Planning Ahead

Packing for Your Trip

Hotels and conference centers are notorious for having great variations in temperature from room to room. Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable. You will probably be spending more time on your feet and doing more walking than you usually do. Business casual attire includes comfortable dresses or skirts, pants or slacks (“professional” style khakis are popular), collared shirts or blouses, and neatly tailored blazers or sports jackets. Most employers would consider the following to be unacceptable workplace attire—jeans, athletic clothing, leggings, T-shirts, short shorts, and mini-skirts—even in the most casual business settings.

Setting Goals

Set aside time to write down goals you want to accomplish during the conference. These could include specific skills you want to hone, questions you want to have answered, people you want to contact, or areas for which you want to find referral contacts. Set about three goals for each day of the conference (some goals may stay in place each day), and then hold yourself accountable for them at the end of the day.  This conference was designed by your peers, the conference planning committee, so you can be assured you will have access to the best ideas, the most innovative programs, and the most current technological information presented by professionals in the field.

Presenters will share their insights and expertise with you while addressing your constantly changing information needs. Plan to meet leaders face-to-face, ask questions, and grow as a professional.  Dress in layers that can be removed or added depending on the temperature.

Ensuring Your Safety and Health

When traveling to a strange city, make personal safety your first priority.

• Avoid taking late-night or red-eye flights. Try to arrive in the city before dark.
• Don’t carry all your money in your purse in case it is stolen.
• Carry small bills, so you can pay or tip people quickly without waiting for change.
• Write down the numbers of all credit cards and ATM cards.
• Put the list of numbers in a safe place in case your wallet is lost or stolen.
• Carry quarters, local emergency numbers, and your hotel phone number on your person.
• A “fanny pack” is useful if you want to keep your hands free.
• Try not to be out by yourself after dark, even if you’re driving or taking a cab.
• Travel in groups or at least pairs, and tell someone where you are going.
• If you rent a car, ask for one with automatic door locks/windows. Park in well-lit areas.
• Have good directions, drive with doors locked. Always have someone walk you to your car.
• Upon arriving at your room, check for the nearest exit. Lock and double-lock your hotel room door at all times. Check the locks on the windows and any adjoining room doors in suites.
• Don’t wear your name badge outside of the convention center.
• Be sure to bring your prescription medications with you.
• In case of an emergency, bring your health insurance card.

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