I've gotten pretty good at packing for conferences, and never have to check a bag when I fly, so here's my short list of what I pack.

Personal Items

All prescription medicines that you may need. (Be sure to bring allergy medicine if you take it as the allergens in Atlanta may be different from your local air.)

Any other medicine that you can't easily find at a gas station. (There is a small store in the hotel, and a gas station within walking distance, in case you need Ibuprofen or something, or you can always borrow from your travel buddies.)

Vitamins so you can keep up your energy.

Makeup and beauty supplies.

Tooth brush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash.

Q-tips, cotton balls, tweezers or anything else you require more often than every 5 days.

Deodorant. (Please.)

Clothing Items

Spare pair of pants (or two).

Enough shirts for one per day, plus a spare, in case of spillage.

Warm sweater/fleece/jacket or two to layer in the very cold classrooms.

Undies.

Socks.

Warm jammies.

Optional:

Spare pair of shoes if needed. I normally don't pack a second pair.

Belt (if you didn't wear one on the plane and need it).

Exercise clothes if you'll be using the gym.

Work Items

Laptop with all of your passwords loaded. Since this is a workshop event, I recommend you bring a full-size laptop that you can work on for an extended period of time. It's not the right time to run out and get a Netbook, if you've never used one before. (The screen and keyboard are both tiny, which may or may not be a frustration to you.)

Laptop charger.

Separate mouse if you prefer to use one.

GotoMyPC.com or another program if you need to access your home PC.

Extension cord will come in handy.

Cell phone – loaded with important numbers, including those who you travel with.

Cell charger.

Business Cards. Zazzle has really cool “skinny” & “chubby” sized cards.

Notebook (the kind made of paper) for taking notes. I prefer a three-subject notebook as I divide my notes into categories.

Pens.

Fun Items

Camera with charger.

Flip Mino with extra batteries.

Cords if you plan to load photos/video at the event.

What to Wear on the Plane if you Fly

Comfortable, nice-looking shoes.

Warm sweater (saves room in luggage).

What to Have Handy if you Fly

Passport or Drivers License.

Printout of e-Ticket.

Printout of hotel reservation, including address and phone number for finding the shuttle at the airport.

Other Important Items to Pack Whenever you Travel

Copies of your Health Insurance cards in case of emergency.

Emergency contact numbers in your purse. I also give these to my hotel roommate just in case.

Let me know what I missed and I'll add it.

Hope that helps!

Warmly,
Nicole

PS. See you at the NAMS Conference in Atlanta!