Event Essentials: Toolkit
Angelique Agutter, CMP
Event Marketing Manager | Exhibit Manager | Event Planner - I plan and execute impactful in-person marketing programs, trade shows and industry conferences.
I recently saw a blog post on Toolkits and that inspired me to put my OWN event toolkit together. As I made my list, I saw that they feel into 2 categories: Office Supplies and Personal Supplies. I also realized it's so easy to bring more things with you because so many things come in a trial size option. I also have gained many of these items as giveaways through my attendance at events; so not only do they help me through my event, it reminds me of companies that I have visited along the way! Check out my list below!
Office Supplies
Pens: Never have a pen when you need it. Bring them from home; grab the ones from the hotel! You will always be happy you have a pen.
Sharpies: Like a pen, but better.
Highlighter: To highlight things in different colors.
Mini Notebooks: Even in the tech age, it's great to keep one of these with you while you are working an event. If someone has a question that needs further investigation, you can jot it down. BONUS if the mini notebook has a pen attached like mine!
Tape: For sticky situations
Scissors: To cut that stray paper or thread
Personal Supplies
Laundry Stick: for those inevitable stains on the white shirt you are wearing
Band Aids: for your sore toe or cut finger
Wipes: to wipe your hands or wipe a surface
Needle & Thread: Just have it, you never know when someone might need a quick stitch!
Clear Nail polish: It's helpful
Nail File: for when you have ripped your nail opening that box
Chapstick: Hotels have the driest air!
Tampons & Pads: It's women code to share
Hairspray: fix your hair or get rid of a pen stain on fabric
Water Bottle: This water bottle takes up NO SPACE
Ibuprofen & Tylenol: You know there will be a headache along the way
Screen Cleaner: Screens and Glasses get dirty!
Safety Pins: Another lifesaver when you didn't know you needed it
Neosporin: For that nasty paper cut
Lotion: Have a safe brand like Cetaphil that can be used by most
Cough Drops: Just have a few
Breath Mints: For after Coffee
Cold Medicine: You might get sick
Tums: For when you ate too much!
Q-Tips: Cute travel size!
Cottonballs: Cute Travel Size!
Visine: In case you get dry eyes
Tissues: Great for everything
Tools
Umbrella: Have you ever had to go outside the venue when it's raining? I got this one at an event and it's perfect for your toolkit.
Screwdriver: I got this tool at an event. At first, I thought it was just a letter opener, but upon further inspection, it does MANY things. I got this as a giveaway too!
Fold Up Bag: This takes up no space and who knows what you will need it for?
How to put together your toolkit:
You need something durable, that can be packed or carried and will travel well. Makeup cases work really well for this kind of thing. Here are all my ingredients for my tool kit.
BONUS! MiniPouch
I received this pouch at an event and it is FANTASTIC! Inside there were bandaids, wet ones, Vitamin C, mints. You can also fill it with some other small items like ibuprofen safety pins, your sewing kit. I keep this in my purse for day-to-day and while at tradeshows you can put in the pocket of your jacket or if you carry a bag around you can slip it in there too.
What else do you like to put in your toolkit? Tell me in the comments below.