If you’re looking for ideas of what to bring to an academic conference, I’ve prepared many sample conference packing lists over the years! But today, I want to talk about the non-clothing items I always pack. A conference is somehow a marathon and a sprint, but these essentials help me feel my best throughout the weekend!
Conference health essentials
The first major category I always consider when thinking about what to bring to an academic conference is health support. I have gotten sick after many a conference, and it really sucks! Now, I always pack:
- Liquid IV (you will be dehydrated every day, somehow)
- Hand sanitizer and a mask for the plane
- Stomach ache and headache aids
- DayQuil and NyQuil (walking to the pharmacy when sick is the worst!!)
- A flu and COVID booster, 2 weeks before (ok this doesn’t go in my suitcase but it’s essential)
Yes, it takes a lot to keep myself healthy at a conference, but it’s well worth it. I also try to be extremely mindful of getting to a restroom to wash my hands after a lot of handshaking at conference mixers, and before I sit down to eat.
Academic conference comfort items
With so much focus on how to dress at an academic conference, I often end up packing business clothing and forgetting that business clothing are not comfy. Here are some support items I bring that really help with that!
- Sweats. Don’t forget something to lounge around in at the hotel!
- Blister bandaids. Absolutely life-changing; I never leave home without.
- A cozy layer. Being inside all day always means I’m freezing by midafternoon.
- Sneakers. Your feet need a break, and it’s really nice to switch out of conference shoes before the walk to dinner!
Fending off the conference uglies
Somehow by day 3 I feel as exhausted as I look. This is when I break out the sheet masks. I also recommend bringing pimple patches if you are prone to breakouts. Finally, I feel like I need more blush than usual to look a little bit more alive!
Routines I swear by
The last things I recommend are not things to pack, but they are things I like to do at conferences to feel just a tad bit more normal. These include:
- A morning walk to a nearby coffee shop–no matter how I try, I never make time to exercise. But being outside in the sun really helps.
- Headphones as you’re getting ready, plus your favorite music.
- A book to read for fun on the plane or before bed. I am always absolutely wired at the end of the night (hellooo anxiety), and I can’t go straight to sleep!
Are academic conferences really that exhausting? Am I just a delicate flower? I cannot say. But once I figured out what to bring to an academic conference to take care of myself, things got a tad easier! A midday nap never hurts, either.
What would you add to the packing list? You can see a fall packing list here or winter here!
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