The Ultimate #RWA14 Conference Packing List
I’m leaving in two weeks to attend the Romance Writers of America (RWA) Annual Conference, which is meeting in San Antonio, Texas this year. This will be my fifth in-person conference, my third RWA National, and my thirteenth workshop presentation.
*pauses* Really? I’ve run twelve workshops in the past two years? Wow, no wonder I feel so busy all of the time.
Anyway, despite all of that experience, I’m still doing my usual I’m-an-introvert, pre-conference freak-out. If I did a post for that to-do list, it would look something like…
- Stay in denial that I’m going to have to crawl out of my shell until the last possible minute.
- Mentally berate myself with buyer’s remorse (What was I thinking? Why do I put myself through this?).
- Bemoan the fact that Polyjuice Potion doesn’t exist so I can send someone in my place.
- Curl up into a ball and have a panic attack, convinced that I can’t do this.
- Accept that I can’t get out of it, and then stress about getting everything ready in time.
Hmm, does anyone else think those to-do items look suspiciously like the “five stages of grief“? Maybe I’m grieving for the loss of my introverted life for the next couple of weeks. *grin*
Going to RWA14? Let Me Know!
If you’re going to the RWA conference, let me know so we can meet up. Putting faces to names is one of the best things about in-person conferences.
And if you’re interested in my Develop a Free Author Website in 60 Minutes (or Less!) workshop, I’ll be presenting it on Saturday, July 26th, at 3:15pm in Salon M at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel. Here’s the blurb:
Develop a Free Author Website in 60 Minutes (or Less!) (TRAINING)
Speaker: Jami Gold
Need a website (or blog) but don’t know where to start? Never fear, all you need is one hour to learn everything about creating a website using WordPress and other free Internet resources.
I am looking forward to seeing my roomies again, and I do enjoy presenting workshops and meeting people, but the peel-off-my-introvert-shell stress? Ugh. It’s a good thing I have my handy-dandy ultimate packing list from the last time I went to RWA National. *smile*
The Ultimate RWA Conference Packing List
- Conference outfits (clothes and jewelry—casual business most of the time, dressier business for pitches or editor/agent meetings, dressy for Awards Ceremony)
- Comfortable shoes & gel inserts
- Snacks for between workshops when you can’t stop for lunch
- Medications (no hangovers allowed) & prescriptions
- Your schedule
- Laptop/cellphone/camera (& chargers/power cords)
- Paper/pen/highlighter
- Business cards
- Small toiletry case for purse or bag
- Some way to ship back or carry your goodies
- Some way to personalize your RWA tote bag to make it easier to find among the 2000 identical bags
- Small sewing kit for wardrobe malfunctions
- Bandaids for blisters
- Mints/candies to suck on for energy and fresh breath
- Swimsuit/coverup/workout clothes (for all of that *ahem* unscheduled time you don’t have)
- Cardigan for chilly conference rooms
- Dress purse for Awards Ceremony
- Earplugs, white noise app on phone
- Umbrella
- Cash for tips, Literacy Booksigning, dining with friends, vending machines
- Extension cord for hotel room (2-4 women, 1 sink—do the math)
- Extra hangers for hanging all your nice clothes in the closet
- Pins for lanyard (PRO, chapter, etc.)
- Sharpie marker and tape for labeling shipping boxes
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, stain stick or wipes, moisturizer
Other things to prepare and do:
- Print out of hotel reservation, and email all important documents to yourself to ensure you have copies
- Attach business card to phone/camera in case it gets misplaced
- Make sure you drink plenty of water
*whew* All right, what am I forgetting? *smile*
Do you have anything else to add to this list? Are you going to the RWA conference? (Let me know if you want to meet up!) How do you prepare for big trips (are you as much of a over-achieving perfectionist as I am, or do you go with the flow)? Are you an introvert who struggles with in-person events? How do you handle those situations?
P.S. If you live in the San Antonio area, the Literacy Autographing event is open to the public:
The 2014 “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing will be on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel in the 3rd floor ballroom. This year, proceeds from the Literacy Autographing will benefit ProLiteracy Worldwide, Literacy Texas, Restore Education, and Each One Teach One San Antonio.
P.P.S. Last call for any entries to my Blogiversary Contest.
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Looking forward to seeing you! Don’t worry, your roomies will be there for you if you freak out.
Hi Buffy,
LOL! Yes, I’m counting on that. 🙂 I can’t wait to see you!
