I’ve found these items to be useful to take to a writers’ conference:
1.) laptop — I can type faster than I can write, so using my laptop makes it easier to take notes. The downside is, of course, that your battery time is limited and when that time runs out, you have to find an outlet where you can plug in. The outlet may not be convenient or may be “occupied.”
2.) pens — The conference might supply you with a pen, but why take the chance? What’s a writer without a pen? Take several, in case the pen you pick skips, runs, or just gives out.
3.) notebook — Again, the conference might suppy you with paper, too, but many do not. Some people like loose leaf paper to keep in a binder. I really like using a notebook. Whether you use a binder or a notebook, there’s an advantage to keeping your conference notes in a place where they are easy to find for future reference. Even if you use a laptop, you might find it easier to whip out a small notebook to jot down some information, instead of firing up your computer.
4.) camera — I tend to forget this and then regret it! I enjoy looking at photos of my friends, plus it helps me put a face to the name of new people I meet at conferences.
5.) business cards – Do you have to be published to have a business card? Of course not! If you’re writing, then you’re a writer and can put that title under your name and contact number. Use them like the old-fashioned calling cards and exchange them with old friends and new. You never know when you’ll need to get in contact with someone you met at the conference (or they with you!).
6.) tote bag – You’ll need this to keep your pens, notebook, camera, business cards, and maybe even your laptop in. Plus you can put in it all the handouts, publisher catalogues, writers guidelines, and autographed books that you’ll pick up at the conference.
7.) professionalism — The huge majority of people you’ll meet at writers/illustrators conferences are professionals, even if they haven’t been published yet. They view writing and illustrating as their careers, not as hobbies.
8.) open mind — Even if you’ve been published many times, keep an open mind to new ways of doing things. You never know what you might learn!
9.) your smile – This is the most useful tool of all! With a smile, you’ll be able to network easily with other writers and illustrators, editors, and agents.