I know I know… it’s a bit clichéd. Every blogger and their dog’s doing the ‘What to take to ProBlogger’ post. Or ‘My plans for ProBlogger’ or similar. And indeed I’ve done them in the past.

But I’m trying to post often in September to get my blogging mojo back and needed a pic-based post, so figured I’d offer up my own (very Debbish type) suggestions for… conference preparation. 

1. Tools of the trade

These are no-brainers. In the blogging world (or in most really) you need your phone, laptop / iPad or similar and chargers. DO NOT FORGET CHARGERS! People who know their stuff also have alternatives to chargers… things that don’t require powerpoints to charge phones and laptops. They rely on the powers of the gods. Or something. Because – as you’d imagine – spare powerpoints are a rarity at blogging conferences as everyone dives for one during a break.

And though I was never a girl scout I am also taking my own spare Wifi modem thingy. I’m assuming Wifi will be provided at the venue but with 500+ freaks-who-live-their-lives-online all Facebooking, Instagramming, Snapchatting or Tweeting at once, things could get ugly.

2. Low tech options

Unless I’m bored and decide to do some blogging or live-tweet a session, I don’t tend to use my laptop during sessions. That’s because I’m old and still remember when we used quills and ink and stuff. Or not. Quite frankly I’ve tried typing notes before, but didn’t do anything with them. Better to write them into a notebook I can file away and ignore until I move house and need to declutter!

And someone asked if people are taking business cards or doing something with their phones to share info. I didn’t know there were apps for that, so I’ve got my old faithful business card packed.

3. Stuff for comfort

I’ll be taking my pillow. Yes sirree I’m a classy chick and take my own pillow because even though staff promise you ‘low soft’ pillows, they never bloody have them. I usually end up with my head on a folded towel, so as I have the luxury of driving, my pillow will be coming along.

Also in my bag (or another bag) will be some books. I’m not implying I’m going to skive off sessions to read in the bath. But… I might just find an hour or two here or there to do some reading. And as a book reviewer and blogger, that’s kinda what I do. Read.

4. Outfit for themed networking event

Okay, so I’ve failed here cos I really can’t be arsed. The theme for our Friday night networking event is something to do with stars. The shiny kind. Or the famous kind. But… meh. I’ve had other stuff on my plate so am yet to work out what I’m wearing… even though I leave home Wednesday for a work trip enroute. However… if you’re less apathetic than I, it’s great to make an effort cos people will remember if you come up with something clever.

5. Useful instructions

I’m yet to work out how to turn my iPhone into a GPS Navman thingy, so I still use maps. Sad but true. And because I hate being lost I have already printed my map with instructions of how to get to the venue.

And… in an impressive display of pre-conference organisation, I have printed out my schedule. I think I’ve also downloaded it into my online calendar along with room names and the like as technology permits us to sync sessions into our phones. This way we can legitimately stare at our phones as we walk from session to session, like Nigel-no-friends.

So there you have it. Exhaustive. Yes? Or perhaps not. I don’t care. It’s Wednesday and I posted. #joking #mostly

I’m linking up for Wordless Wednesday with Trish and My Little Drummer Boys.