InstructureCon Packing Tips/Essentials?

[NickChevalierUT]

Hi everyone!

InstructureCon 2024 will be my first out-of-state conference and I’m super excited! I admittedly don’t travel often, so I’m trying to cover all my bases in terms of what to pack outside of the obvious (clothing, toiletries, etc.).

So far, I’ve planned ahead to bring things like:

• Compact power strip 
• Extra device chargers
• Backup phone battery
• Extra space for swag

Are there any InstructureCon vets out there who have any recommendations, or things you wish you’d brought if you’ve previously attended?

[mbmacdonald]

One piece of advice I will give is that ICON is very, very informal in terms of dress, compared to other conferences I've been to. I wore business casual on the first day and felt very overdressed. Shorts, sandals, etc are the norm (although of course I would recommend always being prepared for cold AC).

I also brought a snazzy outfit for the night gala/concert last time, and that was also totally unneeded. It looks like this year it's a costume party, so that takes care of that. But I'm 100% sure that if you don't do a costume and just show up in your shorts and sandals, it will be totally normal

[melodyc_lam]

@NickChevalierUT Welcome! Last year was my first year going to InstructureCon (and presenting!) so there's definitely a lot I would've done differently (room for swag being one of them!)

• Bring comfortable shoes! You will get your steps in 🙂
• If you have Instructure shirts, I would wear those! Last year it was shirts and jeans for me. I got a lot of people asking me where I got some of my Instructure shirts from.
• Bring something that will help you share contact info quickly. I use a Dot Card (https://dotcards.net/) for networking as it's less paper and it saves contacts on phones. Some people bring business cards, QR codes, etc. 
• Load up the events app ahead of time; there was a scavenger hunt for swag at last year's InstructureCon. It also helps with having the agenda handy!

Hope this helps!

[BethCrook]

Comfortable shoes!! I cannot stress this enough. Like @mbmacdonald said, leave the business casual for another conference, unless that’s what makes you comfortable, of course!

A favorite board game or card game, if you have one, for game night! This is optional. You can just jump right in and join into the fun. It’s the PERFECT way to meet new people!

Any questions you have. Write them down. Make a list. Stop by the Community booth and ask an expert and attend hack night. I love asking myself and my users “Now that I’m using Canvas, I wish I could do this…”. Often, the answer is You Can! 

[NickChevalierUT]

Thanks for all the great responses!

@mbmacdonald - thank you for stressing the casual nature of the conference! My university's dress code is business casual (with a bit more emphasis on "business"), so that's what I was aiming for—but it sounds like jeans and a t-shirt might be better!

@melodyc_lam -

• I think I'm good on the shoes!
• No Instructure shirts yet, but hopefully that will change!
• Good reminder on the business card! A while back I did get a Linq card, which I think is similar to Dot. Mine has tap for NFC, or a QR code to scan that takes users to a Linktree-style profile page with all my info.
• I just downloaded the Instructure Events app today, and I'm surprised how seamless it is! I'm sure this will come in very handy, thank you!

@BethCrook - all great notes, thank you! I may have to bring a copy of Phase 10 for game night. 👀 and great point on hack night...which reminds me I should get with my colleagues and brainstorm what we'd want additionally out of Canvas!

[LoriAustill]

Hi Nick,

This is my first InstructureCon as well so I appreciate your question. However, I am a veteran of visiting Las Vegas and can give you advice on how to prepare for that. As others have suggested, bring comfortable shoes! If you plan to explore the Strip, be prepared to literally walk miles. This is because you can't just cross the street to get to another casino - you have to find the nearest crosswalk or bridge to get to the other side,  then you often have to use stairs, escalators or elevators to get back down to the street level. Last year my husband and I spent 2 hours lost in the Venetian trying to figure out how to get to the Sphere! Also, the convention center is huge! In terms of leisure time - bring a swimsuit if you want to check out the beautiful pools, sunscreen and/or a hat if you plan to walk outside, and some spending money. There are amazing restaurants but they are quite pricey. I love Las Vegas - where else can you go to be in New York, Egypt, Paris, Rome, Italy and the Caribbean all in one day?!

[arovner]

Yes to everything everyone else suggested. DEFINITELY lots of room for swag! Between the official treasure hunt swag to all the goodies from the vendor hall - you will have lots to bring back!