national conference prep

This time tomorrow I’ll be on a plane heading to Philadelphia for PRSSA National Conference. This is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time, but in typical Eliza fashion I procrastinated until the last minute and now have tons of preparing to do. I realized (a few days ago, conveniently) that I’m in desperate need of some business casual clothes. A quick trip to the bleak and undesirable place that is my town's local mall left me with a few new tops from Express, some affordable but classic pants from Target, and some new shoes. 

I think these will look so cute with a blouse or sweater, statement necklace, and black pumps

I love the leather trimmed collar on this blouse

 

I'm sure I'll have some outfit pictures to share over the weekend for anyone looking for business casual inspiration. Also on my to-do list is to print my resume and business cards, and get a manicure (my excuse for the splurge is that I'll be handing out business cards and shaking a lot of hands. Valid, right?).  

Things I'm especially looking forward to about National Conference: 

• Visiting classic American sites like Benjamin Franklin's grave and the Liberty Bell

• Eating my way through the city (although my brother and the general male population are disappointed in me because I don't eat red meat so I'll be passing up the Philly Cheese Steaks)

• Networking with industry professionals

• Attending panels on fashion, food/beverage, and entertainment PR

• Bonding with my fellow IUPRSSA chapter members, and also meeting new people from other chapters all over the country!

Anyone have any suggestions of where to go and what to do in Philadelphia?