Packing for National Convention

I'm in the middle of packing for national convention, which is a multi-day project for me. I've even geeked out enough to make a chart of what I'm wearing on which day, complete with photos of articles of clothing. That level of geek-dom aside, let me recommend a few things for you to bring:

Your Membership Card
- If you are an active or conditional member, make sure you have your most recent card. If you are a life member, bring your card. If you have recently become an alumni, bring your most recent active card.

Your Cell Phone Charger
- I've seen bootless attempts at conserving batteries. It doesn't work. Trust me.

Your Notebook Computer Charger
- This just makes sense.

A Notebook
- National conventions are starting to catch up to NCD conventions in the way of offering educational workshops. You'll be a better Brother, in a better Chapter, serving a better Band if you attend and share what you've learned with others.

Your Musical Instrument
- Play in the reading band. 'Nuff said.

Appropriate Dress Clothing
- The NIB Concert, the Banquet, and the Ritual all occur on different days. Be able to dress for all of them.

Your Address Book
- That is, if you keep such a thing anymore. Whatever method you use to keep track of contacts --have it available. You're going to meet a lot of people from across the entire country. You'll want to be able to follow up after convention.

Extra Cash
- The convention gives you all of Thursday afternoon to go play in Orlando. I hope you take advantage of this opportunity to hang out with all of the Brothers you've met in the week. You may want a little extra cash to help with that.

Pool-wear
- We'll have a pretty sweet pool at the convention site. Take advantage of it.

If you can think of anything I'm forgetting, let me know by emailing me. You can also post a comment to this blog.

Can't wait to see you all!
Rod