Things to Pack for a Conference

I am in the middle of organizing my stuff and getting packed for Affiliate Summit East 2009, and I figured I’d share items I typically bring to a conference.

Obviously, some of these things won’t apply to you, but maybe you’ll get some ideas or 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. Get directions to the Hilton New York.
• Phone, camera and laptop charger. If you forget any of these, visit the charging station in the registration area.
• Cable to transfer pictures to your computer. Be sure to tag them with the tag: ASE09.
• 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.
• Comfortable shoes. Lots of walking on multiple floors at the New York Hilton and the streets of New York.
• Snacks for the room, energy drinks. If you don’t want to pack them there is a Duane Reade two blocks north from the Hilton.
• Power strip.
• Conference agenda – you’ll get a print version when you check in for Affiliate Summit, but you can also download and print a PDF in advance to make plans.
• Set your goals and schedule where you want to go and whom you want to meet.
• 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.
• Running shoes if you’re going to the Tuesday morning run.
• 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.
• 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.

See you in New York City for Affiliate Summit!