Conferencing 101

Lately, it seems as though I spend every 21 days at a conference of some sort or another. Each time I pack for a trip, three things happen:
A. Laundry keeps me up late
B. Gabriel, my pooch, suffers from anxiety at the sight of the suitcase
C. I reflect upon how to cut more corners and make the experience a little better

Here are some things to consider before your next conference. Check back as this list will grow and please feel free to add your suggestions to the comments.

Here we go with the first 10:

1. Comfortable shoes. Obvious. At this past year's PASIC, I fell victim to the insole saleswoman... but my bubbly insoles feel great.

2. Hand sanitizer. Too many hand shakes, buffets, etc. Gross.

3. Remember the business cards. They may seem passé, but you'll feel lame when someone asks and you cannot deliver.

4. Water bottle. Every conference provides water. Dry hotel air and late night drinks will dehydrate. Why pay for water? Save your money for that kitschy little piece of garbage in the exhibit hall you've had your eye on.

5. Sit on the aisle and near the door if there's even a remote chance you may want to leave. Don't feel bad for leaving. Just make like you have an important meeting and do it.

6. Conferences are for networking. Yes, you go for learning, presenting, recharging, and renewing inspiration, but networking is key. Make an effort to introduce yourself to the person next to you. When walking from session to session, strike up a conversation with someone near you. Keep it positive, even if the session you attended was the epitome of suckage. Steer away from negativity whenever possible.

7. Food. Bring energy bars. A $47 caesar salad that's been unrefrigerated for six hours as your only mid-day meal option is not okay. And don't be shy about asking people to join you for meals. Remember the gum and mints.

8. A designated receipt envelope. When you get home (or are preparing for the next conference) and are cleaning out jacket pockets, bags, suitcase pockets, wallets, purses, or man bags in search of every single meaningful receipt, you'll be grateful. Hopefully someone else is footing the bill, but if not, write it off!!

9. Balance your sanity with session attendance. Only you know how much of the exhibit area you can take before psychosis sets in, and getting hit with too much information by attending every single session may have the opposite effect you were seeking.

10. When you get back to the room/on the plane, write down names, thoughts, ideas, brainstorms, inspiring moments, action items, and followups while they are still fresh. This is very important to get the most out of the conference. If you are a presenter, reflect upon your session and jot down ideas you picked up from other presenters. Watching a great presenter can supersede the most mundane subject matter.

See you at the next conference, wherever that may be. I'll be the guy bouncing gleefully in his bubbly insoled shoes, or sitting near the door for a quick escape.

What are your conference musts?

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