We’re gearing up for the Marketing Nation Summit 2017 and it’s time to start thinking about what to pack — I’m not talking basics, like toiletries and socks, rather conference essentials people often tend to forget. I asked around our team to find out what everyone’s must-haves are. Here’s our ultimate conference survival kit:
Swag
Whether you’re going to Summit as a sponsor or attendee, you’ve been selected to represent your company at one of the most prestige events for the #MKTGnation. So show off your swag, paint the expo hall in your colors and wear them with pride.
Little Helpers
Summit agendas will be packed with sessions, meetings and after show parties you simply can’t miss. Be prepared with Tylenol, Advil or Underberg to cure headaches and hangovers, so you don’t have to suffer from FOMO at the next party.
For emergencies and little accidents, be prepared with a nail file, Tide to Go, band aids and blister bandages. If you hate early mornings like I do, you’ll appreciate the convenience of Dry shampoo.
At the Expo
Unless you really need your laptop, it’s better to leave it in your Hotel room. A tablet or phone are lightweight and fit the same purpose. For quick notes during sessions or meetings, bring a notebook.
Constantly using your phone for emails and networking will tremendously drain battery power. A power bank for your phone allows you to charge it on the go.
If you’re flying in from another country, keep in mind that in North America type A and B plugs are common and you’ll need a travel adapter for your electrical devices.
Smartphone Apps
There are a few smartphone apps you’ll need to network, manage your schedule and follow all things Summit. Make sure you have these installed and ready to use:
Twitter – Attendees, sponsors and speakers will be tweeting throughout the entire conference. The official Twitter hashtag #MKTGnation makes it easy to follow keynotes and sessions. Be sure to check out @Perkuto for Summit news from our team.
LinkedIn – The LinkedIn app is an easy way to look up specific vendors or attendees, and connect with others on the go.
Email/Slack – Having your email account set up on your phone is a no-brainer in 2016. But since business doesn’t stop while you’re at the Marketo Summit, this app should be mentioned to complete the list.
The Obvious
I know I’m stating the obvious, but experience shows that conference attendees and booth staff sometimes forget their business cards. LinkedIn, lead scanners and the Summit app make connecting with other attendees easy, but good old-fashioned business cards still come in handy at times.
Sunglasses only require special mention for us folks on the East coast. It’s been winter here for too long and sunglasses are definitely one item that’s easy to forget.
What are your conference essentials? Let us know in the comments!
