Packing, packing, packing for Florida!

If you look in the dictionary under the word loony genealogist you will currently find my picture.  Why?  Because I am flying from OGS straight to NGS.  That made my packing for the conference a little, well, interesting.  However, I will assume that you are not a loony genie like me and if you are attending NGS next week you will come from your home.

So, if you are attending NGS, what should you bring or pack?  If you are a seasoned conference goer you probably have a favorite bag, jacket, water bottle and the note taking device you are bringing.  However, for us not used to the sunshine (thank you Mother Nature) maybe there are a few other things you have not thought about bringing.

For instance, you want to consider packing (or purchasing on site)

• Sunscreen (in case you venture outside!) and aloe vera (for when you spend too much time in the sun)
• A wide brimmed hat 
• Beach attire (it's right there after all and you are already getting sunscreen!)
• a list of places to visit in the area which is accessible by water taxi (which you can take from the conference hotel)

If this is your first time at NGS, you should be in a for a real treat.  While packing for a conference can be challenging (especially if you tend to over pack like me) here are a few essentials you should consider, including the things I listed above.

• Comfy, supportive shoes.  You will be doing a lot of walking.  Make sure to take care of your feet so you can attend all of the conference sessions.
• A small bag of snacks.  You may forget to eat since you are running around learning stuff.  Keep yourself healthy and have a small piece of fruit, granola bar or other snacks to give you an energy boost.
• Don't forget to double check all of your cables for your phone, tablet, or other electronics.  Even at a conference you should be able to recharge them some places and dead cell phones are a bummer.
• Make a priority list of vendors in the exhibit hall.  Which places do you HAVE to visit, would like to visit, or think are interesting to check out.  It will help you spend your time wisely, and also keep a lot more of your money in your pocket.
• If you are flying, make sure to budget money to ship purchased items home. Or bring another bag!

Well, see you in a few short days in sunny Florida!

Less than one week to go! RootsTech on the brain…

Don’t you hate how inevitably everything gets pushed off to the last minute?  I had such wonderful laid plans about how I was going to be on top of things and really organized for this trip.  This time was going to be different.  Yeah, right. 

Once again deadlines loomed.  Client reports were typed.  And there sat my pre-RootsTech list, alone, waiting for me to get to it.  Well, nothing like a deadline to get you into gear huh?  Seems that is the only way I really know how to work.

My checklist for what I want to take is starting to grow in length.  With weight and bag restrictions on airlines, I am actually beginning to worry if I can fit everything I want to bring.  I mean heck, I buy toiletries and clothes there…right?

So far, I have this on my list for things to bring with me and I plan to bring in my carry-on.  Believe it or not, I will check a bag of clothes.  Mainly because my main carry-on bag will be filled with items for my booth that I don’t want to ship or get lost. Oh, plus I have the reasons why.  Maybe you see something which you should bring too?  Or better yet, am I missing something that is not a typical need (such as gum, snacks, or something to read)?  Let me know!

Tech Gear:

·         Laptop / Cord / wireless mouse: the ultimate essential huh.  I really do need this for blogging, photo editing, and etc.  Usually it stays in my hotel.

·         Laptop lock: I know I should trust people, but I don’t.  I lock my laptop down where I go, especially in public places.

·         iPad / Clam Case / charger: this is what I take with me on the day of.  Much easier to take notes on, use in the library, or fiddle with genealogy apps while talking with new to me cousins.  The clam case is a hard shell cover with a Bluetooth keyboard.  LOVE it, mainly because I am clumsy and this prevents me from hurting it…so far.

·         Charging brick: these are the most awesome inventions and handy for on the go charging when you do not have access to an outlet.  Get one!

·         Selfie stick: do not laugh, this has been a life saver in a number of genealogy instances.  Mainly because I am short.  However, I am pretty sure I will be using it for pics of myself with people and of the crowd.  Make sure you get one with a Bluetooth connection because they are much easier to use.  I picked up mine from Target for less than $20.

·         Flash drives: for computers not attached to Dropbox or printers so I don’t use paper.

·         Apps: make sure you have the ones you need, or want, and that they are up to date.

·         Mobile hotspot: that way I am always connected…

Non-Tech Gear:

·         Flight stuff: My boarding pass will be on my phone, but I am always paranoid about missing flights.  So I write the information down on a note card and carry it with me.

