Packing for a Conference. . .

Packing for a trip of any length, given that large steamer trucks and a gentleman's personal gentlemen are largely things of the past, can be difficult in 2024.  Especially if one wants to look semi-presentable traveling to, during, and coming home from a professional trip.  While this will be familiar territory to frequent business or conference travelers -- Weekend getaways are a slightly different beast although I'd still advise wearing a jacket with loafers on the feet. -- here is my iteration for the typical three to four-day conference trip:

• Navy blazer (Worn throughout.)
• Three pairs of chinos (Pack two, wear one.)
• Four button-down collar shirts (Pack three, wear one.)
• Two to four neckties (Optional these days if you wish.) 
• Brown or oxblood penny loafers (Worn throughout the trip.) 
• Brown and/or oxblood leather belt(s).  (Wear one, pack the other, swap 'em out each day).
• Three clean white undershirts (Besides the one worn.)
  
• Three pairs clean undershorts (Besides the pair worn.)
  
• Three pairs clear socks (Besides the pair worn.)
  
• Toilet kit with shaving, hair, and other grooming essentials at the bottom of your bag.

 

As an option, and if you have the room in you bag, it's nice to have an extra pair each of socks, underwear, and white undershirt just in case.  You probably won't need them, but you might like to freshen up the last evening before the final banquet with another shower and a change of clothes before joining other attendees in the dining/ballroom for whatever events bring the conference to a close.  Cedar shoe trees are also nice to have along as is a small horsehair shoe brush for a quick buff each morning before heading to breakfast and later sessions.

In a nutshell, that's my packing philosophy for a Thursday to Sunday conference trip, and it works very well.  I can also report that I enjoyed a number of very kind words from gate agents, flight attendants, and the like simply by virtue of the fact that I was dressed in something other than the ubiquitous t-shirt and shorts with sneakers.  A few extra perks along the way too. It happens.

The best, however, came from a young female jazz guitarist/vocalist performing along Royal Street in New Orleans late Saturday afternoon when I ventured out in search of a solo Cajun evening meal at one of the many eateries in the French Quarter of New Orleans.  As I sauntered  -- The Grand Duchess would chuckle and say strutted, while I would say walked with a purposeful stride. -- along the busy thoroughfare in dark glasses and Panama hat, I became aware that the street performer's music had stopped mid-tune, and she was speaking to someone through her microphone.  

Then I realized she was calling out to the guy in the navy jacket.  I turned to look across the street in her direction.  She flashed an award-winning smile my way, gave me the OK sign, and said through her microphone, "Mmmm-mmm!  Now that's what I'm talkin' about!"  Embarrassed, I laughed, waved back to her, and continued on my way as she resumed her song.   

I've been catcalled it would seem.  But in the nicest way possible. 

And the moral of the story?  Dressing presentably paves the way for all kinds of interesting, unexpected interactions that add personality to one's day.  You just never know. 

-- Heinz-Ulrich