What, Oh What Should You Bring To BlogPaws?

Guest post by Blog Manager Robbi Hess

I will admit, I am not a good packer. Even if f I go away for an overnight trip I feel a compulsive need to
pack the biggest suitcase I can find, and a carry on and a purse full of other "necessary items." I am always convinced that no matter where I go, it is in the relative vicinity of Mars and likely not a store in site. I am usually, oh so wrong and bring home many of the clothing items I have packed untouched. 

This year, I am carpooling to BlogPaws 2013 with a fellow BlogPaws Community POPs member, Katharine McMahon, and I am certain she will want me to be more judicious in my packing!

Here, for first time BlogPaws attendees and for "bad" packers like me are the true must haves for the conference: 

1. Business casual clothing. You need to pack
   clothes that are suited to the weather, but remember even if it’s warm outside, the temperatures in conference rooms range from
   frigid to desert level temps. Bring a sweater and dress in layers. There will
   be dressy events but you don’t have to wear a ball gown(!) business casual is the
   way to go. As pet lovers we also know that if we wear black, chances are we
   will be covered in white hair – I never leave home without a lint brush!
2. It’s a blogging conference so you will be
   learning from the excellent speakers; as such you will want to bring paper,
   pens, pencils or your laptop or tablet of choice. You will need to determine
   whether you need internet access or simply a place to set your laptop up so
   that you can type away and plan accordingly. Bring a bag to carry your items so that your hands are free for shaking with fellow two- and four-legged attendees. 
3. Business cards. Business cards. Business cards.
   Yes, it is that important that I need to mention it three times. Even if you don’t
   think you have a “big enough” business to warrant business cards, at least get
   a card that lists your name and all of your contact information. You need to
   make certain that the people you meet can get in touch with you after the
   conference has ended. After all, one of the main points of BlogPaws attendance
   is to network and met fellow pet lovers with whom you can connect and build
   relationships that will last long after the conference has ended.
4. If you’re traveling with your pet – and why not!
   – it’s a pet-friendly hotel and a more than pet-friendly conference, bring
   whatever your pet may need to make her comfortable. Does she need a crate for
   the hotel room? Don’t forget to bring it. Don’t forget to pack her favorite
   food, treats and toys. Will he need space for long walks? Bring your doodie
   bags! If you need time to attend seminars without your pet with you, we will
   have a pet park open and your four legged friend can make new friends of her
   own!
5. Your elevator speech and a willingness to
   network and mix and mingle with people you may not know. It is sometimes nerve
   wracking to walk into a roomful of strangers, but because we are all pet lovers,
   we’re naturally a friendly bunch. One way to make yourself more comfortable
   though could be by crafting an intro aka an elevator speech to use when you meet
   your new blogging friends-to-be.

Attending BlogPaws 2013 is much like attending any
conference you may have gone to in the past, but sometimes it’s nice to have a
checklist lying next to your suitcase to make the packing easier.