Around this time of year, I always write a post about the ACFW Conference. Posts like If Best = Random Then These are My Best Conference Tips or How to Stalk Your Favorite Author at ACFW. If you’re not attending the conference, I apologize for the uselessness of this post. And I offer up this for your amusement instead. If you are attending the conference, well, then I hope this is helpful. Or entertaining. Or, well, something.
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So last week my agent and editor and I were emailing about our plans to get together at some point during the upcoming ACFW Conference. For anyone who is a writer, particularly in the inspirational fiction market, ACFW is a biggie…and it happens to be one of my faaaavorite events of the year. I love it and get such a high off it. It’s like my own personal form of catnip.
So anyway we were emailing back and forth and I took the opportunity to vent to the others about how I’ve seen all these Facebook posts from writer friends WHO ALREADY KNOW WHAT THEY’RE WEARING TO THE CONFERENCE.
Like…they know what clothes they’re bringing. And it’s still two weeks away! I don’t even know what I’m wearing to work tomorrow… (although this is partially because I haven’t done laundry in forever and may need to resort to wearing a formal gown to work.)
However, even though I have no clue what I’ll be wearing to conference, I DO have some packing tips. So here goes:
Melissa’s DOs and DON’Ts for packing for the ACFW Conference:
1. DO pack…that one item you just HAVE to have.
What’s the thing you just HAVE to wear or else you feel naked? For some people, that’s lipstick. For others, a snazzy purse. For others, a hat or tie or Converse All-Stars.
For me, bracelets.
This is from two ACFWs ago, but I include it show my need for bracelets. And also, cookies.
I may forget to wear a slip under a skirt (which is particularly problematic on sunny days) or only manage to put in one earring (it happens more than you’d think) and I honestly don’t remember the last time I wore lipstick. But I NEED my bracelets.
(Also, puff vests. But it’s not quite cool enough to start wearing those yet. I just really wanted to mention how much I love them.)
2. DON’T pack…a need for sleep.
I wrote this last year and it holds true this year:
Some people will tell you to get sleep so you feel alert and coherent the next day. Which is probably 100% good advice. But in case you’re interested in my only 50% as good advice, it’s this: Take advantage of these few days. Sleep a bit, but what you don’t get in sleep, make up for in caffeine consumption. It’s worth it.
3. DO pack…your security blanket.
J/k, I don’t actually recommend bringing a blanket to the conference. That’s really only cute when Linus does it.
BUT we probably all have those things in our lives that make us feel happy and comfortable and settled. For me, it’s my pillow. I LOVE my pillow. (So much that I sleep with it. Ha! Okay, dumb joke.) And I bring it with me whenever I travel. In fact, I can only think of one trip I didn’t take it on…which was just recently when I went to Nashville and I totally couldn’t sleep my first night there! (Which, fine, may have had more to do with the sugary drinks I drank late at night…but whatevs.)
What’s your “security blanket” item? If you can fit it in your luggage, bring it.
Sidenote just for fun: When I was a kid, I had a blanket that I loved probably as much as I love my pillow now. And I called it my “glang-glang.” I don’t know why. I just did.
Here’s me with my actual security blanket.
4. DON’T pack…your “personal space” bubble.
There is no such thing as personal space at these conferences. Everybody hugs everybody. One year I hugged a Starbucks guys. Here’s what I wrote about ACFW hugs last year:
Get ready for the fun and awkwardness of the “are we at the hugging stage yet?” moments. I LOVE this. There are so many people you run into at conferences that you’ve kinda gotten to know online…When you meet said person in real life there’s that hilarious slew of anxious mental questions in those first moments: “Uh, do we know each other well enough to hug? Are you a hugger? Am I? Wait, we’re such different heights, this hug could be weird. WHERE DO MY ARMS GO?!”
5. DO pack…happy notes.
A couple years ago at ACFW, a wonderful friend discreetly handed me a note congratulating me on my recent news of my first book contract. It made me smile SO much that in all the craziness of getting ready for a conference, this friend took the time to write down a few lines to encourage me.
So I decided to do the same thing the next year. I picked out about 10 friends who I knew were pitching or had big things going on in their lives or who I simply wanted to encourage. I scribbled little notes and found ways to stick them in their bag or notebook or somehow hand them over during the conference. It was a fun way to get my focus off myself and on someone else. I suggest giving it a try.
6. DON’T pack…any kind of work.
Work doesn’t happen at these conferences. I mean, unless you hole up in your hotel room or something but that’s no fun. Conferences are for networking hanging out in the hotel lounge with friends who SO totally get you. So if possible, leave your work at home. And if you really want to break loose, stay away from your email inbox, too.
