Conference Clothes, Tips and Personal Insights
Disclaimer: (I love disclaimers!)When I first started my published career, I had much to learn other than writing. (I'm still learning a lot, so I'm not the ultimate resource, but these travel tips may help you.)
Quick tips: If you're going to RWA in San Francisco and perhaps going out at night, remember that the oceanside evenings can be chilly. For the conference, dress in layers as some of the rooms can be too cool. Chose those layers carefully to mix/match with other clothing. Whatever you do, take an extra pair of black slacks, very light weight and washable, roll them. My extras are by Susan Graver. If you will be taking promotions, they are heavy; ask a friend who is driving in, if you can ship them to her, else see if the hotel will let you ship them to Your Name, hotel, etc. with a note Guest Arriving on ?Date. As for tips, a friend goes to the bank and gets $2 bills for tipping. Don't forget your business cards!
Personal Tidbit: I was published prior to joining RWA, so attending that first conference years ago in Dallas, TX was thoroughly scary. For one thing, my Cait Logan Second Chance Books were already on the shelves. This was fine, I thought, so happy to be published. But I had no idea that my little books had hit a national market and had snagged a readership that might actually recognize my pseudonym. I didn't know about RT, and had no contact with other romance writers. So in scoping out my first national conference--and I hadn't been to any other writer conferences--I bought a 3-piece black suit (my day job clothes were casual, no suits), and tried to look inconspicuous as I stepped from the elevator into this new exciting conference world. Did not know a person; did not know that other people actually read my books. My name badge in place, I stepped out of that Dallas hotel elevator, prepared to be very quiet and observant, just lurk, get the lay of the land, etc.
Then someone saw my name badge, and asked me if I was Cait Logan. When I responded, about 4-5 people standing near the elevator rushed toward me. "You're Cait Logan?" they asked. (That was early on; I'm writing as Cait London now.)
Terrified that I had done something wrong, I stepped back against the closed elevator door. (Thank goodness it was closed.) So that was my first brush as a published author with readers, and I was already published and a novice at national conferences.
I was actually mortified when my first editor, Joan Marlow Golan, came into a workshop. She held up Gambler's Lady and told them that this was a good book. Since then, I've learned that any time you get PR from an editor, be happy.
Through the years, I've attended more conferences, and the black suit idea still holds. Please do not think that I am offering myself as a fashion guide; I am not, but here is some of what I've learned. It's a basic budget/serviceable traveling format.
Basic Wardrobe: a basic color to build from, i.e. black or navy. Or whatever is mix and match. Do not pack one outfit per event. We manage most of our own luggage and you'll pay for managing a weighty wardrobe. Chose matching comfortable shoes. I usually have two pair of shoes: one to wear while traveling/walking, and a dressier pair or a plain pair of pumps. Choose for standing and/or walking. Check the conference roster to see what activities you'll be attending. Build upon those basic colors, if you want to save luggage space and mix and match. One friend's rule-of-thumb is that she never buys anything that will not match at least 3 items in her wardrobe. (You'll see a lot of plain black tank/slacks with bright or sensible jacket over that.) *If you do not care about space or weight of your luggage, then take anything you want. My best advice is to travel light.
*All conference hotel information supplied by the organization should provide what is available in the rooms, i.e. irons. I usually check and call ahead, if I am thinking of taking ironables. You can ask room service for these, but it is at a cost and sometimes a major conference has heavy useage; you could be left without, or waiting too long.
When I am looking at clothing for traveling, I check out the weight of the individual garment. If hot temperatures, linens are in, and you can work around a basic wardrobe color with them. They are super for hot weather, or cottons. I love rayon/challis, the soft sweep of it. But polyester blends still suit me for traveling. The new spandex wardrobe offerings are great with unlined cardigan, pants, short/long skirts. These can be rolled in your bag, or placed in your tote with no damage. I love "roll-clothing." Lined suits are usually heavy, but sometimes necessary. Since most of us are "going green", lined suits sometimes are not on the menu. Personally, I do not like lined and think that now with all the great fabrics, unlined is great.
