Packing for Portland

Did you know the topic of packing for a professional conference is important enough to have
its own Reddit conversation?

Thinking about the NHRMA Conference that takes place a week from now, you may be retrieving your backpack or suitcase and getting started. With the variety of seminars, entertainment events, networking, and quick trips out for coffee, you will be walking constantly, so keep that in mind as you make your 'take with' suggestions. Comfort AND professionalism can be a great mix!

Vivekmano's Reddit post lists the following considerations for a short (3-day) professional conference:

Wear while traveling:

1. Blazer

2. Sweater

3. T-shirt (usually something simple / something to sleep in)

4. Heaviest pants (denim is sometimes weighty)

5. Comfortable shoes

Pack (packing cubes are recommended)

1. One pair of underwear packed (it's incredibly easy to wash/hang one pair while you're wearing the other one during the day)

2. Two dress shirts (wearing them on their own and layering with the dress sweater, you've got 4 tops)

3. One extra pair of slacks or skirt

4. Scarves or ties to dress up when you wish - these can change the look of a single shirt or sweater and slack or skirt outfit without requiring much packing space

5. Toiletries - consider what the hotel will provide and leave your brand at home. Pack small containers of toothpaste, contact solution, and a small container of Febreze (such a lifesaver) plus your cosmetics.

Vivekmano finds that everything into a 22-inch roll-around or backpack easily. If you carry a laptop or other mobile devices, you may be challenged, or you may carry these items separately for use during travel. Dont forget accessories:

1. Power cord, HDMI cable to connect to your hotel room monitor
2. Notebook/pad of paper and pen (your best backup)
3. A six-headed cable and high power charging port is a great tool to keep batteries charged on headphones, computers, phones, etc. 

However you prepare, get to Portland, and plan to be taking in all the NHRMA activities. If you have not reviewed the agenda, now's the time. Have you set up your Whova app for minute-by-minute access to what is going on? The app is open long before the conference so that you can begin to connect with the people you want to see and to post, essentially starting your conference experience a few weeks before you get there in person! The conference planners have emailed pre-registered attendees about Whova, so please check your notes!

See you soon!