Conference Preparation

Packing List

Use this checklist before every conference. Forgetting materials or clothing at home affects your performance and composure in committee.

Tip Pack the night before and not the morning of. You will forget something important if you rush in the morning.

Day 1

Saturday (~12 hours)

Western Business Attire is required

Dress shirt or blouse + slacks

Men: suit or dress shirt + slacks; Women: pantsuit, skirt suit, or blazer+slacks duo
Blazer or suit jacket

Tie is optional for men but do not wear a tuxedo
Dress shoes

Nice, uncreased leather shoes can be used as an alternative
Undershirt or tank top (under dress shirt)

Pro tip: wear one to stay warm during long sessions, especially in the winter
Deodorant + light perfume or cologne

Briefcase, laptop bag, or clean school backpack

Committee stationary
Fully charged laptop + charger

Bring regardless of what committee you are in
Printed research + prep documents

In a folder or binder. Also bring some blank printer paper for brainstorming
Printed opening speech
Ruled spiral notebook or legal pad

Easily tearable pages so that you can quickly draft ideas
At least 1 full pad of sticky notes

For sending notes to others during committee (very important)
4–8 pencils and pens (sharpened, full of ink)

You will likely lose at least one so bring extras
Highlighters or colored pencils

Optional

Essentials for a long conference day

Fully charged phone (with call, data, and text)

An Apple Watch or similar is a plus but not needed
Wallet with ID + approx. $15–20 for meals

Most conferences are near restaurants and fast food. Do not pack a full lunch unless you specifically want to. Most delegates buy food nearby.
Small snacks

Granola bars, cheese sticks, just something easy to eat in 5–10 minute breaks
Full water bottle

You will get very thirsty during long committee sessions
Mints or gum

Talking a lot causes bad breath. Sharing gum is also an easy way to make allies
Hand sanitizer

Especially important during flu season
Cologne, perfume, or deodorant for refresh
Hairbrush

Optional
Airpods, headphones, or sunglasses

Good for unwinding during breaks or recentering between sessions

Day 2 (Not at every conference)

New outfit, or yesterday's fit with small changes

New outfit or change of details (tie, dress shirt)

Many delegates wear the same outfit, but even a small change like a different tie is nice
New socks

Please do NOT wear the same socks as before
Same shoes as Day 1
Undershirt or tank top (under dress shirt)
Deodorant + light perfume or cologne

Yesterday's bag + a few updates

Everything from Day 1
Discard any irrelevant notes or papers

Clean out yesterday's used/spent papers to keep your bag organized
Any additional research done overnight

Do NOT prewrite resolutions; that is a clear violation of the rules

Same as Day 1

Fully charged phone

Charge it overnight so it won't run out of battery during the day
Wallet with ID + approx. $15–20 for meals

Unless you specifically plan to bring your own food
Same snacks, water bottle, mints, hand sanitizer, and headphones

Dress Code

If you are unsure, check the conference website or ask an officer. When in doubt, stay on the side of more formal.

Men

Women

Not Allowed

Ask an officer or reach out. We’re happy to help you prepare for your first conference.