But then, it depends on the tone of the conference; it may be very casual as in a writers' retreat. Sleeveless shifts are great, but sometimes conference hotels are too cold in the summer and too hot in the winter--dress in layers. Take a cardigan that can match your outfit, just in case. I am not a long skirt person, but they are lovely and flowing and free. NOTE: Some editors only use a tote to do a whole weekend conference.
Chose a colorful blouse/tank top, pants, skirts to mix/match. Scarves and jewelry go a long way to change a basic look. By placing a bright jacket or blouse over a basic black outfit, you can be very dressy. Anything two-piece, i.e. a tunic and slacks/skirt can be a conference basic, if you plan well. Back in the days of the sequin girls, my big I've-made-it award (such confidence) to myself was a 3/4 length sequin jacket. What a mistake. It weighs a lot. I've gotten more use out of a black sequin vest, or a sheer black jacket with a sequined rose, which is lightweight for traveling.
Plan accessories by comparing the list of conference events to the basic wardrobe you have selected. 1.) Day bag: if the conference does not typically supply these canvas totes, take something that stands on the floor, i.e. when you are in workshops or at dinner. Shoulder straps are a necessity as you do many things with both hands. An outside pocket large enough to slide a notebook into and if you are passing those business cards around, select a day bag that you can easily access those important cards. 2.) Party Bag: something flat with a shoulder strap. Flat is good for travel, or pack necessities into a bulkier bag rather than leaving it empty in your luggage.
Packing spacesaver: don't forget to pack those shoes full.
Take a nightgown, etc. one that buttons or can be opened down the front. When applying cosmetics, etc. put the nightgown, etc. on backwards to protect your dress clothing. I sometimes use a sleep shirt, draped across my front.
Personal favorites: TravelSmith, Chico's and others are wise to pack-and-go clothing, but I've used a lot of Susan Graver from QVC.com and been really happy with rolling them and easy care. Also Lauren Hutton, whom I've mentioned on my blog as "Admirable" is a world traveler, and she's developed a makeup product I love (yes, I'm a makeup junkie, too :)). The brand is Good Stuff and I have her Face Disk, which is big and flat and holds almost everything you need but mascara. I've just purchased her South Pacific set, and love it. It comes with brushes, lip liner, and mascara. Concealers of different shades, eyebrows, contouring, blush, several lip tints, dry/wet powder, bronzer, etc. all included with instructions on how to use. Back to raving about the Face Disk: Each small "pot" can be restocked, has a magnet on the bottom of the pot so that the empty one can be removed and the replacement put in. Each pot also has a colored ring that matches the brush that goes with it, purchased with or without, but brushes are the name of the game. (Told you--I am a true makeup junkie.) If I had to take only one thing with me, it would be that Face Disk.
Travel Light if flying. Years ago, when luggage wasn't as restricted and the overhead bays were stuffed, I tried to carry on my promos, bookmarks, etc. The bag was so heavy that when I tried to lift it down from the overhead, the weight almost sent me back into the seat behind me!
If possible, take a bag you can handle by yourself. If you are shipping through luggage (and make that rolling bags that stack with your carryon), take a basic change of clothes in your carryon bag/tote. (This has happened too many times to conference goers--the bags are delayed/lost and individuals have to use their charge cards for clothing.)
*Obey that 3-oz rule. And select traveling shoes that are not going to cause a probably hassle at check-in security, easy on/off.*
Your Carry-On: Depends on what you're doing, i.e. shipping through or managing your own. Airlines are now tight with space, so check with your travel agent as to the luggage requirements. I like soft, crunchable luggage as it sometimes fits better into airline overhead storage compartments. For laptop people, there are small rolling carryons which have a shelf for your notebook.
I must be queen of luggage as I love compartments and tote bags and everything with roller wheels and shoulder straps. But I avoid luggage that has a lot of cutesy/weighty metal buckles/tabs, etc.
