20 Days Until BlogHer
If you are following the #Blogher11 Twitter stream, then I’m sure you are aware there are only three weeks left until BlogHer. Among all the who is going to which party/what to where/but I don’t know anybody chatter, I’ve seen a lot of first time attendees asking questions about what to pack. Since I was super worried about that last year, I thought I’d share what I did right and what I’m going to better this time.
- Daytime Outfits–You’ll see lots of people saying “wear whatever you are comfortable in”. That’s totally true. Last year people wore anything from jeans/tee-shirts to business wear. You want to look nice, but also feel comfortable in your own skin. Pick things that let your personality come through. I’m planning on sundresses or jeans with a nice top.
- Nighttime Outfits–I changed into new outfits for the evening activities last year. Mostly it was just nice to take a quick shower and put on something fresh. That being said, the same “types” of outfits also work at night. I’ll probably do slightly nicer dresses or jeans with a sparkly tee.
- Shoes–Oh, shoes. People are chattering so much about shoes. I’m wearing flip-flops. There, I said. Day and night. Sessions and parties. Flip-flops. Maybe, if I’m feeling really snazzy, flat sparkly sandals. But not heels. There is just too much walking, even at parties. I packed a pair of heels last year and didn’t put them on once.
- Laptop/iPad/Netbook/Cell Phone–I’m bringing my laptop to the conference, but I’m not planning on taking it to sessions (way to heavy to carry around). I want to be able to download pictures, Skype with Bink, and maybe do a post or two. But for the sessions, I’m only taking my iPad with its external keyboard. I like to take notes during sessions and I want easy access to Twitter.
Bet you thought I was kidding! Bink loves to Skype.
- Camera–Obviously I’m bringing mine. Even if you just throw in a little point-and-shoot, you’ll want pictures.
- Business Cards–I took 250 last year and had plenty. I used them during sessions, at parties, in the Expo Hall. I also stuck one in my name badge since it has my Twitter profile pic (probably the easiest way to recognize me).
- Chargers–I brought them all along to the hotel, but I actually kept my iPad and phone chargers with me. There are plenty of charging stations around the hotel and usually banks of plugs during the sessions. If I needed a charging boost, I made sure to sit by one during the session. I’ve seen others mention packing power strips so you can share plugs with others. While it is a nice gesture, there seemed to be more than enough plugs everywhere I was last year. Maybe if you are driving and have extra space, otherwise, skip it.
- Toiletries–Especially if you are sharing a room. It is also good to have some things (like make-up or hair stuff) stored outside the bathroom so you can get ready while your roommates are showering.
- Tickets/Invites/Receipts–Last year I printed all of mine and carried them around. I think I might have needed one. This year, I’m saving them all in my Google Docs so I can pull them up on my phone if needed.
- An extra suitcase–I know, it sounds crazy. I heard people saying to bring one last year and I almost didn’t. I’m really glad I did. I shoved a large duffel bag in my suitcase as I was getting ready to leave and it really saved me when it came to bringing swag home. I was really, really, really picky about what made the cut to come home (I took plenty of trips to drop stuff off at the swag exchange room) and my extra suitcase was still full.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without when packing for a trip?
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Don’t forget to visit my wonderful BlogHer sponsor, Bambino Balls. They make adorable sports-theme clothing for infants and toddlers. While they are paying for my trip to BlogHer, I don’t think they care one bit what I am packing. So, just in case it wasn’t obvious, all opinions here are my own.
Jessica
Twitter: mytimeasmom
July 16th, 2011 @ 8:42 pm
Sounds like a good packing list for BlogHer. Thank you.
Jessica´s last [type] ..Green Lemonade
Wall decal wall sticker
July 18th, 2011 @ 5:14 am
cute boy haha
Elaine
July 28th, 2011 @ 12:21 am
GREAT tips. I don’t have an iPad but I’m now wishing I did! I’m actually thinking of leaving my laptop at home this time and just borrowing my roommate’s if I want to post or something. Still undecided…
I hope to meet you there! So excited it’s next week!