What to Pack for a Trade Show in the Spring

I’m currently writing this post on a flight to Pasadena, California for a trade show and I couldn’t be more excited. If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you have most likely noticed that I’ve been traveling constantly for work. So far this year I’ve been to California three times, Texas once, and Arkansas once (for fun). My trade show packing skills have drastically improved so I thought I should share my packing advice with you.

Blue Pants (Similar) | Grey Pants |Green Pants 

Pack a pair of comfy shoes.

This is by far the best advice I can give you because I brought shoes on my first trade show that cut the back of my feet up so badly that I was limping in the airport the whole way home. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you and find comfortable flats that mold to your feet. Depending on the trade show you may be able to get away with wearing a nice leather slip on as well. Just make sure you boss says it’s okay. I’ve been wearing this pair of Steve Maddens religiously but I also wear this pair of suede J.Crew flats when it is a dressier trade show. I’m still on the lookout for a good in-between flat for both occasions.

Pack a good pair of headphones that has a headphone jack.

I recently updated my phone to the iPhone X because my iPhone 6 just stopped working on me. This new phone doesn’t have a headphone jack so when I’m on a long flight I need to remember to bring two different types of headphones- one that fits for my phone and one that fits the movie screen jack.

You can’t go wrong with a neutral pair of dress pants.

The thing is about neutral pants is that if you don’t have enough room in your bag you can pack only one pair of pants. 95% of the people will not notice that you’re wearing the same exact pair of pants from day one on day three. If they do notice, then they’re paying attention way too much. I bought a pair of olive green pants and a light gray pair from the Banana Republic. They’re beyond comfortable and I love how they sit slightly higher than a normal pair of pants.

Green Shorts (Similiar)| White Shorts (Similiar) |Suede Flats | Slip-on

Try to stay away from dresses and skirts.

I go back and forth on this tip very often because I absolutely love dresses but they’re so inconvenient for trade shows. If you really want to wear one try not to wear on the same day you’re setting up or breaking down your booth. You’ll be bending over a lot and you know the end result for that. The same also goes with low-cut shirts!

Dress in layers.

Nothing is worse than being uncomfortable at a trade show so make sure you pack a cardigan or a jacket so if you get hot or cold you can be comfortable. I’m a huge fan of suede jackets and oversized blazers for trade shows. Plus, layers are perfect for wearing on the plane because they are either super cold plane ride or super hot plane ride.

Don’t forget to pack clothes for exploring!

I love exploring the area around the trade show. I mean isn’t that the perk of traveling for work? The best way to make sure you pack the right clothes is to look up on Pinterest or do a quick Google search on the best things to see or do in the area. I plan on traveling 20 minutes to see the Hollywood sign and explore Old Pasadena. Make sure you check my Instastories for that! Also, you can see what I did on my last trip to California here.

Suede Jacket (Similar) | Jean Jacket | Black Cardigan

Do you ever go to trade shows for your job? Do you ever travel for your job? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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