You’ve arranged for your kids and husband to be taken care of while you’re gone.
Bills are taken care of in advance.
Time off from work was scheduled and approved.
Money was spent on registration, travel, lodging, and you even saved to splurge, eat well, and enjoy yourself on the trip.
Planning has been happening for months, even your roommates have been carefully chosen to ensure maximum enjoyment and learning for this conference…
And you forget your tablet, or your most comfortable professional-looking shoes, or even worse your flat iron!
I don’t know about you but I’m pretty picky when it comes to my favorite items.
Forgetting to bring them with me on an important trip I’ve invested a lot in can seriously alter my attitude.
I know. I’m a grown up. Well, most of the time.
But when my feet are killing me, or I haven’t had enough sleep because I’m too busy or can’t shut up talking to roommates late into the night, or I can’t make note of all the information being thrown at me and my feeble brain will forget most of the stuff I am paying to learn and take back with me.
Yeah, I turn into a two year old who just wants to throw a fit!
Plus, let’s face it, we all over pack.
But, don’t worry. I have put together the essential check list of what to take to a blog conference.
Pinnable + Printable Blog Conference Checklist
Here’s a full checklist for you (click the image to download the printable version!):
Click here to download the printable version
11 Essentials Blogger Bag Items
1. The Bag
You know how important your daily bag is to you. Multiply that by 100 and that’s how important your bag choice will be while you’re off expanding your skill set as a blogger. You’d probably be more correct in calling said bag a tote.
It needs to be large enough to carry daily essential items like gadgets, notebooks, batteries, chords, business cards, copies of your media kit, etc. Think of it as your mobile office.
Because not only are you there to learn, but you will also be working and networking. Don’t miss out on an opportunity because you didn’t plan accordingly.
2. Business Cards
Never leave home without them if you are serious about your blogging business, whether you are on a trip or not.
3. Media Kits
Another good idea is to have several copies of your media kit as you may come across people who are interested in doing business with you.
This way they can easily see what you’ve got to offer.
Plus, bringing your media kit would make people think that you’re actually organized and serious about what you do.
And that’s a good way to make a killer first impression!
Don’t have a media kit? No worries, we’ve created easy-to-edit media kit templates for you which can be edited using Microsoft Word, click here to get one.
4. Your Phone
I know you think this goes without saying, but trust me. It’s happened!
Not only would I put your phone on your packing list of things to not forget but I would also put your charging chord, and if you have a portable charger I would pack that as well, or a Mophie would be handy if you have an iPhone.
You could even buy a back up battery. You will never regret the purchase. Make sure all your social networking apps are installed and functioning so you will have no problems sharing every minute with your family, friends, and readers.
5. An iPad or Tablet
Some of you are as fast, if not faster, as typing on these handy inventions as you are writing in a notebook to take notes during a lecture. Plus, with the ability to have the same apps as your smart phone, you can use your tablet device as your mobile laptop and even write social media posts, blog posts, etc., all while on the go. Talk about productive!
6. Old-School Notebook
I’d carry one even if you think you won’t need it. It’s a back up. And sometimes it’s quicker than waiting on technology, especially if something needs charged.
7. Pens
I’d bring a 10 pack of cheap ink pens and drop them all in the bottom of my bag. Because you will leave one lying somewhere. And you will get asked to borrow a pen and never see it again. It happens.
8. Hand Sanitizer
You are going to be using your hands all day by typing, writing, shaking hands, eating, shaking hands, drinking, touching busy surfaces, using public restrooms, washing your hands, then shaking hands again… I’m not a big proponent of hand sanitizer in general because sometimes, dirt is good. But germs are not.
And in this case you definitely want to try and prevent taking any with you. So take care of your hands. You might want to pack a mini manicure set, too.
Just in case you get a hang nail or a torn cuticle. Because how fast can that ruin your day?
9. Reusable Water Bottle
You are going to be talking walking, probably a LOT. Hydration is important even on a regular basis. Add the stress of what your body is going through during your trip and it becomes critical to staying healthy for the duration.
10. Gum and/or Mints
Need I explain this one?
11. Chapstick or Lip Gloss
Same principle here as with the hand lotion. You will be talking a lot. The last thing you need is chapped lips making you uncomfortable.
The bonus is even when you are exhausted a coat of fresh lip gloss can polish you just enough to help you look more beautiful and energized than you feel at the end of a long conference day.
Other
Most of these aren’t necessary for your daily events away from your hotel room. But, if you wanted to pack them to use in the evening or for a back up, it wouldn’t be a bad idea.
- Camera
- Laptop
- Duffel bag
- Power strip
- eReader
- Roommate gifts
- Snacks
- Concealer
- Make up remover
- Cardigan/Blazer
- Comfort item – a picture of your family, comfy pajamas, booties, and yes, even a stuffed animal from home can make even the most uncomfortable hotel room more tolerable.
Some Tips
Now that you have a plan for your conference essentials, let’s cover some other helpful information.
Social Media Tips
- Update all profiles and pages, make sure you are following all conference social media accounts including following conference hashtags on Twitter and joining the conference’s Facebook group.
- Use your itinerary to plan out posts and topics beforehand so you can maintain your flow even while busy and away. Maybe set up some guest posts to take some of the pressure off you while you are out of town in case you have to choose between sleep and posting for a change.
- Definitely be taking notes and tons of pictures for a wrap up, post conference post when you are back home. You want your readers to feel like they were there with you.
- Write down speakers, attendees, and/or brands you want to meet with while on site. Use the conference sponsor list to find brands you are interested in working with.
Clothing Tips
Remember this: comfortable, cute, and casual. Notice I listed comfortable first? That’s important. Take note.
I don’t care how good those peep toe pumps look with your flare leg, dark wash jeans! If your feet hurt after two hours out to dinner where you are mostly sitting when you wear them – LEAVE THEM AT HOME. This isn’t a fashion event. It’s a business event.
I know that hurts. I love cute shoes, too. Maybe compensate by splurging on the blog bag and some funky accessory pieces. Ya feel me?
I know I’ve poked a little fun, and I have dished out some tough shoe love, but bottom line – have fun. Go with a ready to learn attitude. Be open to possibilities. Take it all in. Make new friends. Network.
Be ready for the next leg of your blogging journey. Don’t be shy. Think outside the box. Who knows? Next year you could be one of the people inspiring others sitting in your seat now.
Leave a Reply