It’s your first DjangoCon US (or maybe even your first tech conference). Are you concerned about what you should pack?
I (Jason Judkins, the Blog Committee Chair and plagiarizer of Drew Winstel’s 2019 post of the same name) was in that position last year at DjangoCon US 2022 in San Diego, CA. Here’s what I think you should pack.
Notepad and pen/pencil, or a laptop and charger
Perhaps you like your notes a bit more analog? A notepad is exactly what you need. Many people like to leave their laptops in their rooms entirely during talks and take notes on paper instead. Plus, it’s great for logging contact info of people you meet if you don’t have the time or patience to log their contact info into your phone’s contacts immediately.
If you can’t live without your laptop, make sure you bring your charging cable. There’s ample Wi-Fi at the conference provided by the Durham Convention Center, so you’ll have the internet at your disposal. Many attendees will have their laptops open to take notes, follow along with slides, and/or test out the concepts being presented during talks. Plus, it’s much easier to post live updates about talks from your computer than your phone if you’re into that sort of thing.
Refillable water bottle and/or coffee cup
It’s pretty annoying getting thirsty in the middle of a conference talk. There will be access to all the water you can drink! Plus, you can be greener by reusing your own vessel instead of single-use disposable cups.
There are coffee and tea in the conference center as well, so if you’re a coffee/tea drinker, bring your own tumbler if you want extra for the talks.
Comfortable clothes
Everyone is welcome, and dress casually and comfortably, whether that’s shorts, pants, a dress, or whatever makes you feel good. It’s up to you to decide what you would like to wear. As long as it isn’t a Code of Conduct violation, it’s pretty much up to you.
Some of the rooms can get a bit chilly, so you might want to have a jacket or sweater handy, but don’t forget the weather outside! It can get a little chilly in the evenings in Durham, NC.
Cell phone
It’s practically essential for survival in America. The mobile coverage is great in the venue area for all four major providers, so about any device will work.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a raincoat
It’s Durham, NC. It’s going to be a bit chillier than last year’s warm California weather. Preliminary forecasts show mostly dry weather on the conference days with highs around 65-70 °F (18-21 °C) and lows around 45-48 °F (7-9 °C). There’s quite a bit of outdoor activities that we have suggested during your time here, so don’t forget that even if it is cold outside, the sun can still burn you!
Snacks
The Convention Center will have full breakfast, lunch, and snacks during the breaks (11:00 AM and 3:40 PM) on all conference days (Monday through Wednesday). If you’re an early riser like me, you’ll probably want a snack before breakfast (8:30 AM on Monday, 9:00 AM Tuesday and Wednesday). Also, if you have special dietary needs, it can’t hurt to have a spare snack on hand just in case.
Exercise clothes
Before or after a long day of conference talks, I like to at least get a brief workout in. Get out and explore the city or get out to some of the outdoor spots we have suggested in the area! Go for a run, walk, or even a bike ride!