Strange as it sounds, I’ve always dreamed of going to a “work conference.” Yes, odd. But you get to walk around in your cutest professional suit – coffee as your constant accessory. You get to meet people you don’t know with similar passions and learn really useful applicable information from people in your field.
Thrown off by the above pictures? I was just so lucky that my first work conference was in a little city called Vegas. I went for an advertising organization I’m on the board of, Ad2OKC, and got to meet chapters from all over the country! Ad Club is the parent company of Ad2. Ad2 is for young professionals in communications, advertising, marketing, etc. It’s inspiring to meet people your own age doing BIG things! Loved meeting everyone!
^ Can you find me?
Moving on to one of the greatest challenges of a conference, packing to fit into a carry-on. When you’re trying to save money, you don’t want to have to pay that luggage fee. I packed one personal bag and a carry-on to last the entire trip.
Long Champ was my trusty bag carried throughout the conference. Enough room to hold my essentials, computer/notebook/wallet/lipstick, without being too bulky. It transitions easy from work bag, to bigger purse.
Packing rules and tips:
(**for a half-week conference only taking professional clothes into consideration)
- Pick one, or two, pair of shoes to match all outfits. I know this is tough but it’s definitely manageable. That’s why neutral shoes are the best!
- One bag that works as your purse
- Three bottoms – Two skirts, one pant to match all the tops
- One dress
- Four tops to match either bottom option
- Jewelry should be worn with each outfit to spice up the look. One statement piece for each outfit
- One neutral scarf! It’s ALWAYS going to be freezing in there!
- Grand Total: 2 shoes, 1 bag, 3 bottoms, 4 tops, 1 scarf, jewelry
Key thing to remember when your packing clothing tightly, wrinkle free spray! This is a life saver when you wake up a little too late and don’t have the time to iron. I also specifically choose materials that don’t wrinkle too easy. Lint roller is always a must too.
Nails should also look clean and professional. If you know you won’t have time to fix chips, go on the safe side and groom them before and use clear polish.And as always, my friends, lipstick!
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