As fall approaches, conferences and conventions loom large on our calendars and while some organizations use the summer months to take advantage of lower rates, most corporations recognize that their employees use this time to vacation with family and friends.

Once the gong sounds on the Tuesday after Labor Day to mark the end of summer, it is back to business as usual.

The conference brochures and meeting notices start arriving, and you wonder what to pack.  Under "What to Wear," you read, "The official dress for the conference is business casual. Wear what you are comfortable in."  What in the world does that mean?  Those words provide no guidance at all.

Your attire speaks volumes about you.  When you are attending a professional conference, keep in mind that you are working, and this is all about business and professionalism.  This is not the time to throw caution to the winds and show up in your favorite jeans and that t-shirt you bought at the convention three years ago.  It's fine to take your comfy sweats and old shorts, but save them for the workout room.

Think of the image you want to project, and make sure it reflects professionalism. While the true definition of business casual is to dress down one notch from business professional, you might relax the rule slightly for your meeting event, but only slightly.

While traveling to the conference, consider that you will be meeting people and making connections—of the business kind.  Make sure that everyone you encounter before, during and after the conference, forms a positive impression of you. Professional conduct and appearance are the keys to adding the polish that builds profits.

And if you are in need of a speaker at your next conference or convention—one who can address professional conduct–please contact me. I'd be delighted to join you.

Here's to conduct professional!

Lydia Ramsey is a Savannah based business etiquette expert, professional speaker and author of MANNERS THAT SELL.  For more information about her programs and products, call her at 912-598-9812 or visit her web site:

www.mannersthatsell.com