Laptops: I have a large screen and got a laptop rollalong that has a shelf for basics, enough for a change of rolled clothing, adapter, files, etc. There is a side slit to pull out an tote that houses the laptop. If this rollalong needs to go to airline valet service, then I just pull out the envelope with the laptop. I can get most of what I need now for almost a week (yes, doing some hotel sink-handwashing) into that laptop rollalong and a large shoulder bag. (The laptop's rollalong does have a shoulder strap, too, which comes in handy.) Try to get a bag with an outside, easily accessible pocket for your tickets, etc. And in a shoulder bag/tote, I'll place a small zipper bag for traveling money, tips, change for the bathroom, etc. Always try to have your tip money ready. I have a problem calculating tips and wish all conference literature would include taxi/shuttle cost from the airport and tip suggestion.
SIDEBAR: I have this daughter. Well, three. But this one is a clothes-fiend. We were going to make a fast 4-day hard driving jaunt from Missouri to Colorado. In a small Mazda; remember that part--a small compact car. We were going to leave the moment she came home from college, get on the road, drive for as long as we could take it before stopping for the night. I packed a carryon with my necessities, a box of edibles, water, pillows and light blanket, hotel reading material, and of course a basket of my cameras, recorders, laptop, CB, whatever. SHE TURNS UP with three big suitcases of clothing, cowboy boots for the West, 2 leather jackets, etc. Remember that small car bit? She had to repack pronto. It did turn out to be a really fun trip.
Back to the Conference Road: On a 2-day conference, I may not take my laptop and then use a shoulder carryon and a large purse/bag. I've packed mine to brief conferences, hassled at the airport security, and then sometimes not used them. However, they are nice if you are on a deadline and needing to work at those odd hours--I'm an early riser and fill my time working until the conference starts. Older model AlphaSmarts are everywhere and I do love my basic 3000, too. Use an envelope to keep receipts and make notations of expenses. Small spiral notebooks are great, too.
Ship-through Necessities: Always pack paper shipping tape that can be dampened, a spool with a self-cutter. Fingernail clippers without the file are great to cut threads, price tags you've left under your arm, or anything else. (Dry cleaning isn't as popular as it was, but at one conference we actually checked each other for those dry cleaning safety pins, and found that most of us still had them!) Don't forget a safety pin or two. I've seen people desperate for these. Toss shipping tape into your bag, because the shipping facilities are not always provided. If they are not, or you want to do your own, ask the service desk for a heavy cardboard box, use the shipping tape, and either ship as extra luggage or send those freebie books home. Take Velcro Spots: for that missing button, "gaposis," or a hem that is torn, these spots are great instant fixes. Use them for slipping shoulder pads. Consider taking a non-perishable snack in case the restaurant is closed when you arrive and the vending machines are empty/being unreasonable. You do not want to ship through perishables, because luggage is frequently lost now, and you could be looking a expensive clothing ruined by fruit or melted chocolate, etc.
Avoidables: Perfume. Shampoos, soap, body creams, etc. all contain enough fragrance when people are close packed into a conference. Let's be considerate of others. After seeing the results of my daughter's asthma, I advise consideration of those people sensitive to smells. Personally, there is nothing more nauseating than to be packed into a conference elevator with strong, clashing scents. (This after spending hours selecting an expensive Chanel fragrance for a New York trip, and not using it.)
Other things I like to take: A small looseleaf notebook, perhaps CD or tapes for relaxation, always some work stuff, i.e. research. I prefer looseleaf notebooks and use them with tabs for my continuing series books. I also like a tiny misting bottle for moisturing dry airline or conference air. Great for ironing, too, and livening up wavy hair. A camera is great, or purchase a disposable one. (This is why I have a picture with Nora Roberts when we both received RT awards. That picture with Nora means a great deal to me. I wish I'd taken more with friends, etc.)
Before you go: Spend time arranging times to meet with friends, develop a calendar. This gets you off to a more comfortable start, with arrangements for perhaps seeing the city, ways to fill time lags. Or you may collect friends to meet and sit together at workshops or meals. It is really great to all go out to dinner and relax a bit with friends. However. Do actively engage in meeting new people and moving out of your comfortable crowd. You'll do new things that way.
One last tip: Take it easy. Try to remain as stress-free as you can, which is pretty well impossible in a hurried, scheduled atmosphere. You want to get as much out of a conference as you can. If you do feel yourself overwhelmed, take a break. Be assured that through the day and night, very many people are quietly doing the same thing.
I hope you enjoy all your trips. Travel safe.
