Less & More: The WFH Mom Edit

McCormick Place floors aren’t going to stand on themselves, you know…

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Trade shows can be a game-changer for brands and a fantastic way to connect with journalists and retail buyers while putting in some valuable face time with clients. But they can also be murder on your feet and exhausting as all get out. PR pros know the importance of having informative, poppy assets for the press room and those weeks of media pitching leading up to the show are crucial but what about once you get there?

With the Super Bowl of consumer tech trade shows, CES, happening this week we thought there was no better time than now to share some trade show staples for those long days on your feet and feeling like you’re herding cats. After nearly two decades of attending so many trade shows (including many jaunts to good ol’ CES) and keeping it cute on the show floor while working 14 hour days, here are some of my tried and true trade show staples to survive and thrive on those long days.

Comfy, business boss-y clothes! Yes, you have to look professional but you also don’t want to deal with uncomfortable clothing all day long when you are hustling. My trade show uniform consists of comfortable work pants (like these Spanx cuties), a solid shirt, and a blazer (this one from Torrid is my go-to for all work things). Keep it cute, keep it business casj.

Speaking of comfy…I live and die by these Croc Flats on super long trade show days. Crocs? I know. But hear me out! They are comfortable even when walking miles on those concrete exhibitor floors and won’t kill your feet. Mine have lasted me about ten years and are so easy to clean that they don’t look nearly as old as they are.

Trade shows, work trips, and generally being a boss goddess babe mean schlepping a lot of stuff around. Remember the days of hauling stacks on stacks of paper copy press kits to the press room and handing them out? Fun times. Even though most things are digital, you’re gonna need a bag. I love my functional, cute laptop bag ($149) and its a great investment for office life or traveling. Such a unique style and available in a few colors. It’s roomy enough to fit all my stuff n’ things without being so bulky that it hurts my shoulder. Who doesn’t love a monogrammed bag with a sweet little bow, too?

I know we live on our phones and laptops but you need to write things down! I always bring my laptop AND a notebook and pen set to trade shows, client meetings, and other work events. You never know when you need to pass a note or jot down some great media pitch ideas.

Get that juice. I always keep a portable charger in my work bag and if I’m at the show for more than a few hours I’ll bring two just in case. I never want a journalist to ask me to shoot them an email with my info only to have my phone be a bleak, black screen.

I am a Prepared Patty and keep an emergency kit on me almost always. I was gifted this little purse kit and replace it every time it runs out. You never know when you’ll need a nail file, alcohol wipes, or something else to keep yourself looking polished (or save the day for your client..I literally sewed a client’s button back on his suit coat mid-trade show once). I stash gum and a few toiletries in my bag and usually try to run to the restroom midday to refresh a bit with travel deodorant, Lume body wipes, and some makeup for a touchup. Do NOT forget hand sanitizer. Even post-COVID, we are shaking hands and staying healthy.

Y’all, please stay hydrated. The days are busy but bring a great insulated water bottle that is primed for water fountain refills all day (I love my Corksicle tumbler because it keeps things cold but its small enough to throw it into my laptop bag without worrying if it is going to drown my computer) and a plethora of protein bars (the Rocky Road Alani bars are some of my faves for a sweet, protein-y pick-me-up) to stay fueled up. For a bigger boost, you know I love my Buoy hydration enhancer.

It feels like yesterday that I was in my early 20s with a stack of 200 business cards that I couldn’t wait to pass out. Now? I go with a QR code to keep it cute and profesh. I love these custom QR code business cards or you can create a free digital QR code-enabled card that leads to your LinkedIn, press kit, or website on Canva.

Looking for more recommendations? You can follow me on Pinterest where I am always stashing my fave finds. What are your trade show must haves to keep you comfortable, sane, and at your best?

If you were walking the show I’d totally give you my card. Let’s stay connected! Please consider subscribing or sharing our work.