What to Bring to #PTACon18

Do you have packing panic? Got the what-to-put-in-my-bags blues? If you’re wondering what to pack with you to bring to the 2018 National PTA Convention & Expo June 21-24 in New Orleans, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! As the date is quickly approaching, we wanted to share some tips to help you better prepare for your trip.

Here are some items you should include with you to #PTACon18 in New Orleans:

  1. Cardigan/Light Jacket/Sweater: A sweater can be a great accessory to any outfit. While the average temperature in New Orleans will be 80 degrees Fahrenheit (and higher!), the air conditioning may make things a bit nippy. Make sure you have a cardigan accessible to beat the chill.
  2. Reusable Bottle for Water: You can never go wrong with bottled water! To have the maximum amount of fun, it’s important to stay hydrated for moments it gets a little too warm.
  3. Chargers (laptop, phone, tablet, etc.): Make sure to pack chargers for all of the electronic devices you plan on bringing on your trip. It is important to charge all of your devices while you are asleep so you can wake up to a full charge. Consider bringing a portable charger along if you own one, they are great for on-the-go and times of battery crisis.
  4. Comfortable shoes: Try not to sacrifice comfort for style. Sometimes networking involves constant walking around and you want to make sure your feet aren’t aching, blistered or just plain worn out.
  5. Extra pens, pencils and notepads: Extra pens, pencils and notepads can also be great networking tools when someone around you asks for one. You can never have too many pens and pencils to pass around!
  6. Come to New Orleans geared up: ShopPTA.com has a great selection of PTA logo apparel as well as bags, lapel pins, headwear and neckware to show off your PTA spirit this year!

Our convention attendees are also invited to bring art supplies to support KID smART’s mission. This New Orleans-based nonprofit is dedicated to engaging children in dynamic, creative and rigorous learning through the arts, with the vision to empower all children to unlock their full academic, creative and personal potential. Please consider giving back to KID smART by donating art supplies either in person at PTA Palooza or through KID smART’s Amazon Wishlist.


Saron Messay is a contributing writer to National PTA.

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