As I write this post, there are approximately 16 days, about two weeks, before the start of GardenComm’s annual conference. Though I’ve attended numerous GardenComm conferences, I’m a first timer when it comes to Salt Lake City and the mountains. I’m looking forward to seeing what their gardens look like compared to mine!
But before I board the plane that will take me non-stop from Indianapolis to SLC, I’m making lists to make sure I don’t forget anything and am ready to go once I land.
Here’s my list:
- Business cards. Some may think business cards are old-fashioned but most of us still prefer to get that little piece of cardboard to remember one another. I’ve ordered and received new business cards and put them on the pile of stuff I don’t want to forget to take to the conference.
- One sheets. For the first time, GardenComm will have tables set up at the expo where members can leave copies of their one sheets for others to take. What’s a one sheet? It’s basically a one page document, sometimes printed on both sides, sometimes graphical, that provides more information about who you are and what you do. Check out additional information on the GardenComm website. Don’t have a one-sheet? Get busy and create one. It can be plain or use a site like Canva to dress it up, and then take it to a local print shop to make some copies.
- Pitch session sign ups. Attendees who are members of GardenComm have the amazing opportunity to pitch their ideas to editors of magazines, books, and websites. Two weeks out, there are still some open time slots so members can now sign up for more than one session. Details are on the GardenComm website. And now that I’ve signed up, I’m polishing up a pitch or two I’m planning to make and bringing copies of them with me.
- Education sessions. One of the biggest decisions to make when attending any conference is which education sessions to attend. There are three during each time slot. I like to have a good idea before the conference which ones I’m planning to attend so I study the list before I leave home. They are all listed on the website.
- Chargers, chargers, chargers. I’m rounding up all the chargers I need so I can stay fully connected at GardenComm. Watch. Phone. iPad. Check, check, check. Oh, and an extra portable battery charger for the story tours.
What’s on your list of what to bring and what to do before you leave home? Did I forget anything?
Meet the Author
Carol Michel is an author, speaker, and gardener based in Indianapolis, Indiana, looking forward to her 11th GardenComm conference.
GardenComm Grows | The Official Blog of GardenComm 
These are great suggestions! I seem to always bring my card, but them leave them behind when I switch to a smaller bag and leave my room! Also, sunscreen and if you’re trying to reduce single-use plastic, a refillable water bottle.
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Sunscreen! Yes, definitely need that. I’m going right now to grab a new bottle of it an put it with my stack of stuff to take, along with a refillable water bottle. AND, I found a book I have by Martha Barnett, our keynote speaker. I’m going to take that for her to sign.
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