Packing Essentials For IFMA’s World Workplace Conference

by Kaitlan Whitteberry on October 2, 2015
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The time is finally here! IFMA’s World Workplace is just around the corner, and we can hardly wait. Before you dig out your suitcase from the guestroom closet, take at peak at our packing list to be sure you’re not forgetting anything. It can be easy to do even if you’re a seasoned traveler. There’s quite a few activities packed into three days, so you’ll want to be prepared for anything, without having to run to the drugstore because you forgot something. Start packing and we’ll see you very soon!

In Your Briefcase/Purse

Be sure you pack everything you think you might need, don’t plan to rely on the internet to access all of your travel documents. You never know when your phone might die early or the Wi-Fi is out. It’s best to have hard copies of everything just to bePacking items when heading to the IFMA conference safe.

For the flight bring practical items to keep yourself occupied, and if you’re traveling from the East Coast, maybe pack a light meal in the event that your airline doesn’t provide you with one. No one wants to arrive in Colorado cranky!

If you’re planning to carry a different bag during the conference aside from your purse or briefcase, be sure to pack it along! We recommend one that has various pockets and zippered compartments to hold your phone, room key and any items you pick up on your tour of the expo floor. Bring something that fits easily over your shoulder or doesn’t feel cumbersome to carry all day.

Essentials:

  • Cash
  • Photo ID
  • Laptop/ Tablet
  • Book, magazine or Kindle
  • Headset
  • Smartphone
  • Printed copies of all three:
    • Airline confirmation code
    • Hotel confirmation code & address
    • World Workplace confirmation code & address

Nice to have:

  • Flash drive/ laptop connectors
  • Notebook / Pens
  • Empty water bottle
  • Snacks (dried fruit, nuts, granola bars)
  • Business cards
  • Disinfecting wipes / Hand sanitizer / Kleenex
  • Mi-fi (sometimes conference wifi is slow)

In Your Suitcase

It’s probably best to not check any luggage if you can manage. Dealing with lost bags just before a packed three-day event is no fun. You don’t want to be returning missed calls from the airport while the Welcome Reception is going on! When packing remember Colorado’s climate can experience rapidly falling temperatures from morning to evening. Sometimes reaching a span of 40 degrees in just one day. The average high for this time of year is 65 degrees with the average low being 35. It isn’t expected to rain, but you can never be too prepared!

Essentials:

  • Smart phone charger
  • Laptop/ Tablet charger
  • Converter (if coming from overseas)
  • 3 pairs slacks or skirts
  • 3 shirts or blouses
  • 1 neutral sweater
  • Comfortable outfit for the flight home
  • Sleeping clothes
  • Undergarments
  • Scarf / Ties / Belts / Jewelry (nothing too valuable)
  • Light neutral colored jacket
  • Prescription medication / Contacts
  • Toiletries (in Ziploc bags)

Nice To Have:

  • Rain jacket
  • Sunglasses and case
  • 1 Western wear outfit (Welcome Reception)
  • Over-the-counter medicine (band-aids, Benadryl, aspirin, Emergen-C)
  • Tide “to-go” pen
  • Ear plugs (if you’re a light sleeper)
  • Laundry bag

How to pack for a business conference

How To Pack

We know you’ve done this before, but a few adjustment to your packing routine can help ease the process when you arrive. Try rolling your clothes instead of folding them, many of your items will stay wrinkle-free this way. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of linen and rayon as they are prone to wrinkling.

When selecting items to pack try to find things that cross-over well with each other, that way if something happens to one item you have other things to replace it with.

Place your shoes at the bottom of your suitcase and roll belts or socks to fit in the soles. Also, if you have any disposable shower caps laying around, try storing your shoes in them to avoid getting any dirt on your clothing. Place thicker garments like slacks and suits above your shoes and role your shirts to fit above those to prevent squishing.

After you arrive at your hotel room, hang everything up immediately. You’ll thank yourself in the morning when you’re not frantically trying to press your shirt before the keynote.

Is there anything you would add to our list? Share it with us in the comments below. We can’t wait to see everyone at the event in a few days, travel safe! Need more help? Here are 15 Tips to Help Make the Most of World Workplace. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kaitlan Whitteberry

Kaitlan Whitteberry is a Magna Cum Laude graduate from the University of Missouri's journalism program, and currently focuses on iOFFICE press releases, software updates and related news.

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