It’s almost here! It’s almost here! The world’s largest SQL Server conference kicks off in a few days. I’ll be in Seattle with thousands of other database professionals, soaking up knowledge, meeting new people, and spending time with my #sqlfamily.
I realized this morning that I’ll have to start packing in a few days. Yes, I try to do this a few days in advance, instead of the night before, just in case I forget something. Then, I started thinking, “I should probably tell my First Timers what I’m bringing, so they don’t forget something important.” Then I had a better thought: “I could blog it and share it with the world.”
Here’s my PASS Summit packing list. Did I forget something important? Please leave me a comment!
Medicine/Food
Emergen-C or Airborne or something – the nerd flu has a habit of making the rounds.
Hand sanitizer – help prevent the nerd flu.
Advil/Tylenol – aches and pains from long days on your feet (and late nights) are common.
Water bottle you can refill – you’ll be more tired and more likely to get sick if you aren’t properly hydrated. There are water fountains at the convention center. Use them!
Snacks – most of us will be on different time zones and different eating schedules than the conference meal times. Bring snacks, stay focused, stay alert, avoid turning into a zombie looking for braiiiiiiiins. Granola bars, jerky, and almonds are my favorites.
Breath mints/gum – ‘nuff said.
Electronics/Other
Laptop or tablet – taking notes, checking email – you’ll need to do those things.
Charger – very, very important.
Mouse / presentation mouse – if your laptop track pad isn’t enough. It never is for me.
Phone – and if you’re from outside the U.S., check out Rob Farley’s post, Calling home, receiving calls and smartphone data from the US.
Charger – ‘nuff said.
Spare batteries – AAA, AA – whatever your devices take.
Power strip – there are limited outlets in the convention center. If you need to recharge, be nice and share!
Portable USB Charger – bonus item if you want to recharge devices without turning on a laptop.
Camera – you’ll want to remember all the great times with #sqlfamily!
Notebook & pen – sometimes, you won’t want to have your laptop around. Pull out the original tablet!
Business cards – very, very important! These are essential for networking. Bonus: when you talk to someone, write down what you talked about before you hand it to them – it’s an easy way for them to remember you when they get home with their pile of cards!
An extra suitcase for swag – there will be pens, bags, shirts, books, and more. Even if it’s something you can’t use, would a coworker like to know you thought of her? Would your user group like some additional giveaways? I can bet they will!
Clothing
Comfortable, wear-all-day shoes – a necessity. You’re going to be on your feet a lot. You want shoes you can wear all day, which you won’t mind wearing on the Seattle streets and through the convention center.
Layers! You’ll be walking outdoors, then sitting in conference rooms, then in hallways. Temperatures vary. Layer it up! Always bring extra clothing, too. You’ll find yourself spilling coffee on your shirt, or wanting to wear a different pair of pants to dinner.
Light waterproof jacket – this will help you be comfortable walking around Seattle.
Light long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts.
Jeans or khakis – Summit is pretty casual, but remember, it’s still a professional conference.
Lots of socks and underwear – yes, people have forgotten these before.
Workout clothes and shoes – there’s a #sqlrun on Wednesday morning, and Kendra Little blogged about other workout opportunities. It’s a busy week, but including exercise will help you stay energized and focused!
SQL Saturday shirt – it’s tradition to wear SQL Saturday shirts on Wednesday.
Kilt – yes, a kilt. Thursday is the #passwit lunch, and it’s tradition to wear your kilt to support WIT!
Anything else? Feel free to add it below!
Jes Borland is a Premier Field Engineer - SQL Server for Microsoft, where she is a trusted technical adviser, deep technical support, and teacher for her customers. Her experience as a DBA, consultant, and 5-time Data Platform MVP allow her to help the business and the IT teams reach their goals. She has worked with SQL Server as a developer, report writer, DBA, and consultant. Her favorite topics are administration, automation, and performance. She frequently presents at user groups, SQL Saturdays, and other community events. She is also an avid runner and chef.
