Conference Season

By Corinne Mossman

The excitement of conference season is upon us once again! It’s the time of year when we gather to learn, network, and explore new horizons. Whether you’re a seasoned conference-goer or a first-timer, there are some helpful tips to make the most out of this enriching experience:

Plan Ahead: Look at the conference schedule and create a personalized itinerary. Identify the sessions, workshops, and keynotes that align with your interests and professional goals. Make time for personal connections as well.

Be Prepared for Travel Snafus: Delayed flight, unexpected weather, lost luggage, traffic – it happens. Try not to let it stress you out because we’ve all been there at some point and understand what you’re going through. I always try to research alternates – whether transportation, or a store to buy an outfit and toiletries so as to have a plan B if something goes sideways.

Adjust to the Time Zone: No matter what time you arrive or how sleepy you are, try to fall in line with the time zone in your destination. This will really help with your sleep over the coming days.

Pack a Survival Kit: It’s all about staying comfortable. Some of my must-packs are Advil, Band-Aids, blister cushions, facemask, mini sewing kit, earplugs, mini fan and humidifier, Epsom salt gel or bath bombs, lavender sleepy time essential oil.

Have a Quick Getting Ready Routine: Pack wrinkle free outfits, or a travel steamer, lay your outfit out and wash your hair the night before, find a simple makeup routine. You often have limited time between events or need that time to get caught up on emails and phone calls.

Stay Connected: Follow the conference’s official social media channels and hashtags to stay updated on important announcements, session highlights, and networking opportunities. Sometimes there will be special announcements.

Network with Purpose: Networking is a cornerstone of conferences. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations – you never know who you might meet! Get out of your comfort zone and meet new people. We’ve all been new before so if you don’t know anyone, introduce yourself. I also like to research speakers and attendees then connect with them on LinkedIn or the conference app ahead of time.

Embrace Learning: Keep an open mind and be ready to absorb new ideas and insights. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and participate actively in workshops to expand your knowledge.

Dress Comfortably: Conference days can be long and the distance between your hotel room and the meeting rooms can be far, so make sure to wear comfortable attire and shoes that allow you to navigate the venue without discomfort. You’ll definitely get your steps in!

Stay Safe: You’re often in a new city, so keep safety in mind. Make sure the ride-share you’re getting into matches your app (I even use the Safety Pin feature). Don’t leave drinks unattended or accept them from strangers. Try to stay with a group or a conference-buddy.

Stay Hydrated and Energized: Conferences can be intense, so stay hydrated and have healthy snacks on hand to keep your energy levels up. You don’t have to skip the social scene but setting a personal drink limit or having mocktails are always a great option. Also, eat when you can, even if something small.  Sometimes the hotel and nearby restaurants close early and you don’t want to go to bed hungry.

Capture Moments: Take notes, photos, or even short videos during sessions to document key takeaways. Sharing these with colleagues can also help extend the conference experience.

Follow Up Afterward: After the conference, reach out to the people you connected with. Send personalized follow-up emails and LinkedIn invitations to maintain the connections you’ve made. Make sure to do a teach-back with your team when you return so you can share all of the valuable information you gleaned from the conference.

Looking forward to seeing you at the upcoming conferences! Remember, this is not just an opportunity to learn and grow professionally, but also a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and forge meaningful relationships. Say hi if you see me, always happy to make connections.