Whether you're presenting at a huge conference or a niche industry event, being well-prepared can make all the difference. To ensure a seamless and stress-free experience, we’re outlining everything you should bring to your next in-person speaking engagement.

Start with identification and travel essentials.

• A government-issued ID is often required for event entry, and if you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget your passport—because nothing derails a speaking engagement faster than being stuck at the airport.

• Keep your event ticket or registration confirmation handy, whether digital or printed, to make for a smooth check-in once you arrive at the event venue.

Don't overlook comfort

Being comfortable directly impacts your performance. Most events have speaker green rooms that often provide many of the below, but you can never be too prepared.

• Keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated.

• Pack a few snacks for a quick energy boost.

• Choose comfortable shoes and attire that allow you to move around the stage easily.

• Breath mints or gum can provide a small, but helpful, confidence boost before stepping on stage, and for post-session networking up close with others — just don’t forget to take it out when it’s time to shine on stage!  

Prep your presentation materials

If presentation materials are needed within your session format, being doubly prepared is crucial.

• Bring your slides on a USB drive and store a copy in the cloud using Google Drive or Dropbox.

• If you prefer to present from your own device, carry your laptop along with its charger, and ensure it’s compatible with the event’s AV setup.

• Having a tech backup plan can help you avoid last-minute hiccups. A portable charger or power bank ensures your devices stay powered throughout the day.

• Keeping a second copy of your speech or notes guarantees that, even if technical issues come up,  the show can go on smoothly!

Now let’s network!

The moments after your talk can be just as valuable as the presentation itself. Networking both on-site and capturing content to post your participation on social afterward are key to maximizing the speaking experience!

• Bring business cards or prepare a digital contact method, like a QR code linking to your LinkedIn or website (pssst, our best tips for networking at events here).

• Capturing content for social media is also essential. Bring a smartphone with a good camera to take photos, record short clips, and post updates on social media in real time (sharing our guide to amplifying your speaking on social media here!).

Preparation is key to a successful speaking engagement. By making sure you have all the essentials, you’ll be able to focus on delivering an impactful presentation and making the most of networking opportunities while on-site. A well-prepared speaker is a confident speaker—so pack smart, stay organized, and make the most of your next event!

If you would like to speak at more events and conferences in the future, get in touch! And if you want to stay up to date on other industry tips like this, subscribe to our newsletter.