Having attended quite a few now here are three things I think of as essentials for making the most out of any conference:

1. Lightweight laptop or Netbook: The first time I went I took a normal laptop, the morning of the second day I could hardly move, my back ached so badly from having lugged around my laptop all the previous day. If ever you needed the justification for a back up machine this is it!

2. A Backpack not a messenger bag, you will acquire a lot of stuff walking around a conference, having a good well placed backpack will help you and your back. If you do end up taking a fullsize laptop this is even more essential. It also means you can stuff lots of water or soda or whatever you drink and your favorite snacks and avoid paying the outrageous costs that the conference centers charge.

3. Good walking shoes. Over the course of the day you will find yourself, at some of the bigger conferences, walking several miles. Bearing in mind that you are also carrying a few pounds of gear, drinks and food around you want to be comfortable.

What do you take to conferences to survive?

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