Last month, I went to a conference put on by my denomination, and I wanted to be fully equipped for the moment.
So, I bought a new bag and gathered all the accessories I could and shoved them inside.
Here, dear reader, are the results of my over-preparedness.
1. Anker Bluetooth Ultra-Slim Keyboard
Powered by two AAA batteries, this keyboard has been real help to me. As an accessory to my iPad, it’s invaluable, and to be honest, I’ve actually seen someone pair one with an iPhone before! Very useful! Amazon
2. Extra AAA Batteries
Always buy good batteries but never the most expensive brand. Two dollars more won’t buy you much more power.
3. Writing Utensils (From the left to the right)
- Sharpie Retractable Fine-Point Pen
- Hi-Liter 7742
- Paper Mate InkJoy 550 (Current Pen)
- Paper Mate InkJoy 700 (Backup – Favorite Pen)
4. Random dollar store legal pad
In case I need to make random notes, but more likely, in case I need to tear a piece of paper out for someone.
1. Business Cards
So many cards! Like, seriously, I had so many of these printed up from Vistaprint, and yet I gave out none. Stupid introversion.
2. V7 101 Cityline Messenger Bag Black
I bought this from Wal-Mart, and I now wish I’d purchased a different one (same company). The bag itself is fine. The only real issue is that the strap is a bit short for my enormous frame. It will probably be a good fit for most mortals.
3. Fabriano Ecoqua (Review)
These notebooks are great. This is my second one, and I’m very happy with it: nice cover with decently thick paper.
4. iPad Air 2 (Incipio LGND case)
It’s an iPad. What more is there to say that I haven’t already said?
1. JVC HAF150W Gumy Headphone
These are so old that I don’t think this model is available in brick and mortar stores, but Amazon still has some, though the color is atrocious. At any rate, they’re general comfortable and have decent sound for under $10, though the lack of inline controls is a bit frustrating.
2. Lens wipes
Now that I wear glasses, it’s so important to be able to actually see through them.
3. Gold Bond lotion
I hate using lotion on my hands, but as I have rough man-hands, I felt like I needed to be able to soften them up a bit, especially if I’m going to be shaking hands and meeting people at the conference. This was probably one of my smartest moves.
4. POWER!
Nothing’s worse than not being able to use the technology you’ve brought with you, so you’d better be equipped to charge your tech. It’s the simple things like this that often prove to be disastrous.
5. Gum
Whatever your flavor, bring some gum or mints. It’s just common courtesy. I personally love to double my pleasure and my fun, but I won’t prescribe that for you. You do you, reader. You do you.
Well, that’s about it. I packed all of this in my bag and carried it there for most of the weekend. The keyboard didn’t get much use after the first day, so I put it in my clothes bag. Other than that, this was my gear for the week.
Sean Leacy says
One thing I’d highly recommend adding is something like a LifeCharge battery pack. Nothing like having to fight over a power outlet when your tech inevitably dies. I got one for about $20 that gives me 16000 mAh and lets me charge two devices via USB.
Chris Wilson says
I picked up a Anker battery pack a while back. I don’t remember it’s size but it can charge my iPad and phone on one charge. I know there are some now which have the cables and plug built in so you don’t need to remember to bring anything else along. They really help when traveling but I don’t think I actually end up using mine that much apart from flying or traveling on a bus.
Sean Leacy says
Anker makes some great ones as well! Mine has a small bag that it comes in so I’m able to toss two micro-USB cables in there for anything I may need. It helps a lot because I rely on bluetooth headphones as well and I’m able to charge my phone and headphones twice on a single charge 🙂
Phil Schneider says
Oooh, fantastic ideas here, gentlemen!
Matt Dailey says
Find a small power strip and stick it in the bottom of your bag. You move from that jerk who’s hogging the outlets to the awesome new friend who thought of others. I’ve made tons of conference friends that way!
Phil Schneider says
That’s a great idea, Matt!
Ivin says
Not a great, practical list. The best things you can take from this list is the ipad and the business cards. The rest is irrelevant to the latger community. I would take a mifi unit. My mobile device, a portable mike, a selfie stick, a tripod, my exhibition gear, my conference access cards, my wallet, keys, my diary (digital or paper) – for meetings, my medication (which may be a bit personal) – luke this list, my baggage, a memoir of my family and a great mindset.
Phil Schneider says
I don’t think you can tell me that this is a practical list or not, being that it was me bringing the things that I needed. So, what does it matter if it’s irrelevant to you? I’m just putting it out there as what I took with me. There’s no expectation or assumption that this is what you HAVE to take with you, and there’s nothing gained by dropping a comment saying, “This post doesn’t help me.” Just ignore it and move on.