Your essential blogging conference survival kit

The other day I mentioned to a friend that I’m going to a travel blogger conference. “Oh fun!” She replied. Yes, blogging conferences are a total blast—but they’re also nonstop. That’s why I always put together and carry a blogging conference survival kit whenever I go to a days-long event, and why I’ll be taking one to this year’s TravelCon in Boston, too. If you’re looking for a list of things to bring to a conference, you’re in the right place! (And this essentials list is good for any kind of conference, not just a blogging conference!)

Blogging conferences generally run all day, and even the “breaks” like lunch and coffee are primo networking times to connect to other bloggers, meet reps from brands and meet online friends in real life. That means there is little time or opportunity to run back to your hotel room to freshen up or grab something you forgot.

When I attended the travel blogger conference TravelCon, I can’t tell you how much this blogging conference survival kit helped. Even better, this blog post will help you feel confident throughout the entire conference. Food in your teeth? No biggie. Phone battery at 5%? You got it covered. Sweaty breakout rooms? Meh, they don’t phase you.

When you’re not worried about things like sweat stains and wrinkled business cards, you’re free to focus on the goals you’ve set for attending the blogging conference. Network like a boss, collaborate with other go-getters, learn growth strategies from the pros—all while knowing you’re set with everything you need to crush that blogging conference.

Whether you’re a blogging conference veteran or a newbie like me, this list of essentials for a blogging conference survival kit has you covered. Read on to pack all the things to bring to a conference.

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The ultimate conference survival kit

Before you leave home, put everything you’ll need for your blogger conference survival kit in your day bag, backpack or purse. You can even keep it all corralled in a zippered pouch so everything inside is just a grab away.

Without further delay, here are all the things to bring to a conference!

Blank notebook

Some people take notes on a laptop or tablet, but a blank notebook is in my blogger conference survival kit for a bunch of good reasons: We remember what we write down, writing longhand allows me to take non-text notes like diagrams, and I can make it pretty!

I wrote a whole post about why you should consider using a notebook for conference notes, which includes tips to organize your thoughts and prime yourself to actually use all the good info you learn.

Pretty pens, washi tape, etc.

Do you need a little motivation to actually use your conference notebook? I carry a few rolls of washi tape to delineate sections in my notes (so I can quickly find my notes from a given workshop, for instance). I also like to use pretty pens like these ones because why not?!

Business cards

Despite loads of people saying that business cards are irrelevant, most people still hand out and collect business cards. I use Moo for my cards because I love having multiple images on the back of my cards. (You can use this Moo.com referral to get 25% off your first order!)

Business card holder

No one wants your crumpled business card. Keep them crisp (and save the ones you get) with a business card holder. I like these glittery ones that stick on the back of your phone. I use a vintage enamel cigarette case I got at an antique store in high school. I like that my business card holder makes me feel a little more polished and professional.

Portable charger

Even when you take notes with pen and paper, you’ll be on your phone/tablet/laptop throughout the day. After all, you’ll want to be tweeting, following folks on Instagram and continuing the blogging conference conversation online. All that action sucks your device’s batteries, though, so be prepared to recharge with a portable travel charger. I’m obsessed with this gorgeous luggage tag/charger combo; I currently use one like this.

Lip balm

Conference centers and hotel event spaces are notoriously dry, with the pumped-in air. Lip balm is essential to keeping your smile comfortable!

Deodorant or deodorant wipes

Carrying deodorant for a quick touch-up mid-blogging conference isn’t just for slightly awkward and introverted bloggers like myself; everyone could benefit for the occasional underarm rescue. I sometimes carry a travel-sized deodorant, and I just got these awesome deodorant wipes that are made with coconut milk and essential oils. (Instead of carrying the whole package, I bring just one at a time in a snack-sized ziplock baggie.)

Dentist-approved gum

Did you eat Caesar salad at lunch and now you’re afraid of breathing on people? Pop a piece of gum in your mouth. It’ll clean your pearly whites and freshen your breath. That way, you’ll focus on what you’re saying—not being worried about your breath.

Floss

If I had a dollar for every time I had a hunk of kale or piece of black bean stuck in my teeth, I could afford to take you and me to the Seychelles. That’s why I carry a sample-size package of floss (like the one I get from the dentist) for awkward lunch-in-your-teeth moments.

Water bottle and to-go mug

Yes, conferences have coffee/tea/water stations set up for breaks, but a) they’re always slammed, and b) you don’t really want to be using a million disposable cups during your conference, do you? Instead, carry a water bottle and/or to-go mug. In fact, I use a mason jar with a handle like this one, complete with a lid that fits a metal reusable straw. I like and use that combo because it’s great for hot and cold drinks, and it doesn’t spill.

Plus, you’ll want to make extra-sure you’re drinking lots of water throughout the day, not just at break times. You definitely don’t want a dehydration headache right when happy hour starts!

A hearty snack

I have the metabolism of a hummingbird, which pretty much means I eat nonstop. Whether you’re like me or not, you’ll definitely want to carry a few snacks in your conference survival kit. I like something that contains protein and fat to keep my blood sugar on even keel, like this yummy KIND bar I ate at the recent Upper Left Summit in Portland. The stretches between breakfast, lunch and dinner can be long at conferences, so never be caught with a growling tummy.

Hand sanitizer

You’re going to be shaking a lot of hands. (And definitely don’t skip this step! One of my favorite business books, Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People, explains how the touch of a simple handshake makes you more memorable and likable. In fact, I reread this book before every big conference I go to!)

So bring hand sanitizer to keep you germ-free between handshakes. The last thing you want is to catch a cold or get sick when you get home from a conference—right when you want to put everything you learned into action!

Level 10 travel tip: If you do a pit-check and realize your underarms are a bit smelly, wipe a bit of hand sanitizer on your armpits. It kills the bacteria that actually cause BO, and you’ll instantly smell better!

The essential things to bring to a conference

I’m betting that after reading about this conference survival kit strategy, you’re feeling more confident to attend that upcoming conference. Whether it’ll be your first or your fiftieth, being prepared is the key to showing up and reaching your goals.

When you’re ready for everything a conference throws at you, you’re ready to collaborate, learn, share and make the important connections that will lift you up and support your entire community.

I can’t wait for my next travel blogging conference. Stay tuned as I share all the important takeaways I learn!

Are there any must-carry things to bring to a conference that I missed? What’s in your blogger conference survival kit?? Share your ideas in the comments. I can’t wait to learn from your wisdom, too!

PS – You may want to read my post on the biggest takeaways from TravelCon 2018. If you weren’t able to go yourself and you want to hear my biggest aha! moments from some of the most rad leaders in the travel blogging world, definitely click on over!