Discover essential packing tips for corporate women attending conferences. Learn to balance professionalism and practicality for a stress-free business trip.

What to Pack for Conferences: Tips for Businesswomen

For many corporate women, hitting the road to attend conferences and business trips is a career must. If you have an upcoming work trip, it may be time to start planning for your travels. One of the biggest hassles of this plan is establishing your working wardrobe and how it will all fit into a carry-on bag that never quite feels big enough.  

For those who indulge in vaping, be sure to properly research any rules and regulations surrounding vape products that might apply to your chosen airline and destination. This information could affect you when packing extra vape starter kits and should be established in advance to ensure you can enjoy vaping while away. 

You'll also want to be aware of liquid regulations for toiletries, especially if you are only taking a carry on.  Many airlines only allow each person to carry 10x 100ml (max) liquids/pastes/gels which must fit easily into a 20x20cm see-through pouch for security scanning.

Once you've navigated the intricacies of airline regulations, it's time to delve into the art of packing efficiently. Deciding what to include in your carry-on can be a daunting task, particularly when you're aiming to strike the balance between professional attire and practical necessities for your trip. In this article, we'll explore some savvy strategies to help you streamline your packing process and ensure you have everything you need for a successful and stress-free business excursion.

Where & When

The location and duration of your business trip or conference will significantly affect what you choose to pack. Whether you are travelling to a beautiful tropical location for a weekend conference or attending a mid-week trip in the city, you will need to dress in outfits appropriate for your setting and corporate obligations. 

Don’t fall into the trap of believing a more exotic location justifies a casual wardrobe. You can typically embrace smart casual outfits for social events or day activities, while business meetings and conference environments require traditional officewear. 

Temperature Settings

Depending on the location of your trip, you may be going to vastly different temperatures than your home town, so it is vital to check in advance what the weather conditions are going to be like while you are there. 

Furthermore, consider the fact that conference rooms are often kept at a slightly lower temperature, which can become uncomfortable after an extended period. Including a light jacket or wrap that will match the outfits you have planned will be a welcomed sight. It can also be worn on a plane while travelling, which similarly tends to be colder than some may find comfortable. 

Plan Your Outfits

Planning your outfits should be based on the program and events of your trip. If a formal dinner or awards evening is on the agenda, ensure you have an appropriate outfit. Consider packing activewear or swimwear if you plan to squeeze in physical activity or gym visits between sessions. 

If you're extending your stay for a holiday or sightseeing, factor this into your packing to avoid exceeding baggage weight restrictions. Packing efficiently is key to a stress-free and cost-effective trip. 

Pack Light

Before you begin packing your bag, it is recommended that you lay out everything you are planning to take with you, comparing it to a list you have made to ensure everything you need is there. Remember that mixing and matching different garments will allow you to get more than one wear out of main outfit pieces like skirts, jackets, pants, and dresses, which will help to reduce the number of clothes you need to pack. 

Carry or wear the bulkiest items you have while travelling, as this will allow you to confine the rest of your garments to carry-on luggage. Most airlines allow an extra handbag or laptop bag to be taken onboard. In this case, look for ways to pack additional items like makeup, chargers, electronic devices, and other stationery materials you may need to take notes and network in these smaller bags to free up much-needed space in your bigger suitcase. 

Wardrobe Essentials

When packing for any trip, whether for business or a much-needed holiday, you don’t have to have a completely new outfit for every day. The most efficient way to pack for a multi-day trip is to stick to core colours and wardrobe essentials that can easily be mixed and matched as needed. 

Core colours are black, grey, navy, and white. As neutral shades, they are incredibly versatile and can make up endless combinations when paired with each other. While the largest percentage of your packed luggage should consist of core colours, you can include a small selection of tonal colours, which are more unique shades of core colours, and bold pops of colour to add interest and depth to your looks. 

The length of your trip will dictate how many items of clothing you pack, but you should include stylish blouses or dress tops that can paired with darkwash or black fitted jeans, tailored pants, or a pencil skirt for smart casual or corporate-appropriate looks. Include one or two casual shirts that can be worn during downtime or while travelling. 

If you enjoy wearing dresses at work, pack your favourite for an alternative option, as well as two or three layering pieces like sweaters, a blazer, or a winter coat, depending on the climate. Finally, you will need to include the necessary space for shoes. Regardless of the length of your trip, you should pack at most three pairs, which should consist of sneakers for travel days and downtime, comfortable and work-appropriate flats, and dressy heels or chic loafers for evening events. 

Pack Efficiently

Make the most of the limited space in your luggage by packing your bag as efficiently as possible. First, pack your pants at the bottom of your bag by folding them in half and laying them flat. For casual or knitwear tops that don’t wrinkle easily, roll them like a Swiss roll and place them on top of your pants. Button-down shirts, blouses, and dresses should be folded appropriately and packed on top of pants. These items can be steamed once you arrive at your destination. 

Fold sweaters and other layering options flat and pack them over your rolled tops, leaving space to include shoes. All shoes should be packed inside a shoe bag, an old drawstring bag, or a pillowcase to avoid unwanted marks or scuffs on your clothes. 

Formal suits or gowns should be folded carefully and packed with your pants or kept safely in a garment bag. Finally, toiletries and makeup should be safely packed and secured in leakproof containers in case of any leaks or explosions during your travel time. 

Additional Packing Tips

Aside from vape products and liquid toiletries, other considerations for business travel include:

1. Electronics and Chargers: Ensure you have all necessary electronic devices and their chargers, including laptops, phones, tablets, and any other gadgets you may need for work or entertainment.

2. Travel Documents: Double-check that you have all essential travel documents, such as your passport, visa (if required), boarding passes, itinerary, and any necessary business-related documents or tickets.

3. Comfort Items: Pack items for comfort during your journey, such as a travel pillow, eye mask, earplugs, and noise-canceling headphones, especially for long flights or train rides.

4. Professional Accessories: Don't forget to pack any professional accessories you may need, such as a laptop bag, briefcase, or portfolio, to keep your work materials organized and easily accessible.

5. Medications and Health Essentials: Remember to bring any prescription medications or over-the-counter remedies you may need, as well as basic first aid supplies and any personal health items you rely on.

6. Snacks and Refreshments: Pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay nourished and hydrated during your journey, as airport and conference food options may be limited or expensive.

7. Networking Materials: Consider bringing business cards, brochures, or promotional materials if you anticipate networking opportunities during your trip, helping you make meaningful connections with colleagues or clients.

In the whirlwind of business travel, mastering the art of packing is a game-changer. With these tips, navigate your next trip with ease and confidence. Safe travels!