Disclaimer: (I love disclaimers!)When I first started my published career, I had much to learn other than writing. (I'm still learning a lot, so I'm not the ultimate resource, but these travel tips may help you.)
Quick tips: If you're going to RWA in San Francisco and perhaps going out at night, remember that the oceanside evenings can be chilly. For the conference, dress in layers as some of the rooms can be too cool. Chose those layers carefully to mix/match with other clothing. Whatever you do, take an extra pair of black slacks, very light weight and washable, roll them. My extras are by Susan Graver. If you will be taking promotions, they are heavy; ask a friend who is driving in, if you can ship them to her, else see if the hotel will let you ship them to Your Name, hotel, etc. with a note Guest Arriving on ?Date. As for tips, a friend goes to the bank and gets $2 bills for tipping. Don't forget your business cards!
Personal Tidbit: I was published prior to joining RWA, so attending that first conference years ago in Dallas, TX was thoroughly scary. For one thing, my Cait Logan Second Chance Books were already on the shelves. This was fine, I thought, so happy to be published. But I had no idea that my little books had hit a national market and had snagged a readership that might actually recognize my pseudonym. I didn't know about RT, and had no contact with other romance writers. So in scoping out my first national conference--and I hadn't been to any other writer conferences--I bought a 3-piece black suit (my day job clothes were casual, no suits), and tried to look inconspicuous as I stepped from the elevator into this new exciting conference world. Did not know a person; did not know that other people actually read my books. My name badge in place, I stepped out of that Dallas hotel elevator, prepared to be very quiet and observant, just lurk, get the lay of the land, etc.
Then someone saw my name badge, and asked me if I was Cait Logan. When I responded, about 4-5 people standing near the elevator rushed toward me. "You're Cait Logan?" they asked. (That was early on; I'm writing as Cait London now.)
Terrified that I had done something wrong, I stepped back against the closed elevator door. (Thank goodness it was closed.) So that was my first brush as a published author with readers, and I was already published and a novice at national conferences.
I was actually mortified when my first editor, Joan Marlow Golan, came into a workshop. She held up Gambler's Lady and told them that this was a good book. Since then, I've learned that any time you get PR from an editor, be happy.
Through the years, I've attended more conferences, and the black suit idea still holds. Please do not think that I am offering myself as a fashion guide; I am not, but here is some of what I've learned. It's a basic budget/serviceable traveling format.
Basic Wardrobe: a basic color to build from, i.e. black or navy. Or whatever is mix and match. Do not pack one outfit per event. We manage most of our own luggage and you'll pay for managing a weighty wardrobe. Chose matching comfortable shoes. I usually have two pair of shoes: one to wear while traveling/walking, and a dressier pair or a plain pair of pumps. Choose for standing and/or walking. Check the conference roster to see what activities you'll be attending. Build upon those basic colors, if you want to save luggage space and mix and match. One friend's rule-of-thumb is that she never buys anything that will not match at least 3 items in her wardrobe. (You'll see a lot of plain black tank/slacks with bright or sensible jacket over that.) *If you do not care about space or weight of your luggage, then take anything you want. My best advice is to travel light.
*All conference hotel information supplied by the organization should provide what is available in the rooms, i.e. irons. I usually check and call ahead, if I am thinking of taking ironables. You can ask room service for these, but it is at a cost and sometimes a major conference has heavy useage; you could be left without, or waiting too long.
When I am looking at clothing for traveling, I check out the weight of the individual garment. If hot temperatures, linens are in, and you can work around a basic wardrobe color with them. They are super for hot weather, or cottons. I love rayon/challis, the soft sweep of it. But polyester blends still suit me for traveling. The new spandex wardrobe offerings are great with unlined cardigan, pants, short/long skirts. These can be rolled in your bag, or placed in your tote with no damage. I love "roll-clothing." Lined suits are usually heavy, but sometimes necessary. Since most of us are "going green", lined suits sometimes are not on the menu. Personally, I do not like lined and think that now with all the great fabrics, unlined is great.
But then, it depends on the tone of the conference; it may be very casual as in a writers' retreat. Sleeveless shifts are great, but sometimes conference hotels are too cold in the summer and too hot in the winter--dress in layers. Take a cardigan that can match your outfit, just in case. I am not a long skirt person, but they are lovely and flowing and free. NOTE: Some editors only use a tote to do a whole weekend conference.
