Top Packing Tips from Meeting Pros: How to Travel Like a Pro
Traveling frequently, whether for work or leisure, requires a well-honed packing strategy. Meeting planners, who are often on the road, have perfected the art of packing to make their travels smoother and more efficient. If you’re looking to up your packing game, there’s no better source of advice than these seasoned professionals. Here’s a roundup of their best packing tips to help you travel smart and stress-free.
Essential Packing Tips from Meeting Pros
1. Don’t Forget Your Wrap
Shannon Ashley Fallon, Senior Event Operations Manager at Fidelity Investments, swears by packing a cashmere wrap. It’s not only cozy and stylish but also versatile. In addition to this, she carries a foldable duffle bag for any extra items or gifts, a swimsuit, and a lightweight rain jacket to handle unpredictable weather.
2. Packing Cubes Are a Game Changer
Adrienne Tucker, Senior Meeting Planner Specialist at the American Bar Association, highlights the benefits of packing cubes. They help organize and compress items, freeing up space in your suitcase and making it easier to manage your carry-on.
3. Make a List—and Follow It
Magdalena Schneider, Senior Event Manager at Moore Carlyle Consulting, emphasizes the importance of making a packing list. This simple step ensures you don’t forget anything and only pack what you need.
4. Begin With Basic Black
Sandra Daniel, President & CEO of Fire Light Group, advises packing basic black clothing items. This strategy simplifies outfit planning and reduces the amount of luggage. She also suggests including versatile ballet flats that double as workout shoes.
5. Protect Your Ties
Joe Lipman, President of Summit Management Services, offers a practical tip for keeping ties wrinkle-free: place the cellophane wrapping from the dry cleaner between each tie.
6. Use Your Shoes
Venessa Grant, Owner of Manifest Site Select, makes use of shoe space by packing small items like socks and underwear inside her shoes. It’s a clever way to maximize suitcase space.
7. Try the “Pack-This” List
Lindsay Grosz, President of Lindsay Grosz Events, uses the “Pack This” list from Knock Knock. It’s a great organizational tool that helps ensure nothing is left behind and makes for a thoughtful client gift.
8. Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 Rule
Edie Leibman, Principal at LPC Consulting, LLC, follows the 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Rule: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 dresses or handbags, and 1 accessory. She also recommends rolling clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles.
9. Carry Your Coffee
Anca Platon Trifan, CEO of Tree-Fan Events, brings her compact Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee machine on trips to ensure she can enjoy high-quality coffee without relying on hotel options. She packs the coffee pods in a sturdy, resealable bag.
10. Mix and Match
Ashley Patton, Marketing Manager at Kastle Systems, prefers packing basics that can be mixed and matched. This approach saves time and space, allowing for versatile outfit combinations.
11. Jersey is the Best
Shannon Ryan, Associate Director at National Comprehensive Cancer Network, opts for jersey material clothes that drape well and resist wrinkles. She also packs a travel steamer to tackle any remaining wrinkles.
12. Collect Your Cords
Josh Adams, Industry Relations Strategist at Streamlinevents, keeps a dedicated bag for electrical cords and connections. This method prevents the hassle of searching for them and keeps everything organized.
13. Wear Your Heavy Shoes
Eric Hutchins, Associate Vice President at Lamont Associates, wears his heaviest shoes on the flight to save suitcase space and avoid getting other clothes dirty.
14. Bring Washable Shirts
Joost de Meyer, Chairman & CEO of First Incentive Travel, packs shirts that can be washed on the go, allowing him to bring fewer items. He also recommends a versatile jacket and a pair of shoes suitable for both business and evening events.
15. Bonus Tip from the Editor
A handy tip for managing wrinkles is using Downy Wrinkle Releaser. This miracle product comes in a travel size and can be sprayed on clothes to remove wrinkles easily.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of packing can significantly enhance your travel experience. By incorporating these expert tips from meeting professionals, you can streamline your packing process, stay organized, and ensure that you’re prepared for any situation. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, these strategies will help you pack smarter and travel more efficiently. Embrace these packing tips to make your next journey more enjoyable and stress-free.
