I am trying to do something I’ve never done before a conference – have all of my stuff organized and packed a full day before I have to leave. Anyhow, I figured I’d share items I typically bring to a conference.
While some of these things won’t apply to you, maybe they’ll help give you ideas or help remember to grab something you were about to forget.
- Address of your hotel. Ever gotten to a city and forgot where you were staying. I have – what a pain. The Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino is at 3700 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89103.
- Phone, camera and laptop charger. The Internet Oldtimers’ Foundation (OT) won’t be there with a charging station this time.
- Cable to transfer pictures to your computer. Be sure to tag them with the tag: ASW10.
- Laptop and netbook. I like to have the full-sized laptop for work in my room, but the netbook for use during the conference – light alternative for lugging around to live blog, check email, etc.
- Elevator pitch: summarize you company or latest project in about 15 seconds.
- Plenty of business cards. I’ve never regretted having to bring a stack home, but have kicked myself for running out. This time, I’ll have two different cards.
- Comfortable shoes. Lots of walking around the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino and Las Vegas.
- Snacks for the room, energy drinks. If you don’t want to pack them, most hotels in Las Vegas seem to have convenience stores/souvenir shops off the lobby.
- Power strip.
- Conference agenda – you’ll get a print version when you check in for Affiliate Summit, but you can also see the latest version of the Affiliate Summit West 2010 agenda online to make plans.
- Set your goals and schedule where you want to go and whom you want to meet. Check the guide to networking at Affiliate Summit West 2010 for a refresher.
- Broadband wireless card is so worth it if you travel much. Also, consider a personal hotspot for multiple people to use your broadband wireless.
- Gum and/or cough drops for all of the talking and nice breath maintenance.
- Cat5 cable, because some hotels have the jack, but not the cable.
- Purell or other hand sanitizer.
- External HD to backup your laptop.
- Pain killers.
- Cash money.
- Copies of your important documents, ID, and credit cards, either on paper or scanned to your HD. In the event you lose your wallet or purse, you will be able to have some record of your identity.
- Printed out confirmations for your conference registration, flight, hotel, party RSVPs, etc.
- Extra paper and pens. I like to do a daily brain dump of ideas and plans, and then organize the thoughts on the trip home.
- Courage! Nobody bites. Meet people and build your business.
Did I miss anything?
Please note: I am not going to make clothing suggestions, as I am fashion challenged myself. You don’t want that sort of advice from me. But check the Las Vegas weather to guide your wardrobe – I can’t wait to enjoy the warmth there (50s-60s), compared with the below freezing temps in NJ.
See you in Las Vegas for Affiliate Summit!
{ 13 comments }
I started piling up my chargers and stuff in a corner on Tuesday or so. I had a camera mishap at ad:tech NY last November, and learned my lesson.
I ALWAYS forget my USB cord for my camera- I’m printing this post out so I hopefully don’t forget this time. I’m going to *try* to pack a day early, too, but you know how that goes. I’m surprised you and Missy even have time to pack!
I plan to get in some exercise on Saturday morning, but I won’t even pretend it will happen after that.
Every time I go to Vegas, I keep telling myself that I’m going to go running and exercise while I’m there. I’ve packed my running stuff a half dozen times and when I get there, things get too hectic and I never do it! But I’m sure going to try again this time (once again).
I retired the Flip in favor of my digital camera – better audio and video, zoom, etc.
The Segway belongs to the hotel. Maybe we’ll break it out again.
Or maybe some people with nasty shoes wear them to not get in the fancy clubs. Hmmm.
the corollary to this is if you’re the Pacman or Chuck Liddell, you can pretty much wear anything you want and still get in.
@Shawn – they’re 12 in a pack, of course they’d be more effective.
swallowing all that plastic can cause some stomach upset though.
but think abt it. 12x yr regular vitamin c tablet!
What abt the Flip?
and your trusty segway? that was fun.
Hey Michael -
Are Vitamin C packets any more effective than regular Vitamin C tablets?
I’ll wear some Sketchers or something that pretend to be appropriate looking.
Just don’t break Missy’s back again with your swing dancing.
Shawn,
Don’t forget aspirin, Vitamin C packets, & a spare liver.
PS – Making sure you score all the proper after party invites like those listed at http://www.nickycakes.com/the-real-asw-2010-party-list/
,Michael Martin
One clothing suggestion you could make is to bring NON-comfortable shoes for the night clubs or risk getting a stiff-arm at the door for wearing sneakers. right?
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