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This Friday and Saturday is the Go Blog Social Conference, and I couldn’t be more bummed that I’m missing it! Unfortunately, due to a few family obligations and work commitments, I wasn’t able to attend this year, but I know everyone there will have a fantastic time and learn so much from all the creatives presenting. I’ve been to a few blogging conferences and workshops (including Alt Summit and the Go Blog Social Workshop last month) and I thought it might help out some conference newbies to see what I carried in my bag to my last few events. These are my absolute blog conference essentials!

I carry my leather tote from Madewell pretty much everywhere. It’s been my go-to for years, serving as a laptop bag, diaper bag, travel bag, grocery bag and everything in between! Inside I decided to pack a small, cross-shoulder purse (from H&M years ago) in case I wanted to ditch all my stuff, but still carry my phone and wallet. I have to take notes in a real notebook, so I always carry a small spiral or two (this one is the Studio Oh! Spiral Notebook, Sweet Garden), along with the best pens in the universe, Sharpie pens…medium point. Don’t be fooled by substitutes, these pens are AMAZING. I may have a problem, I think I am a little too excited about my pens. Oh well.

I brought along my iPad Mini, although I will admit, I barely used it. I did look up some people’s blogs in between sessions, but I probably could have done that on my phone if needed. By the way, I used my iPhone 6 to take this photo, so it’s not included in the image. But I love it (and my cute case from Ampersand Design Studio)! I also brought my A Beautiful Mess Planner, which I carried in case I had post ideas and I wanted to check my editorial calendar and upcoming blog topics. I do all of my blog scheduling in this planner, because I’m way too visual to do it on a phone or computer-based calendar. I’m old school, I suppose, but it works for me. I also brought along business cards and my promotional postcards for my photography business. You will trade A LOT of business cards at events like Go Blog Social, so be sure you have a good stash to hand out.

As I’m a photographer, I always bring my DSLR camera along. I also brought along my lens pen
to do quick clean ups. I am that dork who always has food stuck in her teeth, so I threw some Colgate Wisp brushes in my bag for touch ups after meals. I also brought my Honest hand sanitizer, which is the only brand I use these days because it doesn’t sting my hands. I don’t usually carry much makeup in my bag, so I stuck with my basics, my Neutrogena concealer, my Charlotte Ronson lip stain (which is no longer available, wah!) and my Rosebud Salve
lip balm. Oh look, more hand sanitizer! Yep, I love that stuff.

I brought along a little bottle of lavender oil because I was feeling a little nervous about being in a room full of cool, smart women and feeling like a dork. Lavender helps chill me out, and I am glad I had it with me to ground my crazy. I also brought along a phone charger just in case I couldn’t find an outlet (happened) and my phone lost it’s juice (also happened…lots of Instagramming!). I have a few of these little floral pouches from J. Crew, and I use them to hold all the loose items in my bag (pens, lipstick, etc.). I also brought along a protein bar, because when I get hungry, it’s not pretty. I had a water bottle as well, but it appears it didn’t quite make it into the post-conference photo.

I hope this helps some of you who aren’t sure what to bring along in your bag this weekend! Just remember, the most important thing you can bring is yourself and an open mind. You’re going to learn so much, but it can be overwhelming, so make sure to get plenty of rest and take care of yourself! Have fun!