June 27, 2025 It’s my first DjangoCon US. What should I bring? It’s your first DjangoCon US (or maybe even your first tech conference). Are you concerned about what you should pack? Well we have some thoughts! 📓 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 voco Chicago Downtown, 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! September in Chicago is often delightful, with warm days and comfortable evenings. Average daily highs are around 74°F (23°C) and lows around 60°F (16°C). However, temperatures can fluctuate, and a cool breeze off Lake Michigan is always possible, so layers are key! 📱 Cell Phone It’s practically essential for survival in America. The mobile coverage is great in the venue area for all three major providers, so about any device will work. 🕶️ Sunglasses, Sunscreen, and Maybe a Raincoat September in Chicago generally brings pleasant weather, but it's still smart to be prepared. Sunny days are common, so sunglasses and sunscreen are a good idea, especially if you plan to enjoy outdoor activities. While it's typically a relatively dry month, rain showers can occur, so a light raincoat or umbrella could be useful just in case. For a more accurate forecast closer to the conference date, check a reliable weather source like weather.com or your preferred weather app for Chicago. 🍿 Snacks The voco Chicago Downtown will have full breakfast, lunch, and snacks during the breaks (10:10 AM and 3:00 PM) on all conference days (Monday through Wednesday). If you’re an early riser like me, you might want a snack before breakfast (7:30 AM on Monday, 8:00 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. Chicago offers fantastic opportunities to get out and explore the city! September is an ideal time to enjoy walks or runs along the Chicago Riverwalk, through Millennium Park, or along the scenic Lakefront Trail. You might also find outdoor events or festivals happening in the city during this time. Go for a run, walk, or even a bike ride!