I’m not going this year, but that’s very cool you’re presenting a workshop! I’m tentatively planning to go next year in NYC and will definitely go to your workshop if you’re there 🙂
Hi Stephanie,
I usually go to National every other year, so unless something changes in my schedule, I won’t be at NYC next year. 🙁 Someday, we’ll get to meet, I hope! Thanks for the comment!
One of these years, I want to do the con circuit (conferences & conventions). I foresee myself referring back to this list, if I ever get to do that. 😀
Hi Carradee,
I look forward to the day you reach that point. 🙂 Maybe we’ll even get to meet someday!
Lord willing! I bet we’d get along even better in person than we do online. ^_^
Hi Carradee,
I bet we would too! 😀 *fingers crossed for someday*
Thank you for sharing your introvert-freakouts–now I don’t feel so alone! I’m planning to go to RWA next year in NY after much prodding from my critique partner, and I’m already feeling the introvert waffling. Your list will help me prepare…and remind me I’m not the only one might have a meltdown. 🙂
Hi CJ,
Oh, you’re definitely not alone. 😀 Many (if not most) authors are introverts, so you’ll find plenty of company who understand. You (and I) just have to tell yourself (myself): “It’ll be fine. You’ll do great. You’ll have fun.” LOL! Good luck with your trip to NYC next year, and thanks for the comment!
Great post – you mentioned some things I didn’t even think of, and I’m all about the lists. 😉 Yep, I’m going and taking big breaths to prepare myself to meet people like crazy. If you’re quiet, though I’m an introvert too, I usually try to make a point of talking to you, since everyone should enjoy the exhausting wonderfulness of conference. 🙂 Jami, I met you in Orlando – while I was having a mini breakdown and crying (but also pregnant, totally my excuse!) 😉 Would enjoy meeting you again sans breakdowns. 🙂
Hi Shelly,
Yay! I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s insane with lists. 🙂
And yes, I do remember you! (If I remember correctly, there was also an issue with not being able to reach your roommates and your room or the room key or something too. I remember thinking that I’d be freaking out if the situation was reversed, so I totally understand the breakdown. 🙂 )
I always think of that moment, not as anything bad against you, but as a reminder that we are all in the same boat and that we can comfort each other, just by being willing to reach out. *hugs* We should definitely meet up again–thanks for the comment!
Polyjuice Potion, ha ha. 🙂
I don’t know how you do it as an introvert. I’m an introvert, too. I go to the regional conference in the spring, and a few other day long workshops…but I just don’t think I could handle the big national convention. Maybe someday.
I’m also getting some requests to teach things to my local chapters and a few other chapters. I kinda want to do it, but…hello, don’t these people realize I’m an introvert?!
Hi Laurie,
Yes, I’ve learned how to “fake it” really well over the years. I’m actually fine if I have a script, which is why I’m able to do public speaking for workshops. So don’t assume that you wouldn’t be able to handle giving a workshop. Just as introverted doesn’t necessarily mean shy, it also doesn’t necessarily mean stage fright. 🙂
But everything else is draining. I come home from National and need to sleep for a day and a half. LOL! Thanks for the comment!
This was very helpful. This is my first convention with RWA. So I’m excited. Hubby is coming with me. So we can make it a mini vacation for both of us.
I’ll try to make your class.
Hi Mary,
Oh fun! I hope you have a great time with your first National. A good friend of mine brought her hubby to her first one too, so you’re not the only one who’s done that. 🙂 Thanks for the comment, and I hope we’ll get a chance to meet!
I’ll be there, Jami! I’ll stop by your session at least and say hello. Or give me a shout and we’ll grab some vino!
Hi Rhenna,
Yay! We should definitely get together. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Just the list I needed. Always such good information on your blog. Glad you’ll be at conference this year. Hope to find you and say “Hi”. We introverts need to stay together. This will be my first trip in plane in 25 years. Think that is overriding any conference anxiety. :~}
Since I’m going through that hot/cold phase I discovered taking one of those thin all in one scarf wraps has been the best thing I now take on trips. Mine is 5 ft long and 3 ft wide but I can fold it up small and fit it in my purse. It works as a light blanket, shawl, or bathing suit cover up.
Hi Page,
I’m glad this list is helpful. 🙂 Ooo, I’ve heard about those scarf/wrap things, but I’m not sure where I’d find one (don’t they have a specific name?). That sounds perfect!
Your comment reminds me of an image I posted on Facebook a while back–something along the lines of: “Introverts need to stick together. But separately. In their own homes.” 😉
I’m tall and have black hair with a blue streak, so feel free to stop me if you see me around. 🙂 Wishing you a safe and smooth flight, and thanks for the comment!