7. DO pack…an ability to push through the pain.
What pain am I talking about?? The pain in your cheeks from smiling too much! It happens to me every year. By the second or third night my cheeks have gone numb from smiling…but I am a warrior when it comes to having fun, so I push through.
8. DON’T pack…your bathroom scale.
Because with all the food happening at conferences, this is just not a good time to weigh yourself. Trust me.
9. DO pack…your listening ear.
The thing about writing conferences is that everybody comes prepared to talk. Even the introverts are ready to talk. They may not want to chat you up in the hotel lounge, but if they’re serious about this writing thing, they’ve at least honed their elevator pitch. And they’re ready at the go for anytime someone asks “What do you write?”
But you know who always stands out to me at conferences? It’s the people who are others-focused. Who stop you in the Starbucks line or outside an elevator and ask how you’re doing and then really listen…without looking at their phone or catching someone else’s eyes in the distance.
I’ll confess this isn’t always my own greatest skill. I’m easily distracted by everything at conferences, so giving my full attention to any one conversation is hard for me. But I want to do better, I really do. So I’m intentionally packing my listening skills.
10. DON’T pack…a fanny pack.
Because unless you’ve time-warped back to 1985, it’s generally never a good idea to bring a fanny pack anywhere.
Comments 34
Have I already picked out my outfits?
Of course I have!
And yes, I’ve switched up my dress for the gala because, well, I found a second one that I fell in love with and I couldn’t get it out of my head … so there ya go. My one packing tip is: Don’t pack your workout clothes. I wear mine when I travel. And yes, I do work out while I’m at ACFW. I do.
Author
OOH yay for falling in love with a dress. Can’t wait to see it…and you!!
Do repeated trips back and forth from Starbucks count as working out during the conference?
OF COURSE!
Nope. Not a one.
Sort of. I know I’m taking my favorite black pants and I got a couple of new shirts [because this is pretty much the only time of year I get anything new]. And I’ve thought of some other stuff. In fact, today may be list making day…
I also bring cookies.
Not a packing tip but… DO make sure to schedule time with people when possible. I have dinner plans Wednesday, tentative breakfast plans Thursday /waves to Beth/, dinner plans Thursday [at least to sit together], late night bar plans Thursday, and plans to make plans with my agent and one other person – and likely more…
I DEFINITELY have hugs packed. You shall get one, dear Melissa!
Author
Black pants are always a good choice for conference. 🙂 Good job making a list. I should probably do that. And COOKIES! 🙂
Yep I’m scheduling out my time too. I have to or else I will miss seeing people I want to make sure to see. I’m also doing quite a few airport runs, so scheduling it all out is a must. Looking forward to that hug!
I’m doing at least one airport run. Picking up Jen Cvelbar – my roomie! Plus I may be helping with airport transport for the conference peeps.
All I’ve done so far today is take a nap. No lists, no words. Need to get on that.
Author
Nice! And now I feel better about being not even a little bit closer to any kind of list or packing progress. 🙂
And I have still done pretty much nothing – except add up how many words I’ve written since I started my first official manuscript because Regina Jennings was talking about it on her Facebook page.
And make French toast for six people for dinner.
And arrange to buy my next door neighbor’s about-to-be-old iPhone.
And not strangle the 7yo when he was screaming at me.
I think I’m going to crit 3 chapters for a friend… then start on those lists… Maybe. Or read Mary Connealy’s new book…
Author
UMMM I edited two scenes? Kinda… 🙂
And I did laundry! I won’t have to wear a prom dress to work tomorrow.
And my sister asked me whether I’d rather her make french toast or waffles when I’m at her house this weekend and I agonized over that decision…
Those are my accomplishments. LOL!
The answer is obvious…
BOTH!
Author
LOL I think we settled on strawberry and cream cheese stuffed french toast. Does that sound amazing or what??
I am SO LOOKING FORWARD to seeing you this year, my friend!
[And yes – it does!]
Author
And I can’t wait to see YOU!
I love tip #5. The happy notes are a GREAT idea. And yes, I have my gala dress, and pretty much know what I’m wearing. My “security-blanket” item(s): shoes! My daughter gave me cool red wing-tip shoes a few years ago, and they were so much fun, that I’ve added fun, comfortable but funky shoes since. Looking forward to the hugs!
Author
Yay for fun shoes, Becky. I’m a wee bit jealous that you already know what you’re wearing. I have a feeling it will get to the night before and I will panic. 🙂
I can’t wait! I don’t quite know everything I’m packing, but I know of at least a couple of ideas. 🙂 I never quite make up my mind until I’m actually filling the suitcase.
