10 Items You NEED To Make The Most Out Of Vidsummit 2026!
If you're planning to attend VidSummit 2026, you probably already know that getting the most out of the conference involves more than simply showing up and attending a few sessions.
I've attended VidSummit multiple times, and over the years I've learned that having the right things with you can make a big difference. Whether you're trying to network, create content, meet other creators, or simply make your experience easier, a little preparation can go a long way.
Here are 10 things I recommend bringing to VidSummit 2026 if you want to get the most out of your experience.
1. Kimunity Solution’s Question & Perspective Cards
One of the biggest opportunities at VidSummit is meeting other creators and having conversations with people you may not normally have access to.
That's why I recommend buy KimUnity Solution’s question or perspective cards.
The idea is simple: have a few interesting questions, conversation starters, or topics prepared ahead of time that you can use when meeting someone new. This can make networking much easier, especially if you're someone who doesn't naturally know what to say when approaching a stranger.
Instead of walking up to someone and asking the usual "What do you do?", you can start a more meaningful conversation.
You don't necessarily need professionally printed cards. You can write questions down on index cards or keep them on your phone. The important thing is to have some conversation starters ready so you aren't trying to come up with something on the spot. Click here to buy them today!
2. A Portable Phone Charger
Your phone is going to be extremely important at VidSummit.
You'll likely use it to communicate with people, exchange contact information, take pictures, record videos, check the conference schedule, use social media, and potentially create content.
The problem is that doing all of that can drain your battery quickly.
That's why a portable phone charger or power bank is one of the simplest things you can bring.
You don't want to find yourself in the middle of an important networking conversation or trying to record something only to realize your phone is about to die. A portable charger gives you the freedom to stay mobile without constantly looking for an outlet. You can get one here.
3. A Notepad and Pencil
Even though most of us use our phones and computers to take notes, I still recommend bringing a traditional notepad and pencil.
VidSummit can provide you with a lot of information in a relatively short amount of time. You may hear an idea during a presentation, have an important conversation with another creator, or think of something you want to implement when you get home.
Having a physical notebook gives you somewhere to quickly write those things down.
It can also be useful during networking. If someone gives you an idea, recommendation, or piece of information that you don't want to forget, you can write it down immediately.
You don't need anything fancy. A simple notebook works.
4. A Backpack
You're probably going to accumulate things throughout the conference.
You may receive promotional materials, business cards, merchandise, brochures, or other items from sponsors and exhibitors. You may also want to carry your own equipment and personal belongings.
That's why bringing a backpack or another comfortable bag is a good idea.
It gives you somewhere to keep all of those things without having to carry everything in your hands.
Just make sure whatever bag you bring is comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time.
5. A Portable Microphone
If you're planning on creating content at VidSummit, consider bringing a portable microphone.
VidSummit puts you in a unique environment where you can potentially interview creators, speakers, entrepreneurs, and other interesting people.
You don't necessarily need a complicated production setup. A small microphone that connects to your phone can significantly improve the audio quality of interviews and other videos you record at the conference.
This can also give you an opportunity to create content that you wouldn't normally be able to make.
Instead of simply attending VidSummit, you can document your experience and use the people you meet as part of your content. Click here to get one.
6. A Phone Holder
If you're creating content at VidSummit, a phone holder or small tripod can also be extremely useful.
It allows you to set your phone up to record yourself without needing another person to hold the camera.
This can be helpful when you're:
Recording yourself talking about the conference
Creating social media content
Recording interviews
Taking group pictures or videos
Documenting your experience
A small phone tripod doesn't take up much room, but it can give you considerably more flexibility when you're trying to create content. You can see multiple ones here
7. A QR Code
This is one of the more strategic items on the list.
If you have a business, website, newsletter, social media account, YouTube channel, podcast, or another project that you want people to check out, consider having a QR code that takes people directly to it.
Networking often involves exchanging information quickly. Instead of trying to spell out a website or asking someone to search for you later, you can simply let them scan your QR code.
You could have a QR code that leads to your website, a landing page containing all of your important links, your social media profiles, or wherever you want people to go. Its up to you what you use for this but I personally use Genius link
The key is to make it as easy as possible for someone you meet to stay connected with you after the conference.
8. Conference Crushing
You should also consider bringing Conference Crushing.
Conference Crushing is a resource designed to help you get more out of networking and meeting people at conferences.
VidSummit is filled with opportunities to meet creators, entrepreneurs, speakers, and other professionals. But simply being surrounded by people doesn't automatically mean you're going to build meaningful relationships.
Having a strategy for approaching people, starting conversations, and following up can make a major difference.
If networking is one of your primary reasons for attending VidSummit, having a resource like Conference Crushing can help you be more intentional about how you spend your time. You can grab a copy of the book here.
9. Water
This may seem obvious, but bring water.
You're going to be walking around, talking to people, attending sessions, and potentially spending a long time on your feet.
It's easy to get caught up in everything happening at the conference and forget something as basic as staying hydrated.
Having a reusable water bottle with you can help make sure you always have something to drink without constantly having to stop what you're doing.
10. Merch
Finally, consider bringing merchandise for your own brand.
If you have a business, YouTube channel, podcast, or other brand, VidSummit can be a great place to get your brand in front of other people.
That could mean wearing a shirt with your logo, bringing stickers, business cards, or another type of branded item.
The goal isn't necessarily to walk around handing things to everyone you see. Instead, merchandise can naturally become part of a conversation and give someone another way to remember you after the conference.
If someone you've just met asks about your shirt or sticker, you've now got an easy conversation starter.
Bonus: An External Hard Drive
There's one more item I recommend bringing if you're serious about creating content at VidSummit: an external hard drive.
If you're going to record a lot of video during the conference, you're potentially going to create a large amount of footage.
Having an external drive gives you somewhere to back up that footage and free up space on your computer or other devices.
The last thing you want is to return home with hours of potentially valuable footage and realize that you don't have enough storage space to properly manage it. The one I use is here
Final Thoughts
VidSummit can be much more than a conference where you sit in a room and watch presentations.
For me, a major part of the value comes from the people you meet, the conversations you have, the relationships you build, and the content and ideas you take home with you.
That's why preparation matters.
Having a portable charger can keep your phone running. A notebook can help you capture ideas. A microphone and phone holder can help you create content. A QR code can make it easier to exchange information. And having a strategy for networking can help you turn brief conversations into meaningful relationships.
You don't necessarily need to bring every item on this list. Think about what you're hoping to accomplish at VidSummit and choose the things that will help you accomplish those goals.
The most important thing is to show up prepared to participate, connect, and take advantage of the opportunities around you.
If you're attending VidSummit 2026, preparation can help ensure that you don't simply attend the conference—you actually get something valuable out of it.
Going to this year's vidsummit? Click here to get your ticket and be part of Elijah's vidsummit crew during the event!