·         My RT itinerary: which, because I am insane, is color-coded and annotated so I know what I am doing when.  I print a copy (and placed inside a sheet protector) and I have access to one on my mobile devices through Drive.

·         Passport: always an accepted form of ID.

·         Change of clothes: see part where I am messy.  Accidents happen, and sometimes clothes don’t arrive when checked.

·         Handi-wipes: choose your favorite brand but I am messy and usually feel gross when I fly.  Wipes are great for quick hand washes, face washes, or washing anything really.

Hacks to know and use:

·         I use an old hard sided glasses case to carry and store my phone and tablet chargers in.  Keeps them tangle free and all in one place.

·         Label everything with a mailing label which has how to get ahold of you at the conference (cell phone?).  If you lose something it should get back to you quickly!

·         Use binder clips to organize your headphones as well as your cables when you get to your room or research area.

Other Resources:

Need more tips? Like to watch videos?  Great!  Here are a few items I have found useful for packing and life hacks.  Pick and choose those that work for you.

·         How To: Pack Like a Pro by Heathrow Airport

·         How to Pack a Carry-on Bag by The Travel Channel

·         Tips on How to Travel Light by Genealogy In Time Magazine 

Things to do during snow-pocalypse…plan for RootsTech

Sitting here in my office watching the snow pile up outside is not helping me with “Stuff” I should be doing.  I would really like to sit in front of the fire with a good book, but instead I am being responsible!  Rootstech is a week away!!!

I can hardly believe that in just over a week I will be on a plane heading to Salt Lake City.  If you are going to be there, make sure you stop by and say “Hi!” to me at the In-Depth Genealogist Booth.  Or as a matter of fact, any time you see me.  I love chatting.

As the planner and organizing that I am my lists are already started.  So much to do, so much to see, so few hours in the day!  Be that as it may, here are a few things that I learned from last year about attending RootsTech.  So, I am passing some of my wisdom onto you.

Do you have the app?

Yes, RootsTech has an amazing app, and it is free.  Download it to your mobile device so you can keep track of your friends, your schedule, have a map of the facility at your fingertips, plus stay on top of announcements and information from/about RootsTech. 

Doing Research? The cloud is your friend!

Seriously, I couldn’t believe the number of people who were lugging around giant notebooks of information in their carry-ons.  People, it is the 21^st century, we need to embrace it.  Trust me, your back is not going to survive otherwise.  Upload documents, databases, and all sorts of files to your favorite cloud site.  Set you mobile work station up (computer, iPad, or etc.) and then go to town.  Everything you need is there and no need for you to lug binders on plane, trains, or automobiles! 

Bring snacks and a water bottle

The first day of the conference last year I had a horrible headache the avalanched into a migraine.  Why? Well, a combination of things but mainly dehydration and low sugar.  Medication, a dark quite place, and a granola bar brought me back to rights.  However, it is very easy for anyone to get ill in such a large place if they don’t take care of themselves.  You will not have any fun if you pass out!  Carry a refillable water bottle and a small snack with you, that way you can have a quick pick me up when needed.

Contact Cards

While you can get great deals on business cards at places like Vista Print even homemade ones are a great thing to carry with you at large conferences like this.  You never know who you are going to meet and want to keep in touch with afterwards.  I suggest getting ones that are blank on one side so you can write a note on the back.  That way when the person gets home they can remember why you gave them the card to begin with!

Packing List: NGS 2014

In just over a month NGS will be held in Richmond, Virginia.  I just can’t express how excited I am to attend my second large conference and be able to come home at night to sleep in my own bed.  Ah, the luxury!

As the perpetual planner and itinerary maker a month is just about perfect to start my packing lists.  Yes, lists.  There are always more than one and sometimes I even have to organize those.  Does that make me overly efficient or slightly loony?  

The one main difference about this conference is that I won’t have to worry about competing for the copiers at the library.  I am there to enjoy the conference, and I can come back another time to do the research.  Lucky me huh?  However, I have a feeling that I will be still be found lurking around the library helping out of town/state friends.

Unfortunately I will be solo this time around.  Well, except for Saturday.  My kids will be attending the NGS Youth Camp on Saturday and are very excited about it.  Even more so when they learned that mom doesn’t have to stick around.  It’s like I have the plague or something.  I included a Saturday packing list for them too. 