Chose a colorful blouse/tank top, pants, skirts to mix/match. Scarves and jewelry go a long way to change a basic look. By placing a bright jacket or blouse over a basic black outfit, you can be very dressy. Anything two-piece, i.e. a tunic and slacks/skirt can be a conference basic, if you plan well. Back in the days of the sequin girls, my big I've-made-it award (such confidence) to myself was a 3/4 length sequin jacket. What a mistake. It weighs a lot. I've gotten more use out of a black sequin vest, or a sheer black jacket with a sequined rose, which is lightweight for traveling.
Plan accessories by comparing the list of conference events to the basic wardrobe you have selected. 1.) Day bag: if the conference does not typically supply these canvas totes, take something that stands on the floor, i.e. when you are in workshops or at dinner. Shoulder straps are a necessity as you do many things with both hands. An outside pocket large enough to slide a notebook into and if you are passing those business cards around, select a day bag that you can easily access those important cards. 2.) Party Bag: something flat with a shoulder strap. Flat is good for travel, or pack necessities into a bulkier bag rather than leaving it empty in your luggage.
Packing spacesaver: don't forget to pack those shoes full.
Take a nightgown, etc. one that buttons or can be opened down the front. When applying cosmetics, etc. put the nightgown, etc. on backwards to protect your dress clothing. I sometimes use a sleep shirt, draped across my front.
Personal favorites: TravelSmith, Chico's and others are wise to pack-and-go clothing, but I've used a lot of Susan Graver from QVC.com and been really happy with rolling them and easy care. Also Lauren Hutton, whom I've mentioned on my blog as "Admirable" is a world traveler, and she's developed a makeup product I love (yes, I'm a makeup junkie, too :)). The brand is Good Stuff and I have her Face Disk, which is big and flat and holds almost everything you need but mascara. I've just purchased her South Pacific set, and love it. It comes with brushes, lip liner, and mascara. Concealers of different shades, eyebrows, contouring, blush, several lip tints, dry/wet powder, bronzer, etc. all included with instructions on how to use. Back to raving about the Face Disk: Each small "pot" can be restocked, has a magnet on the bottom of the pot so that the empty one can be removed and the replacement put in. Each pot also has a colored ring that matches the brush that goes with it, purchased with or without, but brushes are the name of the game. (Told you--I am a true makeup junkie.) If I had to take only one thing with me, it would be that Face Disk.
Travel Light if flying. Years ago, when luggage wasn't as restricted and the overhead bays were stuffed, I tried to carry on my promos, bookmarks, etc. The bag was so heavy that when I tried to lift it down from the overhead, the weight almost sent me back into the seat behind me!
If possible, take a bag you can handle by yourself. If you are shipping through luggage (and make that rolling bags that stack with your carryon), take a basic change of clothes in your carryon bag/tote. (This has happened too many times to conference goers--the bags are delayed/lost and individuals have to use their charge cards for clothing.)
*Obey that 3-oz rule. And select traveling shoes that are not going to cause a probably hassle at check-in security, easy on/off.*
Your Carry-On: Depends on what you're doing, i.e. shipping through or managing your own. Airlines are now tight with space, so check with your travel agent as to the luggage requirements. I like soft, crunchable luggage as it sometimes fits better into airline overhead storage compartments. For laptop people, there are small rolling carryons which have a shelf for your notebook.
I must be queen of luggage as I love compartments and tote bags and everything with roller wheels and shoulder straps. But I avoid luggage that has a lot of cutesy/weighty metal buckles/tabs, etc.
Laptops: I have a large screen and got a laptop rollalong that has a shelf for basics, enough for a change of rolled clothing, adapter, files, etc. There is a side slit to pull out an tote that houses the laptop. If this rollalong needs to go to airline valet service, then I just pull out the envelope with the laptop. I can get most of what I need now for almost a week (yes, doing some hotel sink-handwashing) into that laptop rollalong and a large shoulder bag. (The laptop's rollalong does have a shoulder strap, too, which comes in handy.) Try to get a bag with an outside, easily accessible pocket for your tickets, etc. And in a shoulder bag/tote, I'll place a small zipper bag for traveling money, tips, change for the bathroom, etc. Always try to have your tip money ready. I have a problem calculating tips and wish all conference literature would include taxi/shuttle cost from the airport and tip suggestion.
