It seems that a conference is happening nearly every week in America and around the world. On average, I would say that I get to 2-3 major conferences per year and a handful of other day conferences in the Detroit Metro area. This week, I will be stepping back into the conference mode by attending Future Midwest! The only conference that I normally go to that involves travel is the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, GA. It really comes down to figuring out what you will gain from these conferences that will benefit yourself, your company, and your team. So, since you registered for the conference and are all excited to go learn, network, and find all kinds of free swag; now how do you prepare?
PREPARE? Does this seem like an odd concept for you? Falling into the Myers-Briggs category of “J”, this means that I want to be prepared and have things checked off my list . Although, I sit on the line between a “J” and a “P” , but those times when I am most prepared I like to take an arsnal of items with me so that I am not finding myself “stuck”. Now here is where I show you “How To Prepare For A Conference”
Are you ready?
Ok, here we go!
1. Get Rest Ahead of Time
This is a key starter for me! I am a strong extrovert and I like to be where the action and party is! It is a guarantee that I will run all day and late into the night. I still haven’t figured out why I get up and get to the first session each day, considering that I went to bed at 1 or 2 am but there is a fun in running hard and playing hard, so get your rest before you go!
2. Go Light
This principle comes on for many reasons. You are not at your desk and those around you appreciate it if you don’t bring your whole office with you! A few months back, I invested in a great bag by Speck. It is not big and you can’t fit a lot in it! I have that problem that if I have a big bag, I will fill it up! This one keeps me in check and can keep me moving light!
Determine what you need to bring and then take nothing more than what will fit in your bag. Again, those sitting around you will appreciate it! Being someone with long legs, I need as much leg room as possible so this bag works out wonderfully to stay out of the way! It can hold my laptop, iPad, notebook, pens, charger, cables and a pocket for a waterbottle. Wow, now that I am talking about it so much, I am thinking that Speck needs to hook me up! 
3. Bring Power
The best way for you to become the most popular person at the conference is to bring power! How do you do this? I found this nifty little tool!
This mini surge protector by Belkin can charge 3 laptops and 2 usb powered devices. There is one thing that I have learned at conferences is that outlets are primo real estate and nothing will make you more popular and have great conversations than for someone to be able to charge their devices! The one thing that you have to stay away from is babysitting their devices, if they want that, they can find a charging station.
Dano Bennett came back from SXSW and said that the most in-genius thing there was the GM charging stations! I first saw these at Tedx Detroit and also thought they were a great idea, although Patrick Reyes and I found nice seats right by a pre-installed powerstrip! Power is huge at a tech conference, so make sure that you have some!
4. Be Ready To Say Hello!
There is one simple part of this principle to have, be prepared to network! While the sessions are great ways to learn from “experts”, nothing matches the time that you have to rub shoulders with others! I have had many great conversations at conference pre-parties, After Parties, and during break sessions. Some people are masters at striking up conversations so if you are not one of those, connect with those who are and hang with them! But while you do this, be prepared to talk. Be prepared to share about your company, vision, goals, strategy, etc. People love to connect at these events, but they also love to glean ideas and thoughts! You don’t have to give away any secrets, but be ready to talk!
Have plenty of business cards with you! I have lots of ideas for future events that I couldn’t pull off in time for Future Midwest, but this is the time for you to be the walking billboard for your company. Don’t get too over the top but just be you and have a lot of great conversations!
Need Business cards?
5. Take Notes
There is no way that you will remember all of the sessions, websites, app names, people, etc.. so be prepared to take notes. We all do this in different ways. Some people love notebooks and have many notesbooks that are unfinished, while others have some that look like they have been through a war! Then you have the “green” people who go paperless in all their work. These folks may take notes on their phones, tablets, laptops or take a ton of pictures of slides. Be prepared to take notes in sessions and during network times.
Personally, I like notebooks, but I find that I lose them or “misplace” them at some point so I have jumped over and began using tools like Evernote and Springpad. These apps are cloud synchronized, which means that I can grab the same notes from my phone, my iPad, or my laptop! If you haven’t already checked into one of these types of apps, you should!
6. Stay Hydrated!
This is a principle that has been forced on me, but I love it! Being a part of conferences around the Detroit area, we have a great involvement from the Glaceau company and they have provided either VitaminWater or SmartWater for local conferences here. Thanks Stephen! I have noticed a big difference in being hydrated well for these long conferences verses not taking it seriously. I tend to be more alert and the headaches stay away!
Final Prep
As you wrap up your final prep for a conference, especially if you are traveling, here are my final tips.
- Make sure that you have cash!
- Don’t forget your ID
- Have fun and be safe!
I hope you are all prepared for your next conference now!
If you have additional tips that fall into these categories, I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
Happy Learning!
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