It’s less than a week until BlogWorld and you might be wondering what to bring. Here are my thoughts based on experience at last year’s BlogWorld event as well as other social media conferences and Vegas trade shows.
Clothing
It’ll likely be warm during the day with highs in the 70s or 80s. Nights will get a little cooler but last year I never wore a jacket (although I might just be acclimated to the cooler weather given that I live in the Pacific Northwest). Wear comfortable shoes… Vegas is a big place. Next door sometimes means a mile.
BlogWorld attendees will be found in attire ranging from tee shirts and shorts to sport coats and ties. Dress how you’d like to be perceived. I’ll probably be wearing jeans and a button-down shirt. Some of the evening parties will be at nicer establishments; I’d recommend that you bring along something a bit more dressy (slacks for guys and either a dress or slacks for the ladies) for the evenings.
Technistuffs
It’s a conference of bloggers so expect to see most attendees toting a laptop or iPad. There will be wifi at the event. While it’s great to stay connected, don’t bring so much gear that you get wrapped up in your computer the whole time instead of networking and learning from the speakers.
Bring recording devices (still cameras
Think about your power/charging situation. I have a spare battery for my Nexus One so I can make it through a day without recharging my phone, but if you’ve got an iPhone you’ll want to keep your charging cable handy. If you are planning to plug things in (laptop, phone, etc), bring along a small power strip (2-3 outlets is fine) so that you can share the power with others. There’s always an outlet available for someone who shows up with their own power strip.
Things to Carry at All Times
Here’s what I plan to have on my person at any moment:
- Cash – while most places take plastic, having cash on hand is useful especially if you’re in a group. Most (but not all) taxis in Vegas will accept credit cards, but it’s a slow process and the driver always seems grumpy about it.
- Camera – see tip above about creating media.
- Business cards and a pen – see item number 4 on this list.
Miscellany
Bring a water bottle or plan to purchase one. Vegas is a dry heat but it’s a heat nonetheless. There will be parties with alcohol and if you don’t stay hydrated you’ll wind up sick.
Have something you’d add to this list? What else are you bringing to BlogWorld?