I have spent the last few hours trying to figure out how much I should stuff into my bag.  Over packing, um excuse me, being prepared, is the key.  So…let’s dive into what I think I should bring.  I will rely on you all to tell me if I am being a little too ambitious or to let me know if I forgot something.  Of course, you all could just see if I can pull this packing list off and then laugh at me when I look like a human pack mule.

General Needs:

Sturdy large bag: Bigger than a purse but smaller than a duffel bag is what I like to bring.  Something sturdy enough to put shopping in as well as carry everything I think I will need to have a happy conference.  I also bring a smaller bag that it squishy and can be used as an extra bag in a pinch.

Comfy shoes:  I am all for being stylish but now that I have entered the world of foot problem sufferers I can appreciate comfortable footwear.  Some sort of comfy loafer or sneakers will be in my bag for the trip. 

Layers: Dressing in layers is always a must.  While the weather maybe confused outside (Richmond could be anywhere from 50-80 degrees in May) you can bet that there will be at least one room that is a freezer inside the conference.  A light sweater or jacket will be with me. Preferably one that can be tied around the waist or squished into a bag.

Snacks: Having a few snacks on hand when you can’t get out for a real meal is a must have. Protein bar, some nuts, a piece of fruit, or anything that will give a boost of energy, but is small, is great to have.  I also tend to carry some hard candy or gum just in case I need it after lunch. 

Water:  While my morning caffeine is critical I carry a water bottle with me everywhere.  Now that you can get bottles with built in filters I will have one of these in my bag as well.  I can have water with me at any time and no worries about where the recycling bin is.

Electronics: Cords, cables, iPod, head phones, chargers, and etc.  A techie girl has to have her gadgets in tow!

First-aid kit: Can you tell that I am a mom.  My mobile band-aid station goes with me everywhere.  Bandages, tums, pain killers, hand sanitizer, and a small sewing kit.  It’s just one of those things that is always in my purse.

Conference Needs:

Schedule:  I have already analyzed the conference schedule that I picked up from my local society meeting months ago.  However, my organization streak has not stopped there because now I am transferring all that information to the app.  The mobile conference app is awesome and I am loving it!  I will have as much of my time planed out and arranged as possible before I get there, even if there are several blocks where I have multiple classes scheduled. 

Business Cards:  Make your own or take advantage of the various cheap business card makers out there.  You can hand them out to new friends or old friends.  Put them in door prize drawing boxes.  Or anything else you can think of.  My favorite printer is Moo.com but I hear Vista Print is good too.

iPad: Do I need to say more?

Notebook/Binder:  Yes, sometimes old fashioned paper and a notebook/binder is the answer.  I can keep important papers, contact numbers, itineraries, maps, and what not in one place. Plus, sometimes passing notes to friends is an actual thing.  Not everyone has text messaging believe it or not.

Writing tools: Stylus for the iPad, pens, pencils, highlighters, colored pencils, you name it I will have at least one of it on me for making the written word happen. 

Mailing labels:  I use filled out mailing labels to save my hands and time in filling out things at conferences.   They can be used to label your handouts, enter a contest, in a pinch as a business card, and many other things.  It would surprise you what you can use a mailing label for.  I put my full contact information on it as well as my social media contacts. 

  

Research Needs (I may give into the temptation):

Laptop:  I am trying to decide if I can do just the iPad or if I should bring my laptop too.  Something to think about…

Thumb drives: For those lucky times when you can copy files directly onto drives instead of having to cart loads of paper home.  Many of the research facilities around Richmond will let you copy directly to thumb drives.  The microfilm readers and copy machines at the Library of Virginia do this.

Folders: For those papers that I pick up.  I can keep them separate by topic, family, or whatever I need.

Cash: for the copy cards in case I really do need to make photocopies and I can’t use my thumb drive.

Camera: I never go anywhere, particularly a research opportunity, without my camera.  Included in my bag are the cords to transfer images, extra batteries, and camera lens cleaner.  

Kids Day Packing List:

Notebook and pen: No, they do not have tablets.  Bad mom I know, but paper and pen will be just fine.

If lost return tag: Yes, I label the inside their stuff when we go to large places.  My cell phone and email will taped, tacked, or tied to all their belongings. 

Water bottle: Hydration is important!

Small snack: An energy boost for them if they get cranky or need something before we can actually sit down for a meal. 

Notebook with printouts: The oldest will get to carry the notebook with the maps, itinerary, and how to find mom stuff.  The youngest is responsible for making sure the oldest doesn’t lose it.  Between the two we should be good to go.

