Conference ready: The ultimate packing checklist for professionals

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Did you finally get that dream job that you worked really hard for? Have you started the role and it is already daunting meeting new people and trying to make a good impression? Now add to that your new manager approaches you and advises that you are going to the company conference, and it is tomorrow.

You are completely unprepared for this, and the nerves set in. There's no need for that if you are following these simple steps that will get you conference-ready, and maybe even steal the show.

You are representing the company and you want to be perceived in a certain way, so you might automatically think a full suit to keep it professional. Whilst it is important to showcase a certain part of yourself, dressing in smart casual attire that you are comfortable in will actually allow you to put your best foot forward.

You won't be constantly fidgeting due to your shirt being slightly too tight, the shoes pinching your toes, or sweating in a weighty blazer. You will feel more confident and that will show both inside and out.

A conference can be one or many long days that are likely to be filled with social activities, networking events, and innumerable learning opportunities. Yet it always feels like your boss forgets one key element, what should I pack?

Whilst most conferences will have a name tag ready for you upon arrival, having your own personalised company lanyard on you will ensure you are easily identifiable if for any reason one is not provided to you. It also showcases that you are prepared for any eventuality.

Even calling or emailing ahead of time to check if the event has specialised conference lanyards shows you are thinking ahead of time and can even possibly provide you access to exclusive conference events.

Chances are you are going to be meeting a lot of new people in a short amount of time. Packing plenty of business cards to hand out is going to support you with later business opportunities and create a stronger network long term.

Additionally, make sure you are taking as many business cards as possible from other attendees that you speak with so that you can follow up on conversations later.

Hydration is always important, and whilst you will generally find water on your table at a conference, you don't want to take this for granted. Hydration, particularly when you are sitting and talking for long periods, is important, and having access to your own source of water consistently could be a game changer for you.

A reusable option would be best so you can step out and refill as necessary to ensure you are relaxed and fully hydrated all day long.

In these days of technology, most people would think a phone or laptop would be the more important item, but take into consideration for a moment that you may be sitting at a table in the centre of the room and not have easy access to a charger.

Suddenly your phone or laptop has exhausted its charge and you have no way of taking important notes. Nothing is more reliable than a notebook and a pen in these circumstances; perhaps bring a few spares just in case.

This may seem silly, especially if the agenda lists that they are going to provide free food. However, lunch can seem a long way away when you enter a conference at 8 am and are concentrating on large quantities of information until lunchtime at 1 pm.

Bringing a simple snack of a muesli bar, nuts, fruit, etc. can be a lifesaver for you and again a good conversation starter at your table if you bring enough to share. You are now suddenly remembered as the generous attendee who provided the whole table sustenance until lunch was served. It may seem small, but a positive impression can make a difference with your networking efforts later on.

Many conferences span over multiple days which means you are spending your days concentrating, networking, taking notes, etc. This can be exhausting but because you are wired from everything you are learning you may still have trouble sleeping.

Bring something to help wind down; this can be your current book, your laptop, or even your streaming service to watch a movie or catch up on that TV show you are enjoying. Nothing can be all work and no play, keep this in mind when packing that luxury item to unwind.

The only thing left to do now is head over to the conference room and get your networking on. Show your personality as there is nobody better than you and pretending to be someone you are not is just going to make a conference harder for you, which is not something you need when you have done all the preparation work to pack and get yourself ready.