Packing Like a Pro: Coffee Chat on FAM Trip Essentials

In this episode of Smart Start Radio’s Coffee Chat, host Eming Piansay is joined by Digital Manager Malik Anderson and new Senior Editor David Lytle for a lively conversation about the art of packing for FAM trips. 

The team shares personal strategies, funny mishaps and packing hacks learned on the road, from must-have gadgets like charging pads to the eternal debate of carry-on vs. checked bags. Listeners will hear how early habits (like David’s childhood packing lists) still come in handy, why Malik swears by traveling light and what Eming learned the hard way about forgetting headphones. The group also dives into style choices, shoe dilemmas, and how to prepare for events like IMEX. 

Whether you’re an overpacker or a minimalist, this episode offers practical tips and relatable stories to make your next business trip smoother.

Transcript

Eming Piansay
Greetings, and welcome back to Smart Start Radio. I know I say this every time, but today’s episode really is a special one. First, we have Malik Anderson, our digital manager, who’s joining us again after his first time on the show. Honestly, I wasn’t sure anyone would come back after one of these recordings, but Malik did—so yay!

Malik Anderson
I loved it. Great to be back.

EP
That makes me so happy. And second, we have a brand-new voice on the podcast: David Lytle, our senior editor at Smart Meetings. He just joined the team a couple of weeks ago, and he wanted to jump right in. David, welcome!

David Lytle
Thanks, Eming. Happy to be here.

EP
So, following our last conversation with Malik, I thought it’d be fun to explore how we pack for fam trips. It’s something we do a lot, and planners who follow us can relate. Packing can make or break a trip. So let’s talk essentials—those things you always bring, the hacks you swear by, or the lessons you’ve learned the hard way.

First Things First: Must-Haves

MA
Besides the basics—like extra socks—my must-have is my charging pad. When I’m away from an outlet all day, that thing saves me.

EP
Same here. I think I even have the same Mophie charger as you. It’s essential when we’re running around venues all day without a break.

DL
For me, it always starts with a list. That goes back to my childhood in the Midwest. My family had a lake house, and every weekend we’d pack up and head there. My mom insisted—even when I was in first grade—that we pack our own bags. So I’d write everything down: socks, shirts, underwear, and always an extra outfit in case I fell into the lake. To this day, I still make a packing list. And when I’ve laid everything out on my bed, I always remove three items.

EP
Wait, how do you decide which three to cut?

DL
It doesn’t matter—just anything. I know I overpack, so removing three things forces me to trim it down. And even after pulling them out, I always have enough.

MA
I’m the opposite. If David overpacks, I underpack. I travel light, so I usually have plenty of extra space in my carry-on.

EP
That’s so interesting—two totally different styles. I’m more like David; I always think about the itinerary. If we have a dinner, or if the weather might shift, I pack with those scenarios in mind. And honestly, it’s different for women. The expectation is often multiple outfits.

DL
That’s true. For men, no one cares if I wear the same khakis two days in a row. For women, there’s definitely more pressure to have options.

Carry-On vs. Checked

EP
So, do you guys check bags?

MA
Never, unless the airline forces me at the gate. I just hate waiting at baggage claim.

DL
I almost always do carry-on as well. But one time in Louisville, I ended up with six bottles of bourbon. That doesn’t fit in a carry-on, so I boxed them and shipped them home.

EP
That’s a good workaround. I, on the other hand, usually check. I’ve had too many close calls hoisting my bag into the overhead and nearly hitting someone. Plus, if I pick up bottles or swag that can’t go through TSA, checking makes life easier.

DL
That’s fair. One trick: if you need a jacket for a formal dinner, wear it on the plane. That way it doesn’t get wrinkled in the bag.

MA
Or, you just learn to improvise. I once forgot my dress pants on a trip and ended up wearing jeans with a sport coat. It worked—it was a new accidental style.

DL
Fashion through necessity!

Packing Hacks

EP
Do you have any packing hacks for making everything fit—especially swag on the way back?

MA
No real hacks. I fold my clothes neatly and stuff in whatever fits. If I get a swag bag, I’ll just carry it separately.

DL
I’m a roller. I roll shirts and pants to maximize space. And I always plan for the swag. That’s why trimming those three items at the beginning helps—I know I’ll have room later.

EP
I’m a roller too. It makes a huge difference.

Comfort vs. Style

EP
Let’s talk about outfits. Do you pack more for comfort, or more for looking professional?

DL
For me, it’s the same. My work clothes and personal clothes overlap. Khakis and button-downs work for either.

MA
Same. I’ll pack a sport coat if the itinerary calls for it, but otherwise it’s the same clothes I’d wear casually.

EP
I definitely lean comfort. I learned early in my career: if my feet are unhappy, I’m unhappy. Heels are out. I’d rather look like a tomboy than spend the trip in pain.

Shoes

EP
Speaking of feet—how many pairs of shoes do you pack?

MA
Three. Slip-on Birkenstocks for the airport, loafers for dinners, and sneakers for anything active.

DL
Two. Dress shoes and sneakers.

EP
I try to stick to one or two as well. Shoes take up so much space, and I’d rather travel light.

Travel Essentials

EP
For me, headphones are the one thing I can’t forget. What’s yours?

DL
Headphones and chargers. I’ve forgotten both before and had to pay those outrageous airport prices.

MA
Same. I’ve been lucky and never forgotten mine, but that would be rough.

Research and Free Time

EP
Do you research destinations before you go?

DL
Always. Coming from Frommer’s, it’s second nature. I also like to request blocks of free time during fams so I can see what a city offers outside the meeting space—restaurants, attractions, local food specialties. It’s part of the bleisure perspective.

MA
I’ll research lightly, but I usually like to be surprised.

Lessons Learned

EP
Any big packing mistakes?

DL
On my first trip to Seattle, I didn’t pack a raincoat. That was a quick lesson—I had to buy one at REI.

MA
I can’t think of one. Maybe underpacking, but it usually works out.

EP
For me, the worst was forgetting headphones. I had to spend $40 on an uncomfortable pair that didn’t even work well. My best save was in Florida—I packed a rain jacket at the last minute, and when the sky opened up, I was the only one prepared.

Looking Ahead: IMEX

EP
We’ll all be at IMEX this year, which is exciting. Since it’s a shorter trip, does that change your packing?

MA
Not really. Same small suitcase. Just good walking shoes.

DL
I’m shopping for Allbirds—they’re comfortable enough for long days on the convention floor, and they come in fun colors.

EP
Perfect. We’ll definitely need to break those in before October.

Wrap-Up

EP
This was such a fun chat. Thank you both for joining me. I hope our listeners enjoyed it as much as I did—and I hope our accountant, Diana, did too. We’ll see you next time on Smart Start Radio.

MA
Thanks, Eming.

DL
Great conversation.

EP
Bye, everyone!