Road Trip: Packing for FGS 2013

Skyline of Ft. Wayne, Indiana

In a month I will leave for FGS in Ft. Wayne.  Yes, a miracle happened and I was able to pull off the trip registering on the last day for the early bird discount.  Even better, I am squeezing in a visit to my extended family before the conference.  Yay!  

Potential family finds and a genealogy conference, what more could I wish for.  Oh, and I am dragging my parents along for the ride.  Yep, mom and dad will be attending the conference as well.  This is going to get crazy!

Is a month out too soon to start thinking about packing?  I have attended a couple conferences on other topics, but, like I have said before, never a large genealogy conference.  There has to be something I just can’t live without right?  On the other hand large conferences are pretty much the same so I should be able to rely on past experiences. 

I have spent the last few hours trying to figure out how much I should stuff into my car.  Oh…did I mention I was driving from Virginia? Yeah, 14 hours-ish on the road, meeting mom and dad in Indiana for family visiting, and then off to Fort Wayne.  Wish me luck.  Or even better buy me a drink at the hotel when I get in.

­­­So…let’s dive into what I think I should bring.  I will rely on you all to tell me if I am being a little too ambitious.  Oh, and I will limit it to conference stuff only.  I won’t bore you with what I am packing in the truck for on the road entertainment.

See you in Fort Wayne!

 

General Needs:

Sturdy large bag: Bigger than a purse but smaller than a duffel bag is what I like to bring.  Something sturdy enough to put shopping in as well as carry everything I think I will need to have a happy conference.

Comfy shoes:  I am all for being stylish but now that I am mumble mumble years old I can appreciate comfortable footwear.  Some sort of loafer or sneakers will be in my bag for the trip.

Layers: Dressing in layers is always a must.  While it might be sweltering outside you can bet that there will be at least one room that is a freezer inside.  A light sweater or jacket will be with me.

Snacks: Having a few snacks on hand when you can’t get out for a real meal is a must have. Protein bar, some nuts, a piece of fruit, or anything that will give a boost of energy, but is small, is great to have.  I also tend to carry some hard candy or gum just in case I need it after lunch. 

Water:  While my morning coffee is important I have become addicted to carrying a water bottle with me.  Now that you can get bottles with built in filters I will have one of these in my bag as well.  I can have water with me at any time and no worries about where the recycling bin is.

Electronics: Cords, cables, iPod, head phones, and etc.  A techie girl has to have her toys in tow!

Conference Needs:

Schedule:  I have already highlighted and dog-eared the FGS conference schedule that I picked up from my local society meeting months ago.  However, my organization streak has not stopped there because now that I am actually going my spread sheets are out.  I will have as much of my time planed out and arranged as possible before I get there.

Business Cards:  A few months back I had a bunch of business cards made up with my contact information printed on them.  They have come in handy at meetings and presentations or when I meet someone else in the genealogy world and I want to keep in touch.  I hope that I can pass them out to new friends here too!

iPad: Do I need to say more?

Notebook/Binder:  Yes, sometimes an old fashioned paper and a notebook/binder is the answer.  I can keep my schedule (in plastic page protectors), important papers, contact numbers, itineraries, maps, and what not in one place. 

Writing tools: Stylus for the iPad, pens, pencils, highlighters, colored pencils, you name it I will have at least one of it on me for making the written word happen. 

Mailing labels:  I use filled out mailing labels to save my hands and time in filling out things at conferences.   They can be used to label your handouts, enter a contest, in a pinch as a business card, and many other things.  It would surprise you what you can use a mailing label for.  I put my full contact information on it as well as my social media contacts. 

Research Needs:

Laptop:  I can’t leave home without it.

Thumb drives: For those lucky times when you can copy files directly onto drives instead of having to cart loads of paper home.

Strategy: A prioritized list of what I want to look for.  I plan on visiting the Allen County Public Library (or sending my parents on an excursion) several times during our time in Fort Wayne.  This means I need to spend the next month looking through their online catalogue and creating a game plane to make the most of my time there.

Folders: For those papers that I pick up.  I can keep them separate by topic or family, whatever I need.

Cash: for the copy cards in case I really do need to make photocopies.

Camera: I never go anywhere, particularly a research opportunity, without my camera.  Included in my bag are the cords to transfer images, extra batteries, and camera lens cleaner.