Last week, I was in Raleigh for work. To be honest, while it’s nice to get away from the desk for a few days, there is nothing particularly glamorous about trade shows. There’s a lot of talking and handshaking and being indoors for long periods of time — and if you’re an exhibitor (like my employer is), you also have to set up and deconstruct your booth. It poses a bit of a packing challenge, but this is what came with me:
Solid and print button-up shirts: The easiest (and most space-efficient) way to look cleaned up. (I avoid dresses at trade shows because I know I’ll be running around and whatnot throughout the day.)
Ponte leggings/pants: Comfy like leggings, but thick and structured enough for business casual settings.
Printed pants: See above, but perfect to pair with your solid blouses for some interest. I love my printed Pixi pants from Old Navy.
Blazer: The temperature at hotels is always one extreme or another, sometimes in the same day, so this business-ready layer is always good to have on hand.
Flats: I am rarely a heels wearer, but if there’s a time for flats, it’s when you’re setting up and breaking down a booth.
Swimsuit/workout wear: I always double-check the hotel’s amenities to see if they have a fitness center or swimming pool. It’s a lot easier for me to work out when the gym is only a few floors down.
Steamer: The foolproof way to get wrinkles out if you don’t trust irons (like me).
To keep things as simple as possible, I also bring only one simple set of accessories (usually in silver): a watch, ring, earrings and a necklace. I wouldn’t recommend a statement necklace since chances are you’ll get to rock an awesome lanyard/name tag around your neck.
I like to be more creative (and sometimes more casual) with my work wardrobe on a regular basis, but when it comes to trade shows, I ultimately want to be comfortable and look professional. I don’t want to be preoccupied with packing or planning outfits, because there’s a hundred other details I have to keep track of for my team.
Have you gone to any trade shows? What’s on your packing list?
This post is sponsored by Amtrak and Her Campus Media. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Shades of Sarah possible!
Just a final Her Conference 2015 recap! Can’t believe it’s been a week already!
♡ Train ride into New York — Amtrak is easily my favorite way to travel in the Northeast region! It makes the trip from Philly to New York a breeze!
♡ Pizza and wine with my freshman roommate, the best way to unwind before a jam-packed Conference
♡ Serious exploring of lower Manhattan. So. much. walking.
♡ Consuming my weight in iced Chai lattes — even tried a raspberryone waiting for my Amtrak at Penn Station
♡ Blurry selfies with my new blogging friend Erica from Coming Up Roses
♡ Another inspiring Her Conference!
~ Sarah
P.S. If you’re still a student, lucky duck! You can save 10% on Amtrak when booking with the Student Advantage card. You never know when it can come in handy!