Top 10 Conference Tips

Top 10 Tips for Conference Attendees

 1.  You don’t have a lot of time between your workshops so efficiency is the key.  Walk down the middle of the aisle so you see both sides.  I recommend slings, wraps and backpacks if you have little ones otherwise I would choose a side and flow with ‘traffic.’

2.  Bring a small cart or buggy for all your flyers, catalogs, freebies and bought goodies.  Thursday we received goody bags and by the time I left it weighed 7.6lbs and I had weeded through it.  PLEASE recycle your paper.

3.  Use your phone and snap pictures of vendor’s and products you’re interested in.  Not only will this keep paper clutter at bay but it’ll make your inner tree hugger happy.  Be sure you bring your charger otherwise you’re walking around realizing how much technology has simplified your life. 

4.  Snacks and drinks are NOT just for kids. Bring your water bottle and snacks you can eat one handed while looking through flyers.

5.  Convention food does not support fresh breath.  Bring mints.

6.  Record inspiration as it happens. A notepad or Evernote will help with thoughts and ideas when inspiration strikes. 

7.  Research the vendors and speakers before hand.  Check everyone out BEFORE you get there so you know who you want to see and hear.  Be sure to double check the schedule as last minute changes on speakers, locations and topics do happen.  Having a second choice will also help if a workshop is full.

8.  Check the definitions of buzzwords and that they match your definition.  I noticed as I went around the hall that multi-sensory learning was used on many products.  Imagine my disappointment to discover their definition did not match mine.

9.  Sometimes the vendor hall isn’t the cheapest option…even with shipping.  When you’re there be sure to check online. Sometimes the vendor's site, Amazon or even Ebay can’t be beat and you’re not lugging a bunch of items home.

10.  The early bird saves you money on tickets but not on product display deals. Be sure to purchase your tickets early but hang out as you can often receive further discounts on displayed products.

Do you have any tips?  How do you organize your conference plans and purchases?

~Honey