Conference Packing List for the Digital Age

How Am I Feeling Today? A Then-and-Now Reflection

My husband had a “How Are You Feeling Today?” poster in his school counseling office, and it showed how I felt before my first genealogy conference. I was nervous and overwhelmed, but also happy, hopeful, and ecstatic to be heading to Springfield, Illinois for my first national genealogy conference. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew it would be exciting. Today, those feelings have shifted. I feel happy and relaxed because I know what lies ahead, and I am hopeful about gaining new knowledge, especially for researching my German connections at the International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP) Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

Fourteen Years Later

After looking at the “How Are You Feeling Today?” poster and reflecting on the emotions I had before my first conference, I decided to revisit my earlier blog posts about preparing for a genealogy conference. Fourteen years later, I reread those posts to see what made it onto my packing list back in 2011. A lot has changed since that first trip, both in how I prepare and what I bring along.

Fourteen years ago, I attended my very first national genealogy conference. I still remember the excitement and the overpacking. I brought a netbook, printed schedules, a CD syllabus, and enough office supplies to outfit a small office. Fast forward to today, and while the thrill of attending a genealogy conference hasn’t changed, how I pack certainly has. Welcome to conference prep in the digital age!

This year, my tablet is my go-to genealogy companion. Instead of lugging around folders or printing the entire syllabus, I simply upload the syllabus to Dropbox and use ezPDF Reader to access it on my tablet. Not only can I highlight key information, but I can also take notes directly on the digital pages. No more sticky notes fluttering away between sessions.

For times when I want to jot down ideas or sketch a quick family tree diagram, I bring along my Rocketbook notebook. It gives me the feel of writing on paper, but with a quick scan, my notes are saved to the cloud. It is lightweight, reusable, and a game-changer for traveling genealogists.

Even in this digital era, some essentials haven't changed. I still bring a tote bag, perfect for collecting goodies from the vendor hall. Those vendor giveaways, sample charts, and irresistible books need a place to go, after all.

Comfortable shoes are still non-negotiable. You will thank yourself after walking between breakout sessions, strolling through exhibit halls, and standing in line for coffee, or in my case tea. I also dress in layers because conference centers love their air conditioning and temperatures can swing from summer heat outside to sweater weather inside.

My cell phone now handles what my camera, GPS, and notebook used to do, all in one pocket-sized device. From snapping quick photos of new products to navigating unfamiliar streets, it is indispensable.

Business cards still come with me, but now I carry two types. One with my personal genealogy blog information, and another promoting my new book. Conferences are a wonderful way to network with fellow genealogists, potential readers, and collaborators.

It is easy to get caught up in tech and sessions, but I never leave my room without a water bottle and a few snacks tucked in my bag. In 2011, almonds were my snack of choice. Now, I bring protein bars instead. Staying hydrated and energized keeps me focused throughout the day.

And of course, do not forget your chargers. Whether it is your tablet, phone, or another device, make sure it can last through a long day at the conference. Include a portable charger, if you have one, in case an outlet is not available when needed.

Packing for a genealogy conference today is more streamlined and efficient than it was back in 2011. I have traded bulk for cloud storage, paper for digital annotation, music cds for Sirius, and added a dash of smart technology to enhance my experience. But at its heart, the conference experience is still about connecting, whether it is with your ancestors, fellow researchers, or new ideas.

Now, if only packing my suitcase were this easy!