Since I've been to IMATS NYC five times and IMATS Toronto twice, it's safe to say that I have learned a few things to help get me get the most out of the experience and I've decided to share them with you.  Here's my list of 10 essential items that will help make your IMATS experience even more awesome!
 1. CASH
This will not only help you set a firm budget, but it will also help speed up your transactions at each booth. Only bring what you absolutely can afford to spend. With sooooo many choices debit/credit cards will often allow you to go overboard.

 2. MAKEUP WIPES
You'll be swatching a ton of items throughout the day, so having some makeup wipes handy is a must!
 3. BUSINESS CARDS
IMATS is just about the best place on Earth for bloggers, Youtube gurus and makeup artists to network. Have plenty of business cards handy if you'd like to promote your blog or channel. It's also a great way to kill time while waiting in those long lines at the really popular booths.
 4. EXTRA BATTERIES & MEMORY CARDS
If you're planning on vlogging or just taking a ton of pics for your Instagram account, be sure to bring backup batteries and memory cards.
 5. COMFY SHOES
You'll be quite a bit of walking and possibly waiting in long lines for hours. Comfortable shoes are a must. TRUST ME!

 6. WALLET OR WRISTLET
Bring a light wallet or wristlet instead of a bulky handbag. You'll be accumulating bags throughout the day and eventually they will get HEAVY. Just bring your cash, ID and business cards in something light that won't add t the load.
 7. A SNACK
The lines at the concession stand can be really long and pretty expensive. Try to avoid cutting  into your shopping time and bring along a little something to much on.








8. EXHIBITOR LIST
Make a list of booths that you'd like to visit beforehand. Also prioritize it from most to least important.






9. A WHEELED BAG
This is only if you plan on buying a ton of stuff or planning on picking up a few items that you know will be kind of bulky. This will also give you                                                                              one hand free if you're going to be filming.


10. NOTEPAD
This may help you if you want jot down items that you might want to circle back and get later, names of people that you met or took photos with, compare prices, etc. The memo app on your phone will work just as well, but a handy piece of paper and a pen won't drain your battery.








I hope this helped all of the IMATS newbies! Hopefully I'll get to meet some of you this weekend! I'll be attending the meetup at the Good Face booth at 2pm on both Saturday and Sunday. If you have any additional tips or questions, please feel free to leave a comment! I'd love to know what you think! :)


Check out my IMATS Survival Tips & Tricks video here! https://youtu.be/kRZnsPDDKHE