Top Packing Tips from Meeting Pros: How to Travel Like a Pro
Top Packing Tips from Meeting Pros: How to Travel Like a Pro
Traveling frequently, whether for work or leisure, requires a well-honed packing strategy. Meeting planners, who are often on the road, have perfected the art of packing to make their travels smoother and more efficient. If you’re looking to up your packing game, there’s no better source of advice than these seasoned professionals. Here’s a roundup of their best packing tips to help you travel smart and stress-free.
Essential Packing Tips from Meeting Pros
1. Don’t Forget Your Wrap
Shannon Ashley Fallon, Senior Event Operations Manager at Fidelity Investments, swears by packing a cashmere wrap. It’s not only cozy and stylish but also versatile. In addition to this, she carries a foldable duffle bag for any extra items or gifts, a swimsuit, and a lightweight rain jacket to handle unpredictable weather.
2. Packing Cubes Are a Game Changer
Adrienne Tucker, Senior Meeting Planner Specialist at the American Bar Association, highlights the benefits of packing cubes. They help organize and compress items, freeing up space in your suitcase and making it easier to manage your carry-on.
3. Make a List—and Follow It
Magdalena Schneider, Senior Event Manager at Moore Carlyle Consulting, emphasizes the importance of making a packing list. This simple step ensures you don’t forget anything and only pack what you need.
4. Begin With Basic Black
Sandra Daniel, President & CEO of Fire Light Group, advises packing basic black clothing items. This strategy simplifies outfit planning and reduces the amount of luggage. She also suggests including versatile ballet flats that double as workout shoes.
5. Protect Your Ties
Joe Lipman, President of Summit Management Services, offers a practical tip for keeping ties wrinkle-free: place the cellophane wrapping from the dry cleaner between each tie.
6. Use Your Shoes
Venessa Grant, Owner of Manifest Site Select, makes use of shoe space by packing small items like socks and underwear inside her shoes. It’s a clever way to maximize suitcase space.
7. Try the “Pack-This” List
Lindsay Grosz, President of Lindsay Grosz Events, uses the “Pack This” list from Knock Knock. It’s a great organizational tool that helps ensure nothing is left behind and makes for a thoughtful client gift.
8. Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 Rule
Edie Leibman, Principal at LPC Consulting, LLC, follows the 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Rule: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 dresses or handbags, and 1 accessory. She also recommends rolling clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles.
9. Carry Your Coffee
Anca Platon Trifan, CEO of Tree-Fan Events, brings her compact Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee machine on trips to ensure she can enjoy high-quality coffee without relying on hotel options. She packs the coffee pods in a sturdy, resealable bag.
10. Mix and Match
Ashley Patton, Marketing Manager at Kastle Systems, prefers packing basics that can be mixed and matched. This approach saves time and space, allowing for versatile outfit combinations.
11. Jersey is the Best
Shannon Ryan, Associate Director at National Comprehensive Cancer Network, opts for jersey material clothes that drape well and resist wrinkles. She also packs a travel steamer to tackle any remaining wrinkles.
12. Collect Your Cords
Josh Adams, Industry Relations Strategist at Streamlinevents, keeps a dedicated bag for electrical cords and connections. This method prevents the hassle of searching for them and keeps everything organized.
13. Wear Your Heavy Shoes
Eric Hutchins, Associate Vice President at Lamont Associates, wears his heaviest shoes on the flight to save suitcase space and avoid getting other clothes dirty.
14. Bring Washable Shirts
Joost de Meyer, Chairman & CEO of First Incentive Travel, packs shirts that can be washed on the go, allowing him to bring fewer items. He also recommends a versatile jacket and a pair of shoes suitable for both business and evening events.
15. Bonus Tip from the Editor
A handy tip for managing wrinkles is using Downy Wrinkle Releaser. This miracle product comes in a travel size and can be sprayed on clothes to remove wrinkles easily.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of packing can significantly enhance your travel experience. By incorporating these expert tips from meeting professionals, you can streamline your packing process, stay organized, and ensure that you’re prepared for any situation. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, these strategies will help you pack smarter and travel more efficiently. Embrace these packing tips to make your next journey more enjoyable and stress-free.
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