If you want to pack smarter, ask your meeting planner what they put in their suitcases. Here are the tips from 15 planners:
1. Don’t forget to wear your wrap
“My must-haves include a cashmere scarf in my carry-on; it’s comfortable, stylish and indispensable. I usually only bring a carry-on, but I always bring a collapsible duffel bag. It’s perfect for anything that needs to be packed in a checked bag Shopping or gifts in – like olive oil, wine or bulky items. Finally, I always keep a swimsuit and a lightweight raincoat or windbreaker in my suitcase just in case.
Shannon Ashley Fallon, Senior Event Operations Manager, Fidelity Investments
2. Packing cubes are a game changer
“I started using packing cubes last year and they have been a game changer. They help organize your clothing and compress the contents of your suitcase, freeing up space for more items. By using packing cubes, I am able to store more items than ever before. Been using my carry-on more frequently for a few years.
Adrienne Tucker, Senior Meeting Planning Specialist, American Bar Association
3. Make a list and follow it
“I always recommend making a list to prepare for any trip. This way you can make sure you don’t forget anything and only pack what’s on your list.
Magdalena Schneider, senior events manager at Moore & Carlyle Consulting
4. Start with Basic Black
“I bring as much black as possible – basic pants and shirts etc. Then I add a pop of color with scarves, jackets and accessories to dress up my outfit.” This lightens the load and makes packing simple . Shoes are always the hardest, so I try to choose simple black. Then I have a pair of Danskin ballet flats that also double as workout shoes if I want to go to the gym but don’t take up any space or weight in my carry-on.
Sandra Daniel, President and CEO, Fire Light Group
5. Protect your tie
“As far as ties go, I recommend wrapping dry cleaner’s cellophane between each tie to prevent wrinkling.”
Joe Lipman, President, Summit Management Services
6. Wear shoes
“I always put little things in my shoes. It goes great with socks, underwear and other items.
Venessa Grant, owner of Manifest Site Select
7. Try “Pack this List”
“The best thing I use is ‘Pack This“ List from Knock Knock. It’s a great organizer and I never forget to pack anything. I also give them to my clients before the event as a fun little gift.
Lindsay Grosz, Lindsay Grosz Events President
8. Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 rule
“For me, must-have items are a digital luggage scale for all trips, especially international travel, and a refillable water bottle. I always use the 5-4-3-2-1 packing rule (5 tops , 4 pairs of bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 dresses or handbags, 1 accessory such as a belt, hat, sunglasses or beauty tool). I also always keep clothes and t-shirts rolled around my suitcase.
Edie Leibman, Principal, LPC Consulting, LLC
9. Carry coffee with you
“When traveling to Las Vegas, where hotel coffee is everywhere, my first choice is to bring a Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee machine. It’s compact and lightweight enough to fit in my carry-on and ensures I can Start your day with quality coffee without having to walk miles to the coffee shop inside the casino. I package a variety of my favorite Nespresso coffees in a sturdy, resealable bag to avoid damage during travel. .
Anca Platon Trifan, CEO of Tree-Fan Events
10. Mix and match
“I never bring clothes, but a few basics so I can mix/match once I arrive. It saves a lot of front-end time and suitcase space – it’s a win-win!
Ashley Patton, Marketing Manager, Trade Show and Event Operations, Kastle Systems
11. Jersey is the best
“Two ways I avoid wrinkles in my clothes: I choose garments made of jersey material. It drape well and doesn’t wrinkle. I always bring a travel steamer.
Shannon Ryan, associate director, National Comprehensive Cancer Network Conference
12. Gather your wires
“I always have a bag for my wires/connectors. It’s much easier to toss the bags into the suitcase than trying to find the drawer I last put them in at home.
Josh Adams, Industry Relations Strategist, Streamlinevents
13. Wear thick shoes
“It sounds simple, but I wear my heaviest shoes on the plane and keep my spare shoes in the shoe bag in my suitcase. That way I don’t stain other clothes on the way home.
Eric Hutchins, Vice President, Lamont Associates
14. Bring a washable shirt
“I try to pack a few shirts that I can wash myself if I need to, so I have less shirts to bring. Depending on the type of trip, I also don’t take a suit with me and just bring a jacket that I can wear on business appointments and Two pairs of pants and a sweater for a cold night, and as for shoes, I only bring one pair that I can use for both business meetings and evening events.
Joost de Meyer, Chairman and CEO, First Incentive Travel
15. Additional Tips for Editors
“Downy Wrinkle Releaser is an amazing product for wrinkled clothing and it comes in a travel size. Just spray it on your clothes and hang them in the bathroom during the shower so they look like they’ve been freshly ironed.
