The Midwest Clinic takes place December 16-18, 2026 at McCormick Place West, and is one of the leading instrumental music education conferences in the world. But between the concerts and exhibits, winter in the Midwest can sneak up on you! My first time ever visiting Chicago, IL was for the Midwest conference a few years ago, and I was not prepared. Sure, I had long pants and a coat, but what do you mean my face immediately goes numb the second I step outside? How is this wind finding me even when there are this many people around? These were questions that haunted me during my first stay in Chicago, and it is my job to make sure that you are more prepared than I was.
Here is our list of must-have items in your suitcase for Midwest, or really for any event you are traveling to this school year. And if you haven’t done so already, make sure to register for the Midwest Clinic!
Layers, Layers, and More Layers
I’m not just talking about long pants and sweaters, but thermals and long-sleeve undershirts. You might think this will be too warm once you’re finally indoors, but take it from my experience, it’s easier to shed layers than to magically make them appear. Gloves, Scarves, and something for at least your ears. If you’re planning on walking around downtown, I also recommend getting electronic hand warmers to make your stroll even more comfortable.
Performance Emergency Kit
Beyond the obvious instrument and concert attire, we also recommend packing a concert emergency kit that includes extras of some of the essentials: socks, hair ties and pins, reeds, etc. Doesn’t have to be a big bag, but something that will help avoid those last-minute CVS runs.
Lip Balm and Lotion
While the hotel provides lotion, it doesn’t do the trick. Pick up a travel-sized lotion from your grocery store and keep that on your person at all times. I didn’t realize how cracked my knuckles could get after just one week in Chicago!
Compression Socks
Hear me out! I know, the last thing any music director wants to hear is that they are officially the ideal person to be donning these bad boys, but they are a game changer. I’ve been to countless conferences, and even with my comfiest shoes, I suffered after a long day on the concrete floor. That all changed when I bought my first pack of compression socks last Midwest. For the first time in years, I felt like I could still move after a full conference day. Bonus for Musicians: they fit in with concert black!
Dish Soap
I feel like I’m saying “hear me out” a lot in this post, but I’ll say it again! Dish soap is by far the #1 item I bring when traveling that makes my husband question my sanity. Not only does it help when washing out reusable bottles in the hotel room, but most clothing stains that happen when traveling are what? Food-related. Coffee on your sweater? Dish Soap. Pizza sauce on that blazer you were going to wear tomorrow? Dish soap and a hair dryer. Trust me, it’ll change your life.
Reusable Water Bottle
The Midwest Clinic is amazing at making sure there are water refilling stations in the main areas. Chicago, on the other hand, loves to charge $8 for water. Don’t give Chicago $8 for a bottle of water.
A Dirty / Clean Bag
A canvas bag can serve two main purposes when you travel. On the way to the event, put your dirty shoes that you aren’t wearing on the plane in the bag in your suitcase, separating them from your clean clothes. When at the show, hang the canvas bag in the bathroom to use as a laundry hamper. When the event is over, simply put the bag full of clothes in your suitcase, and empty out the clothes (and bag!) in the washer when you get home. Easy!
Space For Music and Souvenirs
After three days of clinics and shopping in the exhibit hall, there’s a chance you will need a bit of space to fit everything that you got at the conference. It’s tricky to fit everything in a carry-on, especially when packing for a winter trip, so either bring space bags or a foldable bag that you can check on the plane ride home.
And if you find yourself with a full suitcase, no worries! Stop by MakeMusic Booth 1139 to order music straight to your door via MakeMusic Shop. From classic arrangements to the newest Performed at Midwest pieces, MakeMusic Shop is your exhibitor for exclusive discounts, giveaways, and to learn more about how to enhance your music classroom!
For more information about the Midwest Clinic, an international band and orchestra conference, visit midwestclinic.org for schedules, exhibit hall maps, and reservation information.