ISTE Packing Tips for Newbies

Are you a first time ISTE attendee? If so, here are a few packing tips that have been helpful for me in years past. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the conference is packed full of sessions, events, vendors, people to meet and more. To max out your time, you need to take care of YOU, first. I do this by coming prepared. Here are a few items you may want to throw into your suitcase:

1. Water bottle. Sometimes conference registration bags come with a water bottle. It might not this year, so bring your own. I also find it helpful to pack snacks such as protein bars, trail mix, etc. It’s easy to get lost in ed tech heaven, so stay hydrated and be prepared for those times you opted for a session instead of a lunch break.

2. Backpack. Unless you want to feel lopsided at the end of each day, plan to carry a backpack. I find it much more comfortable than lugging my laptop, iPad and all that fun swag in a shoulder bag.

3. A Large Suitcase or Extra Duffle Bag. Depending on how much swag you choose to collect, having extra room in your suitcase or an extra bag to carry home may come in handy.

4. Comfortable shoes. Your laps around the Convention Center will provide you with an unintended workout every day, so consider ditching the heels for something your feet will thank you for.

5. Labels. This one depends on whether you want to spend time on drawings and potential prizes. If this is not your thing, pass this one over. However, when you get your registration bag, you will find that it has lots of stuff to fill out - prize drawings, etc. There is usually an "Exhibit Hall Raffle Coupon Book" with about 100 coupons that require your contact info. If you plan to participate, print a few sheets of labels with your name, address, email, twitter handle and phone number that you can be reached on during the conference.

6. QR Code for your Badge. Although vendors will scan your official bar code, you may want to have your contact info linked to a QR code. Print this code and slip it into your plastic conference badge holder. As you connect with other attendees, they can scan and save your contact details. An alternative is to make the QR your lock screen image on your device, since you will most likely have the device handy at all times.

Looking for More Tips?
Join me at ISTE on Monday morning, June 29, from 8:30–9:00 am (PCC 108) for Curating the Conference: Tools & Tips to Maximize your ISTE 2015 Experience. This snapshot session is designed for conference first-timers and will provide you with effective conference habits that will transform your day-to-day practice once you return to your teaching and learning environment.

---