WHAT TO TAKE TO A CONFERENCE

There are a ton of conferences and conventions coming up and if you're new to your leadership position you may be wondering what to expect. There is never really a clear list of what you should and shouldn't bring AND even if you know you always manage to forget something. Here is all you need for your upcoming conferences:

WHAT TO BRING

• Clothing - Okay... this is quite obvious. You aren't going to walk around the hotel naked the entire time. BUT pick a color palette and pack with that in mind. You'll be able to mix and match outfits without overpacking. Pack comfortable shoes (Really. There is no reason to trek around in stilettos. You will just look silly.) and remember that you can totally get away with wearing the same pair of pants twice. Don't know what to wear? Follow your sorority on Pinterest! They all have a ton of ideas for conference wear.
• Bags - Like any good sorority girl, I am obsessed with tote bags. Always have been, always will be. These are an absolute must for the days during a conference. I like to use my Longchamp Le Pliage. You never know when a speaker will give you handouts to take on top of everything else you'll already have with you. Also, don't forget to bring a smaller bag for the evenings. It is likely you will go out to dinner with your group and you don't want to mess with your tote after the long day.
• Laptop - Since you are in college, there is a chance you'll have to do some homework while you're away. Bring you're laptop because computers are going to be hard to come by in a hotel with hundreds of other college students.
• Tablet - I refuse to carry around my laptop since I have an iPad. It's easy to throw it in your tote and go.
• Phone
• Electronic chargers - Really though. Not everyone has an iPhone 5 charger so please bring your own. You also may want to carry it without throughout the day. A lot of speakers want you to tweet during their presentation to get instant feedback. Batteries go pretty quickly whenever you have no internet to rely on so carry it with you!
• Notebook and pen
• Food - Restaurants lines are looonngg. You may not be able to make it to Starbucks before the sessions begin so bring some energy bars and snacks with you.
• Gum/mints
• Chapstick

Use this little guide to when it comes to packing. You don't want to be that girl that has to check her bag. These are also just amazing life tips for traveling.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• You will be tired. You are going to be on your feet running from session to session all day. While you're in the session you are "on" taking in the information. Conferences are designed to be jam packed to get the most out of a short time.
• Follow the weather! I check the weather like a crazy person before I go to a conference because I want to know what to expect.
• Leave some room in your suitcase for conference gifts.
• Meet new people! Everyone stays with the people they already know, but don't be afraid to get to know the person sitting next to you in a session. Chances are you hold a similar position and now you have a new person to bounce ideas off of!
• Take time to yourself. Conferences are go go go, but that is not how we operate in our daily life. If you need a break, take one by going to the coffee shop during a session, back to your room, or getting out of the hotel for a bit.
• Plan your outfits in advance. I love this advice from Levo League.
• People will have strong opinions and that's okay!

Conferences are a lot of fun, but are very tiring! Remember to go into your sessions with an open mind and don't take everything too seriously. Everyone wants to be heard and to get their point across. Overall you should expect to come home with a list of ideas that you would like to accomplish in your new position!

What other tips do you have that I missed? What conference(s) are you attending?