Getting Conference Ready

Hi guys! Tomorrow I’m attending Simply Stylist – a conference for creatives, designers, and entrepreneurs hosted by Catt Sadler of E! News in downtown Chicago at the Dana Hotel. All day conferences (regardless of your career) can be exhausting and overwhelming. It’s a jam-packed day of information, networking, note taking, and most likely walking in heels for 8+ hours (ouch).

It’s important to be prepared for the day in order to get the most out of the experience. I wanted to share a few things that always help me in the getting ready process that might be beneficial to you for any big work events you have coming up in the future:

Look professional and put together: A first impression is very important – and what you wear says so much about you! In order to keep my dresses looking wrinkle-free and ready for my events, I steam them! After working at a bridal boutique for a year, I learned a thing or two about steaming – and how great it is for keeping your dresses in the best shape. I’m constantly using my Steam-One garment steamer – with all the formal dresses I wear to events & shoots (and because I’m OCD about keeping my bed wrinkle-free..I know, ridiculous), this thing has been quite the hot-commodity in our apartment lately. Last week we all used it to steam our curtains too – it’s great!

Comfort: I’m not saying you should wear your most comfortable shoes and call it a day – because let’s be honest – heels make you look more professional and confident. Bring comfortable shoes to change in to towards the end of the day if necessary. Also – wear something memorable but don’t go over the top. Or do, however you want to be remembered! Wear something you feel comfortable in and won’t be pulling at all day.

Network: This is a great opportunity for you to find career possibilities and network with others in your industry. Bring lots of business cards and make connections (and friends!). Research ahead of time who will be attending!

In my bag: Bring items you’ll need for the entire day – I always keep these handy: Portable iPhone charger, pocket mirror, powder, lipstick & vaseline, tylenol, granola bar, gum.

LISTEN: Take it all in and be attentive! Inspiring speakers are hired to talk to you for a reason – they’re experts in what they do!  Learn what it takes, how to succeed, the importance of networking and how to follow your dream –l from the people who are making things happen.

Plus, a DJ, Cocktails, Appetizers, Pampering, Contests & Breakout Sessions on various topics from industry tastemakers sounds like quite the experience, right?  Today, Simply Stylist holds yearly conferences in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, garnering hundreds of attendees at each one, so if you’re in the creative industry and looking for advice and inspiration for taking the next step with your career, check them out! Happy weekend guys, xoxo.

Dress I’m wearing just sold out, but here are other cute options from Chicwish:

Gabrielle Daylor Photography