One more time: bring lots of hugs and squeals! 🙂 I love hanging out in the check in area and hugging people as they arrive. My favorite time!
Author
I’m the same way with packing, Colleen. In fact, I don’t usually make up my mind until I’m at the conference. I always overpack so I have choices when I’m there.
Yay for hugs!
This!! This whole post just made me smile today, Melissa–I love your fun spirit!! I’m missing ACFW this year. 🙁 And I’m very, very unhappy about it. But I’m giving you a virtual hug now to make up for it!
Author
Ohhh we’ll all miss you so much, Jill. I don’t know if you realized it or not, but you’re the friend I was referring to who gave me a card that one year…and inspired me to write notes last year. You are awesome!
Ah Melissa, love this post! Hilarious and true! The sleep one especially…but the excitement acts as a type of “wake up call” and you don’t notice how tired you are until you get home haha! See you at the conference!
Author
YAY for getting to meet you in person, Emilie! You’re right, excitement always faithfully kicks in and keeps me going despite short, SHORT nights of sleep.
Loved your list! And I’m sooo disappointed I won’t get to see you and (((HUG))) you! I’ll be praying for everyone though, and counting down the days until Dallas next year. 🙂
Author
So sad I won’t get to see you this year, Cindy. But I’ll look forward to a hug in Dallas.
I have about one week’s worth of outfits picked out for about three days. So I’ll be changing every four hours. 😉
Trying to determine when to fit in Jack Bauer t-shirt selfies with Melissa 😉
AND … the other must-bring thing is either a Starbucks card, a coffee pot, or something to help out with the copious amounts of coffee consumption that will be happening. 😉
Author
YES the Jack Bauer shirt!! I have to remember that. YAY I know at least one article of clothing I’m bringing.
Me, packed? Sort of. In my head, I know what I will recycle to wear to the gala. 🙂 And I sort of know what I’ll bring to wear during the day. And thinking I might go shopping for a dress this weekend…if I can get any writing done at all before then. I do know which athletic shoes I’ll wear everywhere. They are blue and gray and white. Can’t wait to see everyone!
Author
If you’ve sorta mentally packed, you are far, far ahead of me. No idea what I’ll wear to the gala. 🙂 But I’ll figure it out…very possibly the night before. LOL! Can’t wait to see you!
IF I were going to ACFW, I’m sure I would’ve already made a list of everything I could possibly need. I’m always afraid I’ll leave something behind when I take a trip.
So jealous of all y’all going to the conference. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d have an agent before the conference, or else I would’ve planned to go!
Make sure y’all take lots of pictures and fill us in with super long blog posts with all the details afterwards. 🙂
Author
There will definitely be tons of photos and lots of followup blog posts, I’m sure. I hope you get to come next year, Courtney!
Love your tips, Melissa! I have a dress for the gala. That’s as far as I’ve gotten and I feel hugely accomplished and ahead of the game. :0) And I’m with you on the pillow deal…I always bring mine. I just wish the conference would have a pajama day (don’t all writers write best in their pj’s?). That would be next-level awesome.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Author
YAY for having a dress. I’m hoping to maybe find one this weekend when I’m shopping with my sister, but if not, I may re-wear an old one. We shall see. YAY for another person who understands needing your own pillow.
Oh my goodness, pajama day is SUCH a good idea. And so realistic for writers. I don’t know why we don’t do that!
Looking forward to seeing you, too!
I totally missed this post on Wednesday. Where was I?? Great points as always:) I’m missing this year and may just go through withdrawl! Still haven’t decided if I’ll take the weekend off social media or stalk you all. Not sure which will be better from my mental state, lol. Have fun!!!
Author
Oh man, we’ll miss you, Susan!! When I have to miss big events that other friends are at, I tend to hide out from social media…otherwise I get too jealous. So I’ll understand if you avoid it. LOL!
I have a valid excuse for being late to this post: my dishwasher broke and so I had to hand wash all my dishes this week. I won’t be going to ACFW this year (boo hoo!!) but reading your post makes me wanna go next year! I loved all the hugging and the hanging out in the hotel lobby and the guzzling down of Venti lattes. When I went last year, I had all my clothes picked out in advance–and organized by the particular events for that day. I had a sitting in a workshop outfit, a going to the gala outfit, a hanging out in the evening with my friends outfit, a pitch appointment outfit, a sitting in the hotel lobby outfit. I felt like a rock star with all my multiple wardrobe changes.
Author
Oh sad that you’re not going…and especially sad about having to hand wash all your dishes! LOVE that you had all your clothing organized. I wish I did that. If I did, I’d be such a better packer. I tend to just keep throwing stuff in, hoping that once I’m at the conference, I’ll find full outfits… 🙂