17 Must-Have Gadgets for Planners on the Go

Whether you're traveling to a conference or setting up an on-site event, these gadgets will streamline your journey and ensure you're prepared for anything the meeting throws at you.

Ask any event planner what essentials they have in their go-to bag, and the answers might vary, but there are many commonalities.

Check out the following must-have travel gadgets and meeting tech tools to stay productive, organized, and ready for action.

Gadgets for Travel

1. Clip-on Speaker

The waterproof JBL Clip 3 (above) has a built-in carabiner, to attach it right to your backpack or belt, and a built-in rechargeable battery for up to 10 hours of play. Wirelessly stream from your smartphone or tablet.

2. Luggage Cup Holder

When was the last time you tried to juggle your carry-on, phone, and breakfast while weaving your way through a packed airport? The Riemot suitcase cup holder holds two drinks and still has another pocket available. Fits most luggage handles.

3. Travel Adapter

The Dashed TravelPod combines worldwide adapters with built-in Lightning & USB-C charging cables, all in one device. Features include wireless charging and a foldable AC plug.

4. Earbud Transmitter

Some seats in older airplanes only come with a headphone jack. This little gadget by Airfly allows you to plug into any audio jack to use your wireless headphones or earbuds. There are two models: the Pro, with 25 hours of battery life, and the SE, with 20 hours

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5. Portable White Noise Machine

The Yogasleep Rohm comes with three different sounds: bright white noise, deep white noise, or gentle surf. It’s just 3 1/2 inches diameter and 3.8 ounces, and comes with its own lanyard for hanging. One charge from the USB charger and it can run all night.

6. Portable Safe

How many times have you stayed at a hotel with no safe? Measuring 2x9 inches and 4 inches in diameter, the Master Lock safe (top) is a secure place to store credit cards, cash, and your passport, with enough room for a phone and sunglasses.

7. Sound-blocking Earbuds 

Noise-canceling headphones (above) can be bulky and uncomfortable to sleep with. That’s where the Soundcore Sleep A20 wireless earbuds by Anker come in. Not only do they block noise, but you can use them to play preloaded sounds from your Bluetooth device for an extra level of sound protection. 

8. LED Reading Light

Sometimes the lighting in airplane cabins is too dim, or the lamp on your hotel nightstand is too bright for nighttime reading. The Glocusent book light comes in three color temperatures, including amber, and has six adjustable brightness levels. There’s also a model that attaches to headboards.

9. Neck Fan

This version by Jisu Life looks like a set of headphones that you place around your neck. A total of 78 air outlets will keep you cool during boarding, when the airplane is stuffy, and all through your trip.

10. Air Tag Wallet

The Hawanik wallet has a special compartment to hold an Apple air tag securely in place. This RFID wallet can also hold one ID card, five credit cards and six dollar bills, folded, and costs less than $10.

Gadgets for Meetings

11. Portable Power Bank

Wired has named the Nimble Champ Series 2 as Best Power Bank for multiple years in a row. At 6.2 ounces, it's one of the lightest on the market and smaller than a deck of cards. It delivers 20 watts to charge two devices at once via a USB-C port on either end, and works with iPhone and Androids. The case, which comes in a variety of colors, is made of recycled plastic.

12. Multitool

Why carry multiple tools if you can just carry one? The Leatherman is the original multitool and comes in dozens of colors and designs. This family company has been around for 40 years and manufactures its tools at its factory in Portland, Ore. Best of all, Leathermans are backed by a 25-year guarantee.

13. Portable Mouse

There are times when a touchpad is just not enough. The Logitech MX Anywhere Mouse (above) is compact, fast, and compatible with both PCs and Macs. It comes with a tiny unifying receiver that you can keep attached to your laptop or notebook.

14. Portable Scanner

To avoid having to run to the business center, Ricoh’s ScanSnap iX100 (above) is a wireless, compact, battery-powered scanner, equipped with both USB and Wi-Fi connectivity. Its compact profile measures 10.74 x 1.87 x 1.42 inches and weighs only 14 ounces. 

15. Portable Router

Carrying a router is a smart backup plan for planners. Popular Mechanics named GL.iNet’s GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) portable travel router as Best Overall Travel Router for 2025. It uses the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology for increased capacity to connected devices and faster wireless speed.

16. Smart Power Strip

There are hundreds of power strips on the market, but the one chosen as Best Overall by PC Mag is the Kasa Smart Wifi Plus Slim. It works with all certified platforms, such as Google Alexa and Samsung SmartThings, and its compact design keeps it from blocking other outlets

17. Rolling Tote

The most efficient way to bring meeting supplies onboard is with a rolling tote. Hulken totes are foldable, have multi-direction swivel wheels, and are designed to stay upright and open.

Also Read: Gift Ideas & Gadgets for Planners

Or, Make-Your-Own Kit

You can also curate your own kit, complete with everything you need tucked inside a rolling case. A sample kit might include: a USB flash drive, chargers and cords, essential tools like a hammer and screwdriver, boxcutter, first aid supplies, dry erase markers, door stopper, zip ties, mini stapler, different kinds of tape (duct, packing, Scotch), door stopper, safety pins, Post-its, wipes, hand sanitizer, lint roller, instant stain remover, Altoids, tissues, Krazy glue, and Sharpies.

Sources: Good Housekeeping, BuzzFeed, Wirecutter, 22 Words PC Mag, Popular Mechanics, Wired