I know you. You’re sitting at a conference wondering why some people seem to have it all together while inside you are beating yourself up because you always seem to forget something important. Or you intend to eat healthier this time, but your head is full from all the content you’re learning and you feel drained so you go for the double bacon burger with fries. What I have learned is PLANNING is the best way to look, feel and eat your very best at conferences.
Don’t Forget These 5 Essential Items When Travelling to a Conference
The results of our recent online survey are in, and of the hundreds of responses received, it looks like the number one thing even the most organized women forget when they travel for business is…. snacks! I hear you, ladies – there’s nothing worse than dealing with a grumbling stomach that’s louder than the speaker in the room. In fact, it’s why “snacks” also made it to my list of the TOP 5 things that every woman should take to a conference. Read my full list below so you can be well-prepared for your next trip.
Go-Giver Mindset
More than any material item, it is important to head into any business meeting or conference with the right mindset. This can set the stage for your entire experience and can play a significant role in the relationships you form while there. Having a go-giver mindset allows you to affect others in a positive way, as you come from a place of giving rather than taking. When you help make other peoples’ lives easier, you can develop stronger and more trusting business relationships.
Business Cards
Yes, most business people today are online, and maybe you can look up their profile on LinkedIn, but having a beautifully branded business card to give out to a new contact will create a connection. It allows you to make an actual exchange with that person which will lead to more.
Notebook and Pen
At any important conference, you will be getting a lot of valuable information and you don’t want to take a chance of forgetting anything. So your best bet is to write it down! Tips for success, important names or phone numbers, due dates, procedures, spontaneous great ideas, you name it – important information can easily get lost when it’s not written down right away. When you write it down, it computes at a deeper level and you will retain it in a way like no other.
Healthy Snacks
As mentioned above, snacks can help get you through until the next meal, which can sometimes feel like forever. But don’t rely on vending machine junk food. Keep your mind sharp and your energy levels up with healthy snacks like raw almonds, low sugar trail mix, fresh veggies, grapes, cheese or a banana. Don’t forget dark chocolate.
Gum/Mints
Picture this – you are finally meeting that inspirational speaker or head of the company and you have only a few minutes to make a great impression and maybe share your ideas….but you had onions on your salad and feel insecure about your breath. Don’t let that happen! Long days can lead to breath that’s not so fresh, so always keep a supply of a mini toothbrush and mints (sugar-free of course) to keep the focus where it should be.
What other Essentials do you suggest? Put them in the comments below. WE LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU SAY!
Being well-prepared says a lot about your character and is just one thing that can set you apart from the crowd. It’s so important I wrote a whole book about it. I share all of my personal strategies for feeling my best, looking my best and being intentionally prepared to make an impression that is well… IMPRESSIVE!! You can get a free copy of my book “Step Into Your Power: The Step-by-Step Strategy Guide for Maximum Results at your Next Conference, Event or Networking Opportunity.”