(this item is cross-posted at learnings.leadnet.org)
Because of my role at
Leadership Network I am somewhat of a pro at attending and hanging around at
conferences. Each year I learn something new.
My pack list:
My own pen. Yep, I know a lot of conferences give you one but if I am going to take a lot of notes and write them, I feel better using my own pen. (Current model: a cheap Foray ballpoint retractable.)
My moleskine notebook – Yep, I know a lot of conferences hook you up with a really cool pad or journal or notebook, but my notebook is not so much about what the speakers say – but about my reactions and applications of what they say. How is this challenging me? What can I apply?
My cell phone – set to silent or vibrate so it doesn’t bother folks but lets me keep up with twitters, tweet ups and texts from friends that I want to connect with while there.
Business cards – Call me old fashioned. I know that folks like to text and beam stuff around, but biz cards still work for me. Plus I can always write a special note on the back. I pack a bunch and put some in my pocket and some in my moleskine.
Comfortable shoes – most of the conferences I go to you can wear anything. I am not a sit down person but more of a stand up hang around type. So good walking and standing shows with soft soles is a must.
A light jacket – for me, that is usually a casual blazer but people say I look old that way. Guess what. Don’t care. You never know what the temp is going to be in a facility, plus with a jacket I have extra pockets for all my stuff.
Breathe mints or gum- If you are wondering if your breathe stinks, it probably does.
Crash Cash – for books, water bottles, coffee. Yeah lots of places will take plastic but lots don’t, so I carry some with me.
Laptop – it is sort of a habit with me. This one is optional. Sometimes I break it out to blog something or send a message before I forget. I know the smartphone and iphone geeks are laughing at me but sometimes you just have to flip up the screen and get some “real work” done.
A hang loose attitude – I find a lot of folks stress out at these deals. I just count it a blessing to hang around some smart folks. Enjoy it like you would a party. Meet some new folks. Reconnect with old friends. Find out what is going on in their world. It makes my life bigger.
OK, so what do you carry
along with you?
Will I see you at i3? Come
and find me and let’s swap biz cards. Dave Travis Managing Director Leadership Network
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