc.) into the box and ship it home.

Great Tip!! I might just ship all my luggage home-LOL!!!

 

[reba515]

That list is helpful but I do need to put my 2 cents in...mints, gum, tylenol pepto don't go crazy trying to remember all this stuff. We will be in the middle of a huge city with a CVS on every corner. So really anything you forget and need you will be able to find it or those things you might need but most likely won't but feel you need to bring it don't worry about them.
I understand you may not want to spend the extra $ when you have some at home but for me it's worth not bringing it if I most likely won't need
it.
JMO.