Welcome Wednesday: Atlassian Team Survival Tips - Packing your suitcase!

[#1]

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

It's hard to believe Team ‘24 is happening next week! If you are trying to decide if you should try to manage with a carry-on alone. Do yourself a favor and bring a checked suitcase. Even if it’s completely empty on the way to Vegas. Every time I have gone, I have struggled to get all the swag to fit in my suit case, and that's without trying to hunt for swag. For the seasoned swag hunters they will be able to tell you all the amazing things they have been able to find over the years.

In fact, I'd love for people to share their favorite piece in the comments below. It doesn't have to be from an Atlassian Team event. But it must have cone from an Atlassian event in the past.

There are two i really love:

1. In 2022, k15t was handing out toddler sized shirts at Team, which was amazing!

2. At the 2023 Partner Info session, Draw.io included a full set of D&D dice which I use regularly!

Have a great rest of the week!

[Kristian Klima]

As first time attendees, the Emplifi team is looking forward to any advice :) 

[Barbara Szczesniak]

I haven't been to any Atlassian events, but I can recommend a way to get all the swag home, without needing to leave your clothing in Vegas. 

I once spent so much money one day at a store that they gave me a duffle bag with their logo on it (it was the 90s when stores still did such things). Anyway, it was a heavy canvas bag with a removable shoulder strap. 

When it was empty, it fit under all my clothes/other travel items in my large suitcase, but it was tough enough to fill with items and check it on a plane. Perfect for when you have more items going one direction than the other.

[Summer.Hogan]

A couple of years ago for the Work and Wellness Atlassian online event I was sent a whole box full of good Summertime stuff such as a beach blanket, a bento box, stickers, reusable straws, a beach bag and a beach ball. It was pretty cool! 

I'm looking forward to Team and all the good stuff I'll get! 

[Samie Kaufman - Your Gal at Gliffy]

I have a Kolekti baseball cap from last year that has become a solid part of my rotation. :)

[Mike Wilk]

As a once veteran traveler, I know most people over pack. My suggestion is to get everything into one carry-on size bag that you don't have to check. But... also include at least one empty bag that is also carry-on size. That way, you can bring back one completely full bag and not exceed the carry-on limit of 2 bags.

You can also do the same thing with checked baggage, where you check a bag that is empty (except for enough recyclable filler to prevent it from being smooshed) which you can then fill up and bring back. 

Another helpful tip is to try and wear as much as you can onto the plane in terms of a coat, hoodie, etc. That way you don't have to use up bag room for stuff you can take off once you're on the plane.

Happy travels all!

[Andy Gladstone]

Here's a Pro Tip for anyone that does not want to pay extra baggage fees. In the Palazzo lobby there is a FedEx Print & Ship Center that you can bring your bag o' swag to and pack into a box to be shipped back to your home for less than the cost of checking a bag (and dealing with waiting at the carousel) if you are trying to only fly with a carry-on. 

https://local.fedex.com/en-us/nv/las-vegas/office-5607?cmp=LOC-1001545-3-1-971-1110000-US-US-EN-GPLHOTELSERVICE

[Kristian Klima]

@Andy Gladstone Thanks for the tip! 

My only worry is the whole import tax and VAT + processing fee :)

[Samuel Barden]

Thank you for the tip!

Will definitely keep that in mind.

[Ben Finn]

Thank you so much for sharing this!

[William Wilson]

I came to provide the same advice as Andy Gladstone. 

If you over-purchase, it's cheaper and *FAR* more convenient to have your luggage shipped as cargo. There are far fewer regulations on what can be packed/shipped and it's (usually) far less expensive.

[Stijn Veer_ van der]

I hope to visit an Atlassian event one day!