What to pack for TechHR: The ultimate conference survival kit

If you’re heading to TechHR India 2025 this 31 July to 1 August at the impressive Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi, you’re in for a blockbuster event. Imagine over 5,000 HR leaders, talent pros, tech innovators, and people advocates all under one roof for two days packed with mind-boggling keynotes, workshops, and a smorgasbord of future-of-work magic.
But let’s be honest — walking in underprepared is a rookie move. Whether you’re a seasoned conference veteran or a first-timer, what you pack and how you prep can make or break your experience. This guide will keep you from drowning in swag, scrambling for chargers, or sweating through your blazer in Delhi’s summer heat.
Here’s everything you need to know about packing smart, staying sane, and making TechHR 2025 your best HR event yet.
Must-have tech essentials
Laptop + Charger
Obvious but critical. Bring a lightweight laptop if possible, so you’re not lugging around bricks all day.
Multi-Port Charger + Power Bank
Forget one charger or one power bank. TechHR will have you juggling phone calls, note-taking, streaming, and more. Invest in a multi-device charger with USB-C and USB-A ports. A high-capacity power bank (think 20,000 mAh) will keep your devices alive between sessions.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Between networking buzz, panel discussions, and exhibitor demos, the noise level can get overwhelming. A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones lets you focus on your own thoughts, podcasts, or chill-out music when you need a mental break.
Smart Notebook + Pen or Digital Note-Taking Device
There’s something magical about putting pen to paper. Studies show that handwriting notes helps memory retention and sparks creativity. Bring a smart notebook like Rocketbook or a digital tablet with a stylus. You can jot ideas quickly and digitise them for easy retrieval later.
Business Cards + Smart Badge Holder
Business cards are classic, but let’s be real — many of us forget or lose them. Consider a smart badge holder that shares your contact info with a tap or a QR code. It saves fumbling and makes networking slick.
Apps that’ll make your experience smooth as butter
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Official TechHR app: Your all-in-one guide for the agenda, speakers, venue maps, and updates.
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Business card scanner app: Quickly capture contacts and sync them to your CRM or phone.
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QR code reader: For seamless sharing and scanning at booths or sessions.
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Calendar app sync: Sync your TechHR schedule with your phone calendar and set reminders — no more missing talks or meetings.
Covid-19 protection
With rising COVID cases in Delhi, being cautious is still a must. Here’s your protective armour:
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N95 or surgical masks: Wear them indoors, especially in crowded areas.
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Hand sanitiser: Carry a pocket-size bottle and use it frequently, especially after touching common surfaces.
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Social distancing: When possible, keep your distance and avoid hugging or handshakes with strangers.
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Monitor your health: If you feel unwell, opt for virtual sessions or rest up — no one wants to spread germs or feel miserable at the event.
Dressing for Success
Delhi’s summer heat can be brutal — think dry heat during the day, but air-conditioning that could give you chills indoors. So your outfit choices need to strike the right balance between smart, cool, and comfortable.
For men
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Opt for lightweight cotton or linen shirts that breathe well — no stiff fabrics that trap heat.
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Choose tailored trousers in light shades to reflect sunlight and keep you cooler.
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Bring a light blazer or jacket for AC-heavy sessions — something easily foldable or packable.
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Avoid heavy shoes. Go for smart loafers or breathable dress shoes that don’t suffocate your feet.
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Don’t forget a belt and a watch — little touches that pull your look together.
For women
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Choose breathable fabrics like cotton blends, linens, or technical fibres designed to wick sweat away.
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Pair a smart blouse or shirt with tailored trousers or midi skirts for that professional yet cool vibe.
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Carry a light cardigan, blazer, or scarf to fend off the chill indoors — scarves double as quick mask covers if needed.
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Footwear is critical: pick comfortable flats, low heels, or stylish loafers that can take you through long days on your feet.
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Minimal jewellery and a neat hairstyle help keep you feeling fresh.
How to avoid the hangry slump
Long sessions, constant talking, and all-day walking can drain your energy like crazy. Here’s how to keep it up:
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Reusable water bottle: Hydration is your secret weapon. A good insulated bottle keeps water cold for hours. Drink regularly — it boosts focus and keeps you alert.
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Healthy snacks: Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, protein bars, or granola bites fend off hunger between meals and keep your energy steady.
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Avoid overly greasy or sugary snacks that lead to energy crashes.
The conference bag
Forget bulky backpacks. Here’s what your conference bag should do:
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Keep your hands free for shaking hands, taking notes, or holding coffee.
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Be lightweight but roomy enough for your essentials — charger, snacks, notebooks, swag.
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Bring a reusable tote bag too, just for collecting freebies, brochures, and gadgets you’ll accumulate. It’s a lifesaver when you don’t want to carry extra weight on your shoulders.
Pre-conference workshops
TechHR kicks off with workshops on 30 July — these sessions are goldmines for deep-dives into AI, diversity, leadership, hybrid work, and more.
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Arrive early.
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Bring your lightweight laptop or tablet and a notebook.
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Wear comfy shoes because workshop days often mean standing, moving, and brainstorming in groups.
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Take notes, ask questions, and connect with fellow participants.
For those who want to squeeze every last drop of value from TechHR:
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Pack a sketchbook and coloured pens — doodling ideas stimulates creative thinking and can help you map out plans visually.
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A portable foldable whiteboard or screen is handy for impromptu group brainstorming.
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Load some inspirational podcasts or industry reads on your device for downtime or travel moments.
What you absolutely can’t forget
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Laptop + charger
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Multi-device portable charger
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Power bank (high capacity)
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Noise-cancelling headphones
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Smart notebook or digital note-taking device + pen
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Business cards + smart badge holder
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Reusable water bottle
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Healthy snacks
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Reusable tote bag
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Comfortable, smart clothing (see separate men’s and women’s tips)
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Masks + hand sanitiser
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Official conference app + QR code reader
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Watch or smartwatch
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Sunglasses and sunscreen for moving between venues
TechHR 2025 is your chance to plug into the biggest HR brain trust in Asia, walk away with actionable insights, and build a network that powers your career.
So pack smart, prep your mind, and get ready to make waves this July. Because at TechHR India, you’re not just attending a conference — you’re shaping the future of work.