Packing Essentials for Business Conference
A business conference represents an exciting opportunity for education, insight, networking, and more. These might last a weekend, several days, or even a full week. Be prepared by packing the essentials you need to make it through the conference with confidence.
Best Conference Clothing Options
Clothing is one of the most important categories when it comes to packing for your conference. Before planning your outfits, review the suggested dress codes for the specific conference you are attending. Keep in mind that even if a specific dress code is not required, you want to put your best face forward, so dressing professionally is a smart option. Many contemporary conferences have a custom business casual clothing dress code that allows attendees to present a polished look but be comfortable as well. Pack business casual clothes that fit you well and that you feel comfortable and confident in. Ideas include:
- Twill pants, wool trousers, or dress pants in fabric blends to minimize wrinkling
- No-iron button-up shirts
- Polo shirts (depending on the conference type, custom work polo shirts could be an option)
- Well-fitting undergarments and dress shirts (if you are a woman, don’t forget hosiery if you plan on wearing a skirt or dress)
- Dressy blouses and skirts or slacks for women
- Business appropriate dresses (like sheath styles) for women
- Blazers or other business casual jackets
- Professional sweaters or sweater sets
- Dress shoes—women may opt for low heels or flats
- Tie and suit jacket (though these may be optional, it’s a good idea to bring them)
- Business-appropriate jewelry and other accessories
- An extra outfit in case of a spill or accident
- A dressy suit and jacket for evening wear, or business-appropriate cocktail or evening dress for women if a dressy dinner event is on the agenda
- Professional-looking tote, laptop bag, or briefcase
- Outwear, like a trench coat, pea coat, or embroidered uniform jacket that meets business casual requirements
Dressing in layers is a good idea, as you won’t know in advance how hot or cold the conference or breakout rooms will be.
Pack an Iron or Steamer
You may also want to bring your own iron or portable steamer. Though many hotel rooms provide irons, there is no guarantee of what condition the iron will be in. You will also be more familiar with the settings and operation of your own.
Clothing for Outside the Conference
For outside the conference, you’ll also need a few additional clothing items, including pajamas, athletic gear or workout clothing, a swimsuit (if you plan on using the hotel pool hot tub or sauna), clothing to wear home from the conference, and loungewear for around the hotel or running errands. You may also want slippers for the hotel room, flip-flops to wear the pool area, and running shoes for taking a jog or visiting the gym. If you have uniform T-shirts or sweatshirts, pack those to wear around the hotel for some easy brand awareness.
Important Tech Gear
Your smartphone, tablet/e-reader, and/or notebook computer are all likely coming with you to the conference. Pack spare chargers, and make sure all your devices are protected in water-resistant cases or bags. Your smartphone will likely be vital during the conference, whether to get directions, access the conference app, or add new contacts from networking. You may also want to pack a portable power bank so your battery doesn’t run low at an inopportune time.
Personal Items and Toiletries
A short checklist will help ensure you have all your personal items and toiletries on hand:
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Soap/body wash
- Facial wash and/or cream
- Deodorant/antiperspirant—use a quality brand with a 24/48 rating
- Hairbrush/comb and hair product like gel or hairspray
- Razor or travel shaver
- Makeup or other personal grooming needs
- Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss/mouthwash
- Any regular medications you take
Extra Items to Pack for a Business Conference
You have the clothes, your personal care is covered, and you’ll be a boss with your fully charged smartphone and sleek bag. What else do you need? While you don’t want to overpack, a few extra items can make a big difference when preparing for your conference:
- Mini sewing kit for emergency repairs to clothing
- Lint roller to make sure clothes are neat and lint-free
- Shoe polish or polishing cloth
- Bandages or mini first-aid kit
- Pain and stomach medications, such as acetaminophen and antacids
- Breath mints
- Cash for emergencies
- Reusable water bottle
- Nutrition or energy bars, or other healthful snacks such as dried fruit and nuts
- Pen and notebook—for taking notes, remembering questions, writing down information, or keeping notes on new networking contacts—especially when Wi-Fi is patchy and you need to get a contact’s info!
- Mini-mouthwash to use after lunch
- A watch
- Business cards, or a creative alternative such as a business information stamp you can put on anything
Network Like a Boss at Your Business Conference
If the conference allows, the final thing you may want to pack will be small promotional business products like custom printed pens. By being prepared, you can go into your business conference feeling confident and ready to tackle anything. A little forethought goes a long way in showing your professionalism and letting your talents shine, so take the time to pack wisely and get ready to rule the conference.