Well, I’ll certainly need to. I’m off to the AICI conference where image professionals from all over the globe meet, learn, network and generally have a great, if exhausting time.  Seminars start SOOOO early over there! I’m to collect my CIP award, so very exciting, especially as there are only 2 of us Brits who’ve managed to pass – and I was the first – sorry Sarah!

It’s always a challenge to pack everything you need, and the variety of clothes you require for this type of event is immense, into your limited luggage allowance but I think I’ve managed it quite well this year. Never one for neatness, I’ve tried various ways of packing a suitcase but none really seemed to work well. My clothes arrived looking like I’d just carelessly thrown them in rather than the reality of spending hours wrapping them individually in tissue paper or rolling them into tight balls. The best way I’ve found is to pack as much as you can into the lid of the case, then secure by zipping up the inner mesh cover to prevent movement. Use the bottom half of your case for the heavier items like shoes and toiletries. Choosing a theme of 2 or 3 colours that mix and match also helps cut down on the amount you take. Still, even now,  it’s always a heart stopping moment at check in when I look at the scales. I’ve never been charged excess yet – but there is always a first time!