For the love of all the things holy, BUY COMFORTABLE SHOES. I can’t emphasize sufficient how a lot it sucks to wish to get throughout a conference middle (or worse – lodge + conference middle combo) rapidly and your toes are screaming with blisters. There are skilled wanting sneakers which are snug (I put on Strolling Cradles as a result of I want orthopedic assist and further broad width, however experiment with what works for you). Check the sneakers out prematurely and makes positive that you just’d be snug sporting all of them day and strolling a mile or extra (damaged up throughout the day, in fact).
I’ve a particular skilled backpack from Samsonite that I journey to conferences with. It helps me preserve all the things organized and is straightforward to hold even if I exploit a cane and so want to remain balanced (giant purses are horrible for me). I put my pc, water bottle, notepad, pockets, and hygiene provides in there. I additionally battle to steadiness issues on my lap, so I invested in a tripod standing desk from Intension Design. It sadly doesn’t slot in my backpack, however I’ll lug it out if the convention classes are in a setting the place tables aren’t accessible (some will simply be rows of chairs so you’ll be able to match extra folks right into a small house). It’s heavy for me, however it’s price not spending 7 hours attempting to take notes on my lap whereas my legs go numb.
I might additionally stress how a lot nicer it’s to be within the convention lodge should you can swing it. Not solely is there normally a reduction, however you’ll be able to stroll to classes as an alternative of getting to work out transportation. You’re capable of reap the benefits of extra alternatives to socialize and community and also you don’t should rush fairly as a lot after breaks. You even have a a lot simpler time going again to your room to seize the chapstick you forgot or taking a break from all of the noise and motion should you’re sleeping in the identical constructing because the convention.
Enterprise playing cards aren’t almost as essential in my expertise as they was. I’ve not exchanged them at both of the conferences I’ve been to prior to now yr. Most individuals are simply connecting on their telephones as of late it appears, however there’s nothing fallacious with carrying them simply in case. I simply wouldn’t spend a lot cash or time on them. Customise your LinkedIn URL and replace your privateness settings to make it tremendous straightforward for folks so as to add you simply based mostly in your identify and photograph.
Some conferences have apps. If yours does, obtain it prematurely and test it earlier than every session. It may be annoying to point out as much as a room for a breakout session solely to seek out out when you’ve been sitting there for five minutes that the room you truly wished to be in has modified! Take note of any posted indicators if there isn’t an app to inform you of adjustments. I additionally discover it helpful to plot out an agenda for myself if there are plenty of classes. For instance, a convention program I acquired final yr was over 300 pages lengthy (not exaggerating). I didn’t have to waste time flipping by way of that whereas I used to be there – I appeared up what I is likely to be fascinated about attending earlier than I acquired there and wrote it down (I like to prepare my journeys in One Word so I can have all my data in a single spot together with my notes).
I might additionally recommend constructing in time, should you can, to see town you’re going to be in. Notably should you’ve by no means been there earlier than, it may be a pleasant time to see a brand new a part of the nation. You’ll most likely not need to do that on days of the convention classes until you might have some which are notably mild, however coming in early the day earlier than (like arriving on the town at 11 am on the day when registration and a reception begins at 5 pm) or leaving the day after the convention ends generally is a option to lengthen your journey and help you see a few sights with minimal improve to the price to you.