SIDEBAR: I have this daughter. Well, three. But this one is a clothes-fiend. We were going to make a fast 4-day hard driving jaunt from Missouri to Colorado. In a small Mazda; remember that part--a small compact car. We were going to leave the moment she came home from college, get on the road, drive for as long as we could take it before stopping for the night. I packed a carryon with my necessities, a box of edibles, water, pillows and light blanket, hotel reading material, and of course a basket of my cameras, recorders, laptop, CB, whatever. SHE TURNS UP with three big suitcases of clothing, cowboy boots for the West, 2 leather jackets, etc. Remember that small car bit? She had to repack pronto. It did turn out to be a really fun trip.
Back to the Conference Road: On a 2-day conference, I may not take my laptop and then use a shoulder carryon and a large purse/bag. I've packed mine to brief conferences, hassled at the airport security, and then sometimes not used them. However, they are nice if you are on a deadline and needing to work at those odd hours--I'm an early riser and fill my time working until the conference starts. Older model AlphaSmarts are everywhere and I do love my basic 3000, too. Use an envelope to keep receipts and make notations of expenses. Small spiral notebooks are great, too.
Ship-through Necessities: Always pack paper shipping tape that can be dampened, a spool with a self-cutter. Fingernail clippers without the file are great to cut threads, price tags you've left under your arm, or anything else. (Dry cleaning isn't as popular as it was, but at one conference we actually checked each other for those dry cleaning safety pins, and found that most of us still had them!) Don't forget a safety pin or two. I've seen people desperate for these. Toss shipping tape into your bag, because the shipping facilities are not always provided. If they are not, or you want to do your own, ask the service desk for a heavy cardboard box, use the shipping tape, and either ship as extra luggage or send those freebie books home. Take Velcro Spots: for that missing button, "gaposis," or a hem that is torn, these spots are great instant fixes. Use them for slipping shoulder pads. Consider taking a non-perishable snack in case the restaurant is closed when you arrive and the vending machines are empty/being unreasonable. You do not want to ship through perishables, because luggage is frequently lost now, and you could be looking a expensive clothing ruined by fruit or melted chocolate, etc.
Avoidables: Perfume. Shampoos, soap, body creams, etc. all contain enough fragrance when people are close packed into a conference. Let's be considerate of others. After seeing the results of my daughter's asthma, I advise consideration of those people sensitive to smells. Personally, there is nothing more nauseating than to be packed into a conference elevator with strong, clashing scents. (This after spending hours selecting an expensive Chanel fragrance for a New York trip, and not using it.)
Other things I like to take: A small looseleaf notebook, perhaps CD or tapes for relaxation, always some work stuff, i.e. research. I prefer looseleaf notebooks and use them with tabs for my continuing series books. I also like a tiny misting bottle for moisturing dry airline or conference air. Great for ironing, too, and livening up wavy hair. A camera is great, or purchase a disposable one. (This is why I have a picture with Nora Roberts when we both received RT awards. That picture with Nora means a great deal to me. I wish I'd taken more with friends, etc.)
Before you go: Spend time arranging times to meet with friends, develop a calendar. This gets you off to a more comfortable start, with arrangements for perhaps seeing the city, ways to fill time lags. Or you may collect friends to meet and sit together at workshops or meals. It is really great to all go out to dinner and relax a bit with friends. However. Do actively engage in meeting new people and moving out of your comfortable crowd. You'll do new things that way.
One last tip: Take it easy. Try to remain as stress-free as you can, which is pretty well impossible in a hurried, scheduled atmosphere. You want to get as much out of a conference as you can. If you do feel yourself overwhelmed, take a break. Be assured that through the day and night, very many people are quietly doing the same thing.
I hope you enjoy all your trips. Travel safe.
Coming in October
Last of the Psychic Triplet Trilogy
Last of the Psychic Triplet Trilogy