So in case you didn't pick up on it, I'm a little excited. My use of exclamation points has been quite...liberal. I've always been a pre-planner and packer and this is no exception! I've been to several conventions/conferences (both for fun and for not-fun work), and I usually don't have access to a place to stash my things while I walk the floor (in this case, I think Fiancé will drop us off). Every little thing counts to make sure I get the most out of the weekend...and can still go strong on day 2!
Here are some of my Must-Haves to survive and pwn the day that I plan on using for GenBeauty:
Comfy (and cute!) shoes - because as hard as I try, I am not one to totter around in heels for a full day. I just can't do it. I would much rather stomp around in boots or flit around in flats, and the last thing I want is to not see everything I want to see because my feet are sore. Plus, 2 days in a row walking the show usually means slightly sore feet on day 2, regardless of what footwear is worn. I am not masochistic enough to sacrifice my foot comfort for fashion.
Business cards - whether they are my "official" work cards or my "alter-ego" blog cards, these are essential for networking...and for my male-heavy line of work, helpful in getting people to take you a bit more seriously (its all in the job title!). It will be so nice to go to a girly event like this for a change. Silly me forgot to get her cards done in time, so I had to resort to printing and cutting myself...but hey, they look pretty darn good.
Water bottle - I am never without a water bottle. I keep them everywhere, and I love fancy ones (such as my trusty S'well, or my new Citrus Zinger from my Popsugar Must Have box). But for something like this, I revert back to a cheap throwaway bottle. Seems counterintuitive to carry an un-pretty bottle to an event where everyone is looking at everyone else, right? But!! the bottle will be lighter and if I get sick of carrying it, I can toss recycle it altogether.
Small crossbody bag (OR giant light tote) - I usually opt for either a tiny crossbody that holds my essentials, or a huge tote to toss all my goodies into. GenBeauty should provide cute pink tote bags upon check-in, though (if it is anything like last year), so I can use that for the goodies and stick to a crossbody for this. (Note to self: wear something that won't clash with the tote!)
iPhone - for such a social media-heavy event like this, a smartphone is a must...preferably ready to go with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Last year Benefit printed out all the Instagrammed pics hashtagged for GenBeauty for people to take home, which is such a cute and fun idea. This year they will have a printer compliments of bareMinerals. Time to #genbeauty like a crazy person! Fair warning to anyone following me on Instagram...its going to get crazy with makeup pics next weekend.
Phone battery backup - I love my hot pink iPhone charger...its small and only gets me a charge and a half, but that is plenty to get me through the day without being too bulky.
Beauty essentials - Sunblock (I have tons of Supergoop!, thanks to the now-defunct LBB), Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 in clear, hand cream, hair ties, small concealer compact, hand sanitizer, lip color (lipstick or lip gloss). Although in the case of GenBeauty, I probably don't need to bring anything at all and I can get made up at any of the various booths. :)
Sharpie pens & Sharpie - there is never ever a pen when you need one, although most conventions you can track down a freebie somewhere. I <3 Sharpie brand pens though so I always have one on me. A regular Sharpie is essential for writing your name on name tags or if you ever get a chance to get someone's signature...I'm always surprised at the number of celebrities that grace conventions with their presence!
Now if only I knew what I am going to wear tomorrow...
