What To Pack For A Blogging Conference

It’s been over a month since I went for the BlogHer conference, and I’m still recovering. Most of the business cards I acquired are still tucked neatly in their box, yet to be explored. The BlogHer conference was my first blogging conference, so other than posts I read (like this one that you’re currently reading), I didn’t know much else. I was an unassuming newbie. My level has changed now. So it’s your first conference and you’re wondering what on earth to pack. I hope this list helps you. In no particular order, these are things you should pack for a blogging conference:

1.  Flats: These could be shoes, sandals, slippers, sliders, whatever. There will be a lot of walking – sometimes trekking – so you need to be as comfortable as ever, unless you’re one of those people who are more comfortable in heels. In that case, ignore this number.

2.  Business cards: Loads of them. You never know who you will run into: from PR reps to producers to brands, and of course, to bloggers. How else will they work with you if they have no way to contact you?

3.  Comfortable transition clothing: Comfortable clothing because you’ll be busy, going from place to place, sometimes seating for a while in one place. Is this really the time to wear that jeans that folds your tummy in half? Transition clothing because you may be going from one event to the other with no time to change in between.

4.  Phone + charger: Do I need to explain this one? Your phone can serve as many, many things … like camera, note taking tool, social media keeper-upper, saving new contacts, etc.

5.  A portable charger (for your phone): Because you may not always be close to an outlet, and you probably don’t want to leave your phone plugged to an outlet that’s a mile away.

6.  An outlet strip/extension cord (but not necessary, if you have a portable charger): For those times that you may be close to an outlet but need a little help.

7.  A laptop or tablet (not necessary): For note-taking or social media, but most likely not for blogging because there just won’t be the time.

8.  Writing pad and pens: If you’re the kind who likes to write. I love it.

9.  Extra almost everything: extra clothes, extra underwear … because there might be that one event you did not plan to attend, but will now be attending.

10.  Media kit: This one isn’t necessary, and even if you pack it, don’t take too many. You might see people to give the kit to, but most people (including brand reps) might just not have the time to review and appreciate your media kit.

11. Large tote/bag: You’ll need this to hold everything you collect during the day.

12. Extra bag/luggage or space in your bag/luggage: Brands and sponsors will be there, and they will give you lots of freebies. You’re gonna need to be able to strategically haul them back home, especially if you’re flying.

13: Lotion and hand sanitizer: Because hand shakes and germs happen. Not always simultaneously.

I hope this helps! There’ll be a separate post with a list of things to do before the conference and what to expect. I should have probably put that post up first, no? By the way, a blogging conference is one of the best things you’ll experience in 2-3 days as a blogger, so if you have the opportunity to go, please do.