The Ultimate WVC Vegas Packing List
Packing for WVC Vegas is a unique challenge that combines the contradictions of: professional conference, desert climate, potential for after-hours shenanigans, and the fact that your hotel room will be roughly the temperature of Antarctica while outside feels like the surface of the sun.
Here's your definitive packing list for conquering WVC Vegas without overpacking (okay, you'll still overpack, but at least it'll be strategic overpacking).
Conference Essentials
Comfortable shoes you can wear for 12+ hours This is non-negotiable. You will walk approximately 47 miles per day between convention hall sessions, hotel meetings, exhibit halls, and that restaurant that's "just down the strip" (spoiler: it's never just down the strip). Your cute heels can come, but they're not your daily drivers.
Layers, layers, layers The temperature differential between:
Outside (75°F and sunny)
Convention halls (62°F and arctic)
Your hotel room (controlled by a thermostat designed by someone who hates comfort)
That outdoor patio bar (55°F at night because desert)
...is roughly 40 degrees. Pack a light jacket or cardigan you can tie around your waist when you're not actively freezing.
Business casual that doesn't wrinkle Because hotel irons are a myth and you're not actually going to steam your clothes in the bathroom shower. Go for:
Knit blazers
Ponte pants
Jersey dresses
Anything with "wrinkle-resistant" in the description
Your biggest tote bag or backpack For collecting vendor swag, conference materials, the 47 pens you'll accumulate, free samples, that reusable water bottle someone gave you, and snacks because convention center food is either nonexistent or costs $19 for a sad sandwich.
Portable phone charger Your phone will die. Multiple times. Between navigating the Vegas strip, checking the conference app, texting colleagues about where to meet, and documenting everything for Instagram, your battery doesn't stand a chance.
Blue light blocking glasses (if you wear them) Convention halls have approximately 10,000 screens. Your eyes will thank you.
Name tag holder that doesn't make you look like you're at a corporate retreat in 1997 Upgrade from the standard lanyard. You're a professional.
Vegas-Specific Necessities
Sunglasses that actually block UV The desert sun doesn't play. Those cute fashion sunglasses aren't going to cut it when you're walking the strip at 2 PM.
High SPF sunscreen Yes, even in February/March. Vegas sun is sneaky and you will burn.
Lip balm with SPF Desert air will destroy your lips. Pack backups.
Hydration multiplier packets Vegas is dehydrating under normal circumstances. Add in walking all day, potentially drinking at night, and the driest air you've ever experienced, and you need all the hydration help you can get. Liquid IV, Nuun, whatever your preference—bring it.
Actual water bottle Staying hydrated is the key to surviving conference days. The "free" bottled water at your hotel costs $8.
Medications for the "Vegas special"
Ibuprofen (for the inevitable headache/sore feet)
Antacids (convention center food + Vegas dining = potential regret)
Allergy meds (desert plants are different)
Whatever you personally need when you're not sleeping enough and walking too much
Cash for tipping Vegas runs on tips. Bring smaller bills for:
Bellhops
Housekeeping
Bartenders
That amazing server at the restaurant your group invaded
After-Hours Essentials
One actually nice outfit For that fancy group dinner or the evening event where everyone cleans up. Not scrubs-nice. Actually nice.
Comfortable "going out" shoes If your plan involves walking the strip or dancing, those stilettos are going to betray you by block three. Wedges, block heels, or fancy flats are your friends.
Statement earrings or accessories For elevating your conference casual to "I'm having drinks at a nice bar" without changing your entire outfit.
Mini first-aid kit for feet Blister bandages, moleskin, whatever you need. Your feet will rebel. Be prepared.
Things You Think You Need But Actually Don't
Your entire makeup collection You'll use the same three products every day. Be realistic.
Seven outfit options per day You'll wear conference casual, maybe change for dinner, and call it good. Stop overthinking.
Hair styling tools that require specific voltage Unless you travel with a voltage converter, your hair dryer/straightener/curling iron might not work properly. Most hotels provide basic hair dryers. Deal with it.
Your good jewelry You're at a conference in Vegas, not the Oscars. Leave the expensive stuff at home.
Workout clothes (probably) Let's be honest. Are you actually going to hit the hotel gym? At 6 AM? After networking until midnight? Okay, if you answered yes, pack them. Everyone else can skip it.
The "Just in Case" Category
Small umbrella It probably won't rain. But if it does in the desert, it POURS.
Sweater for the plane Airplane temperature regulation is apparently determined by people who enjoy suffering.
Snacks for your room For when you get back late and don't want to pay $12 for a granola bar from the minibar.
Entertainment for downtime Book, tablet, headphones—something for those rare moments when you're actually in your hotel room and not unconscious.
Pro Tips from Veterans
Pack a spare outfit in your carry-on In case your checked bag decides to vacation in Albuquerque instead of Vegas.
Use packing cubes Makes repacking easier when you're exhausted on the last day and just want to go home.
Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane Saves suitcase space and you'll need them at the conference anyway.
Take a photo of your conference schedule on day one For when the app inevitably crashes or your phone dies.
Bring a reusable shopping bag Folds flat, weighs nothing, perfect for overflow swag or those impulse purchases you'll definitely regret.
The Real Essential
Realistic expectations You will not:
See every session you want
Sleep 8 hours a night
Eat completely healthy
Avoid foot pain
Remember everyone's name
Stay perfectly hydrated despite your best efforts
You will:
Learn valuable things
Make great connections
Collect approximately 40 pens
Have stories to tell
Need a vacation to recover from your "work trip"
Pack accordingly. See you in Vegas!
