What Should I Bring to My First Conference?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around what to bring to a first conference for Pampered Chef consultants. Participants share personal experiences and suggestions regarding essential items and preparations for the event.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, suggests bringing business cards, bottled water, a pen and paper, a planner, and comfortable shoes.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using a binder with dividers for each day and class, along with a section for important takeaways and receipts.
  • Several users mention the importance of comfortable clothing and shoes, with one noting the need for an extra pair in case of blisters.
  • One participant emphasizes bringing a camera to capture new products and memories from the conference.
  • Another participant discusses the need for spending money and inquires about hotel costs, sharing their experience of reasonable room rates when sharing with others.
  • One participant mentions bringing an address list of past hosts and potential hosts, along with stamps for mailing postcards directly from the conference.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on specific items to bring, but there is general agreement on the importance of business cards and comfortable shoes. No clear consensus emerges on the exact amount of spending money needed.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and suggestions based on their attendance at previous conferences, reflecting a variety of perspectives on preparation.

Who May Find This Useful

New consultants attending their first conference may find the shared experiences and suggestions helpful for their preparations.

kcjodih
Gold Member
Messages
3,391
Hello Everyone,

This will be my first time at conference (I've only been with PC 6 months). I was wondering if any 'conference veterans' could give me ideas what I should take with me besides business cards, bottled water, pen and paper, planner (maybe?) and comfy shoes.

Thanks so much,

Jodi H
 
I have a list (at home) that is "What to take with me to conference". I'll post it when it get home.

You should take business cards to pass out to those you meet at the airport, classes, hotel, etc.
You need to take a notebook with you (my director put together this awesome binder for me last year...I used it at Leadership as well. Inside there were dividers for each of the days and classes with a paper that had "Call to action" where I would put the 3 most important things I learned and what I planned to put into action immediately. There was also an envelope for me to put receipts from meals.
You also might want to take a camera to take pictures of the new products all displayed....get cool ideas there. (Plus pictures of your fun time!)
You will want to take comfortable clothes, but you can't wear shorts or jeans. Comfortable shoes are a must...take an extra pair in case you get blisters. (I never get blisters, but did last year. Think it was the airplane that made my feet swell a bit)
BAND-AIDS are a must along with tylenol and cold medicine in case you get sick.
Leave room in your suitcase for bringing things home with you. I bought postcards and stuff with the new products on them. (cheaper and no shipping) I also mailed lots from Chicago so bring stamps and a mailing list from Pampered Partner.
You might want to bring a phone list too since you will be SO EXCITED! That is the best time to call past hosts or potentials.
They give us a bag each time at conference to carry our stuff around.
I will post my list at home in case I forgot anything.
 
What to take with you to conferenceHere is a list of things to take with you to conference. I got this from my director last year. Hope it helps.
 

Attachments

IN addition to all that you need to bring to conf. Is there an estimate of how much spending money you need and how much the hotels run there? I am just curious as to how much in the end it costs to go to conf. so I can save up to go next year. DH is starting a new job next week so this year it just isnt possible; In addition I have a 6 month old that no one can watch. I really would like to go but... just isnt feasible this year. :(

Debbie
 
You usually share a room with 3 other people and that makes the room costs really reasonable. Last year I stayed at the conference hotel for 4 days and my part was 154. A lot of the meals are covered. I took $150, but don't think I even used all that.
 
Ginger, for some reason I couldn't open your attachments. Would you mind emailing them to me? Thanks so much!

Tracy in Idaho
[email protected]
 
Thanks for posting those docs, Ginger!! This will be my first conference, and I can't wait!!
 
I also bring an address list of past hosts and potential hosts and a bunch of 1st class stamps. At conference we usually have the opportunity to purchase new season preview post cards or mini-catalogs and I send them directly from conference. Then follow up as soon as you get home!!

Mary H.
 
TracyIdaho said:
Ginger, for some reason I couldn't open your attachments. Would you mind emailing them to me? Thanks so much!

Tracy in Idaho
[email protected]


Tracy....try right clicking and then choose SAVE instead of open. Once you save them to the file you want, then open the files from there. Sometimes that works (not sure why, but sometimes it works.) If not, email me and I'll send them directly to you.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to my first conference?

It's best to wear comfortable yet professional attire. Consider business casual clothing that allows you to move easily, as you'll likely be walking, networking, and participating in various activities. Layering is also a good idea since conference venues can vary in temperature.

Should I bring business cards?

Yes, bringing business cards is highly recommended. They are a great way to network and make connections with other attendees. Make sure your cards include your contact information and any relevant social media handles or websites.

What materials should I bring for note-taking?

Bring a notebook or a planner and a few pens to take notes during sessions and workshops. Some attendees prefer to use tablets or laptops for note-taking, but ensure you have a backup method in case of technical issues.

Will I need to bring any products or samples?

It’s a good idea to bring a few product samples or catalogs to share with potential customers or team members you meet. This can help spark conversations and showcase what you offer through Pampered Chef.

How much money should I bring for expenses?

Consider bringing enough cash for meals, snacks, and any additional materials or products you may want to purchase at the conference. Additionally, check if the venue has any specific payment preferences, such as cash or credit cards.

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