Packing for business travel is definitely an art. Add to this any business material you’re bringing (powerpoint decks, brochures, etc.), and you have to get very creative.

I will add other tips I’ve picked up along the way:

• instead of shoe trees, at night stuff them with newspaper
• forget those travel-sized toiletries, they still take up too much space.  What I do is take those contact lens cases and fill them with whatever lotion/liquid I need
• if packing shoes, fill that extra space with socks or anything else you find decent enough to put in shoes lol
• go to a drugstore, Target, whatever, and get those TSA-approved toiletry pouches.  Re-usable, unlike those baggies
• put said pouch in your briefcase before security, so you’re only opening one bag.  Leave the suitcase closed.  You can always put it in your briefcase after security
• some colleagues I know have invested in TSA-approved laptop cases.  I haven’t. I don’t think they’re that attractive, but that’s a time-saver too. 
• pack a granola bar or other meal-replacement bar.  I’m often running from the flight to the meeting, then straight back to the airport with literally minutes to spare. 

thesilentist:

I never had to really worry about the things most business travelers worry about, because at my old job I drove when I had to travel.

This meant I could take as many of my suits in a garment bag as I wanted with me. I could bring a decent travel iron for my shirts. I could pack multiple shoes…