news and notes

Photo by malias

Mandi from Life…Your Way and I first put together this list two years ago, but with just a week until Blissdom ’11, we thought it would be appropriate to update and repost it:

The two biggest questions that conference attendees usually ask are: “What should I wear? and “What should I pack?”

As three year veterans of the conference, we’ve put together a complete packing list for you for Blissdom – or any other blogging conference for that matter.

Be sure to watch for the planner that’s included in your Prep for Bliss package, which Mandi helped design and includes this list plus more to help you get organized for your trip!

:: Technology and Business Essentials

[ ] Business cards. Business cards are a necessity at a blogging conference, where the emphasis is really on networking. You can purchase Avery printer-ready business card sheets or create a file and send it to your local copy shop. Our favorite resource is VistaPrint – and they even have free cards – but you’ll have to use 3-day delivery to make sure you get them in time!

[ ] Laptop. If you have one, bring it. Live blogging, tweeting, taking notes…this is a blogging conference after all!

[ ] Camera. I don’t know about you, but I want pictures to prove that I met the rockstars of blogging!

[ ] Cell phone. For traveling and touching base with your family that you’ve left behind you miss so much.

[ ] Cords. Don’t forget your chargers and USB cords for all of your technology!

[ ] Batteries. Extra batteries for your camera! You wouldn’t want your camera to die just as you were about to get a picture with Mrs. Fussypants herself, would you?

[ ] A notebook and pen. There may be times when your laptop isn’t handy or appropriate that you’ll want to jot down information or write a note for someone you’re chatting with, so bring a pen and notebook that fit in your purse or are easy to carry around.

Bonus: If you bring a power strip, you’re sure to be popular because of the limited number of outlets available.

:: Clothing

Tsh from Simple Mom shared her tips on what to wear for Blissdom ’11 yesterday. The general recommendation is that dressy jeans and a nice top works for the daytime sessions, and you may want to jazz it up a little more for the evening cocktail parties. And don’t forget PJs for Friday night’s pajama party!

[ ] 2-3 daytime outfits, depending on the length of your stay.

[ ] 1-2 dressy shirts and/or dresses for the evening cocktail parties.

[ ] Appropriate pajamas for both nights.

[ ] Undergarments, bras, underwear, tights/leggings, etc.

[ ] Comfortable shoes for travel and for exploring the gigantic Opryland Hotel.

[ ] Dressy heels or flats for the conference and cocktail party.

:: Toiletries

[ ] Medicines. Prescriptions, Tylenol, and anything else you think you may need!

[ ] Shower stuff. Shampoo, conditioner, mousse, gel, soap, whatever you use. Don’tforget to refer to the airline size restrictions if you’re packing them in your carry-on.

[ ] Makeup. If you wear it, I’m betting you don’t want to forget it!

:: Miscellaneous

[ ] Cash, for tips, extra meals, etc.

[ ] Snacks. Breakfast and lunch are included on Thursday and Friday  and you’ll probably find hors d’oeuvres at the evening events, but you’ll definitely want healthy snacks to keep you energized in between the meals.

[ ] Candy, gum, etc. No explanation needed.

[ ] Business card holder. Not only for your own business cards, but for those you’ll collect as well.

[ ] Pump. If you’re a nursing mother and not bringing your nursling, be sure to bring all the necessary parts so that you can pump as needed! For those of you who are bringing your nurslings, you’re obviously going to need more than I’ve listed here!

What else are you bringing that’s not on the list?

Mandi Ehman is a wife and homeschooling mom of four spunky girls. She’s also the founder of Life…Your Way, where she helps her readers sort through all of the information and opinions that are thrown at them each day to make the best decisions for their families on everything from organizing and decorating to success and motherhood.