
10 must-have items to bring to your next event
“Be prepared” is the Boy Scouts’ motto, but it doesn’t hurt to adapt it into your life.
Whether you’re attending a conference, dropping in on a networking bash or gearing up for a festival or concert, there are several things that can help you make the most of it.
Gather these 10 essentials before you embark on your next event:
1. Comfortable shoes.
Conferences, concerts and other events can have you standing for long periods of time and can take a lot out of you — but your feet don’t have to take the hit.
Pack a pair of shoes that can shoulder the load — or that make you feel confident and ready to network. Tieks come in a multitude of colors and fold up for traveling, or you can turn to Zappos to find a perfect balance between flash and form.
2. A notebook.
Conferences, webinars, workshops and more hold much wisdom for those that attend, but don’t expect to just remember fantastic quotes or outstanding tips.
Whether you’re using a virtual note pad (such as Evernote or Google Keep) or keeping it old school with a notebook or sheets of paper, bring something to document your thoughts. Rite in the Rain products will hold up through rainstorms, cold weather and more, so you can still document outdoor events if the weather gets dicey. Don’t forget a pen, too.
3. Charging cord and battery.
Connecting with other attendees on social media, taking photos and accessing your event’s schedule (including through FollowMyCal) can take a toll on your battery. Don’t risk receiving the dreaded “low battery” alert without a plan.
Bring your charging cords as well as a backup battery, in case outlets are scarce. Digital Trends and Tech Radar both offer lists of the best power banks for your buck.
4. A multi-tasking bag with multiple pockets.
Business cards, a laptop or tablet (or both), pens, paper, charging cords — the list of items you’re bringing to an event can quickly add up, but a solid bag can help you shoulder the load (literally) as well as organize your essentials.
eBags offers a variety of bags in all styles, so whether you want a messenger bag or pine after a sleek backpack, the consumer reviews on its site will let you know all you must before purchasing.
5. LinkedIn and Twitter apps.
Though many people still bring business cards to conferences and networking events, the focus on social networking and the fact that practically everyone you meet has a smartphone means some will choose to connect digitally instead of exchanging pieces of paper.
Download the LinkedIn app and make your profile shine with these tips and tricks. Also download Twitter, and make sure to share your insights under the conference or event hashtag. (If you’re running an event, learn how to promote your hashtag here.)
6. Your networking game.
In today’s world of smartphone screens and texts, face-to-face communication is still crucial for getting to know someone, especially if you’re pitching an idea or asking for help with a project. Glean savvy tips from articles that include reporter networking tips, secrets to win favor with bloggers and influencers and tricks you won’t learn in business school.
Still not sure where to get started? Enhance your event wardrobe and nab attention with a t-shirt emblazoned with your tagline or colorful and zany socks, such as those from Happy Socks or Sock It To Me.
Ted Rubin, chief social marketing officer at Return on Relationship, enhances his brand through the socks he wears at conferences and beyond. His example shows that a great conversation starter (whether it’s socks or something else) can go a long way into building relationships.
7. A reusable bottle.
By keeping a bottle of water nearby, you can stave off dehydration and be more energized to get the most out of conference speakers or show off your dance moves at a concert. Whenever possible, bring a reusable water bottle and keep it filled as you’re on the go.
As a bonus, offering water to someone else can open the door for a conversation.
8. Mints.
Mints do a double service: They can banish dry mouth or lingering lunch smells, and they also offer a way to start talking with those around you.
9. Wet wipes and/or hand sanitizer.
You don’t have to be a germophobe to appreciate cleanliness — especially if you’re juggling food on your lap, shaking tons of hands, getting dirty in a mosh pit or dealing with the elements at a fair or outside festival. Wet wipes can easily fit in your pocket and hand sanitizer can attach to your bag for ease of use.
10. A keen sense of focus.
We’ve all experienced the common occurrences that happen each conference call or virtual meeting, including being asked a question at the exact moment we stopped paying attention.
Don’t miss out on important moments. Keep your mind from wandering with a fidget spinner or taking visual notes. Verbal to Visual on YouTube can show you how to combine text with images (which can help you better retain the information you jot down).
What would you add to this list? Share your top items below!