I am always a fan of those blaring stage lights- where you really cannot see your audience. In those cases you can just pretend you don’t have any audience and feel free to engage in whatever silly antics you like.
I’m guessing this isn’t likely but… remembering that a large majority of those you will be presenting for are likely to share your introverted nature may offer some small comfort.
Also, remember anything that might go awry is great fodder for future WIP’s
g’luck- Wish I could attend!
Hi Valerie,
LOL! For some reason, public speaking doesn’t faze me, even though I’m an introvert. My high school had a strong Speech & Drama department (Speech might have been a required class!), and I think that’s really helped me throughout my life.
It’s everything else that freaks me out. 😉 Thanks for the comment!
Bless you for that fabulous packing list! I need it. I’ll find you at the conference to say hello. I’m also an introvert, but I force myself to be super-social for those few days. And I end up meeting some wonderful, wonderful people, learning a lot, and having a great time. (Then when I get home, I’m in a coma for a day and a half — but whatever. LOL.)
Hi Julie,
Ditto to everything! LOL! I force myself to be super social because I know I’ll get to meet fantastic people, and then…yeah, coma. 🙂 Thanks for the comment, and I look forward to meeting you!
AWESOME!!!!!! Can’t wait to go, can’t wait to see you and can’t wait to utilize this packing list!
Yay!!
Hi Tamara,
Yay! It will be great to see you too. 🙂
And I CAN’T wait to hear you speak!!! So cool!
Hi Tamara,
LOL! Aww, thanks for kind words and the comments! 🙂
Aww. Poor you. Being an introvert and having your cover ripped off can be awful. I used to break out in huge red hives when performing in front of people. I have lost my voice completely and had to pantomime. I have also almost fainted as a group mobbed me. I am not famous, don’t get me wrong. However, I did find out by attending a RWA conference that there is no friendlier, nice, group of women in the world. I felt more comfortable there than in many family holidays! You can’t go wrong at RWA as long as you smile.
I live in a very rural area. When it was discovered that I write, I was asked to give a talk at the local library. The local flower shop sent ME flowers as the owner knew I was sketchie at talking.
You appear to be an awesome person with a talent for detail and teaching. Yours is the only blog I’ve signed up for because you do have those qualities as well as warmth.
Thank you. You’ve already done wonders for my newest WIP.
Kock ’em dead in San Antone–a great town to visit! Do plan on River Walk and there is some great west Texas BBQ that is quite different from other places so remember to go over the wall and escape to that too.
Best,
Nina
From the middle of a wheat field in Kansas
Hi Nina,
Yikes at the hives! I’ve had an uncontrollable coughing fit mid-workshop once, but no hives. *whew* And you’re right that the people at RWA conferences are fantastic. 🙂
Aww, thanks for the kind words about my blog and thanks for the comment! *blush*
By the way, an old fashioned luggage carrier from before they had wheels is very nice to move stuff around at conference to keep yourself from developing long monkey arms. Don’t forget a tiny sewing kit for emergencies-not necessarily your own. and a safety pin or two. A pocket knife in your check in luggage or scissors can be very helpful also. I took mini-office tools and an extra small pouch for everyone’s business cards with a pen attached to drop a line or two on the back to remember why I have the card.
Hi Nina,
Ooo, yes, I’ve seen some people bring those mini-cart/dolly things previous years. Good additions! Thanks for the comment!
This is super helpful, thanks! I’m attending my first ever conference. Had a couple of ‘duh’ moments reading the list.
Hi Callene,
Good luck at your conference! And remember that everyone there was a newbie at some point in time. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Actually, it will be RWA next week. Your workshop is on my list! I don’t know if you remember me from WWBC a couple of years ago, but I’d love to meet in person and say hi if I get a chance!
Hi Callene,
Wow! I haven’t heard of WWBC in a long time. 😀 Definitely come say hi at my workshop or if you see me around!
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Hi Jami! Loved this blog. Found the 2012 list, then this one, Yay. Took a WANA workshop with you in October (loved it). Really hope we run into each other. Have a terrific conference! And you will knock ’em dead at your workshop -you were awesome in October.
Hi Kim,
Aww, thanks! Yes, definitely hope we can meet up. If you see a tall woman with black hair and blue streaks, that’s likely me. Stop me and say hi. 😀 Hope you have a great conference too and thanks for the comment!