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First Model UN Conference Checklist

Most first conferences go wrong before they start: research that never became a speech, a position paper finished at midnight, or a morning spent worrying about clothes. This sheet is the whole countdown on one page, plus the packing list and a plain-English answer to the dress code question.

For the narrative version, including what to actually do in your first three hours of committee, read Your First Model UN Conference: A Two-Week Prep Plan.

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First conference checklist

Two-week countdown · packing list · dress code

The countdown

Days 14-11 · Research

Read the background guide twice; highlight the questions it asks.
Fill in the country research worksheet.
Skim two or three key resolutions on your topic.

Days 10-7 · Position paper

Draft the position paper from the worksheet.
Get one person to read it and mark what is vague.
Submit before the deadline; research awards often require it.

Days 6-3 · Speaking

Write a 60-second opening speech; time it out loud.
Practice it standing, three times, to a person or a camera.
Learn four motions: moderated caucus, unmoderated caucus, extension, and moving into voting.

Days 2-1 · Logistics

Print everything: paper, speech, worksheet, background guide.
Prepare clothes against the dress list below.
Pack the bag; sleep. Tired delegates go quiet on day two.

Pack the night before

Research binder (worksheet on top, position paper, background guide)
Printed opening speech, plus a spare copy
Legal pad or notebook, three working pens
Water bottle and quiet snacks (committee runs long)
Business attire, and comfortable shoes you have walked in before
Laptop or tablet only if the conference allows it in committee; many do not
Placard stays on the desk; it belongs to the conference

Dress code, decoded

The standard is "western business attire"	A suit or blazer with dress trousers or a knee-length skirt, a collared shirt or blouse, and dress shoes. A tie is standard with a shirt; a full suit is never wrong.
Muted beats memorable	Navy, grey, black, white. You want to be remembered for the speech, not the outfit.
No jeans, no sneakers, no logos	Also no hats indoors, and nothing you would wear to a party.
Traditional and religious dress is respected	Formal national or religious attire meets the dress code at any serious conference.
Comfort is strategy	You will sit, stand, and lobby for eight hours. Break shoes in beforehand and pick fabrics you can move in.

How to use this sheet

1
Print it and put it where you prep
The countdown works because you see it daily. Two weeks is enough for everything on this sheet without a single late night.
2
Do not skip the speaking window
First-time delegates over-invest in research and under-invest in the speech. Committee rewards the delegate who can say their research out loud.
3
Adjust the calendar honestly
If you have one week, halve the research window, not the speaking one. If you have a month, add depth to research and a second practice speech, not more paper.

The countdown references three other sheets: the country research worksheet, the position paper template, and the points and motions cheat sheet for committee day.