One week until DD's conference-am I forgetting anything?

[Dmmetler]

I don't think I've ever been this nervous even when I was doing multiple sessions as a presenter-at this time next week, DD will be in her first sessions at her first conference.

 

Anyway, so far, here's what I've pulled together.

 

Clothes of a range of levels of formality and weight-officially, attire is causal, but I don't know exactly what causal means, and while TN in late July/Early August is ridiculously hot most of the time, I've attended enough professional meetings to know that sometimes meeting rooms have thermostats set to "freeze".

 

A small backpack with:

 

contact cards and a small case to carry some of them at a time.

 

A phone app for her iPod touch (with minutes pre-purchased)with my cell phone, her faculty mentors cell phone, the person assigned as her conference mentor, and the coordinator of the mentorship program's phone. The conference center and hotel both have wifi. I'm not really anticipating not being with her (and if I'm not, she'd likely be with her faculty mentor), but I'd feel better if she has a way to contact me. I'm debating whether this is enough, or whether we should invest in a cheap pay as you go cell phone for the trip (which would probably sit unused, because I can't see her having a need for one at home).

 

A folder with the conference schedule and the contacts listed above printed out, and to insert papers as she gets them, with a zip-lock bag stapled in the front to put business cards in.

 

The conference app loaded on her iPod touch with the conference schedule, etc on there as well.

 

A spiral notebook to take notes, with several pens/pencils.

 

Draggy. although right now DD is saying he's going to guard the hotel room, I'll be amazed if he isn't tucked in there with the pencils and papers next week, because she's more nervous than she wants to admit.

 

Anything else?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mom2bee]

Money? A no-mess snack she can eat on her feet such as a granola bar, boiled eggs, yogurt tube, or cheese cubes (with a toothpick)? I know its a little early to pack food, but its not too early to find snacks that'll work.

[Eagle]

Bathing suit?

[hellojwolford]

This reminds me of my first time attending a neuroscience conference as a young grad student! I made a list that sounded just like yours (minus the draggy). When I got there, I found that all I really needed was a sweater (in mid summer in the Caribbean no less) and a genuine interest in the topic. Your DD sounds so very much more prepared than any of my grad student friends that attended such conferences. Take heart! It's going to be great! I can't wait to hear a report when she returns!

[Dmmetler]

I have swimsuits packed already. I know one of the planned evening activities for the pre-baccalaureate kids (and any young undergrads or professors who brought their families on) is pizza by the pool, since some of the night banquets and socials have alcohol served. I plan to bring some snacks, but we won't have a refrigerator, which will limit us to things that are fairly shelf stable (although I do have a small cooler, so if I can get ice, that opens up more options). She'll have some money, both in cash and on a pre-loaded debit card.

 

I admit, I figure I need to get a picture of Draggy with a conference sign or something. After all, he went with her to kindergarten :).

[La Texican]

I can't think of anything you need, but have a great time you guys!

[Gratia271]

Have a wonderful time! :)