Continuous learning and networking are vital for professional development and success. Conferences offer a great opportunity to showcase your skills, gain insights, and build relationships.
Traveling for a conference? It takes careful planning. Try preparing using the advice below.
Out-of-Office Message
If you don’t plan to respond to emails or your replies will be delayed while you are away, turn on your out-of-office message.
Medication
Take your regularly prescribed medications and consider packing special medications such as those for allergies, altitude, or sea sickness.
Parking
Pre-pay for your parking. Place your valuables out of sight. Take a picture of your parking spot and your parking ticket. Lost ticket fees can be pricey. Searching for your vehicle after travel can be frustrating.
Rules of the Air and Road
Familiarize yourself with the rules of the air and road. Check in for your flight and add your boarding pass to your wallet. Know what items are and are not permitted at the airport and at your destination. Are you going through standard security, TSA pre-check, or Clear? TSA pre-check and Clear are not offered at all airports. Standard screening may take more time.
Plan accordingly. Replace fluids and filters. Check tire pressure and oil life. Save and print directions. Pack a first aid kit and jumper cables. Inspect your spare tire. Beware of changes in traffic patterns associated with posted speed limits, tolls, bridges, railroads, construction, diverging diamonds, and roundabouts. Use crosswalks and obey crossing signs.
Location Services
When traveling alone, share your location on your phone and your rideshare app with a trusted friend or family member.
Follow the Signs
Conference venues can be large and confusing.
Take in Some Culture
Plan a day before or after conference activities to enjoy the culture. Ask locals for suggestions on restaurants and activities.
Lodging
Share your special accommodation requests with your hotel or guest house provider. Lock doors and windows. Do not hold doors open or share access codes. Don’t forget to add your loyalty number to your reservation.
Identification
Carry a government ID, driver’s license, or passport at all times. Do not wear your badge outside of your event facility. Write the name and number of your emergency contact on the back of your badge. Bring your medical insurance card in case of emergency.
Situational Awareness
Do not walk around with your head looking down at your phone or up at any sites. Be aware of bad actors in alleys and on the streets.
Cash and Credit Cards
Carry some cash for tips, in case of payment problems, establishments that do not accept credit cards or charge fees for credit purchases, and for places that only accept certain types of credit cards.
Conference
Print a copy of your presentation and save a copy of your presentation to a flash drive. Bring your own clicker and extension cord. Properly cite stats, quotes, and case studies.
Be Fully Present
Out-of-office means (lap)tops down during sessions. The use of any electronics can be distracting to presenters. Consider other means of technology for note-taking. Silence your phone and quietly exit if you need to take a call. Sidebars can also be disruptive. Give the presenter the courtesy of your full attention.
Dress for success
Sneakers are the way to go when clocking thousands of steps around the conference facility. Bring the appropriate outerwear to keep warm in cold rooms and in case of sudden weather conditions. Bring extra clothing for special occasions or in case of travel delays.
Tech
Use the conference app for the most up-to-date schedule information. Ditch the business cards for tech! Connect quickly via LinkedIn by using the barcode to connect with new contacts. Take the time to update your profile prior to your arrival. Digital business cards use a QR code to quickly share info. Got an iPhone? Touch your phones together for instant access to your new contact’s information.
Use the conference hashtags when posting about your experience. Use a digital note-taking app to document points you want to remember. Remember to pack phone and computer chargers to ensure you stay connected. You can use headphones to help block out distractions.
Connect
Evening socials and affinity events provide an opportunity to network with conference attendees. Got friends, family, or colleagues in town? Schedule time to meet with them.
Swag
It’s a nice to have but remember how you got there and how you plan to get home. Space limitations in your luggage may prevent everything you picked up from making the trip home. Beware of items that may not make it through airport security.
Post-conference
Drop your new contacts a line. Complete the evaluations. That’s what helps to improve future conference experiences. Prepare a summary of your experience and submit to management. Present what you learned to your colleagues. Incorporate your new knowledge into your work.
LaRhonda Julien earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology with a minor in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. She received a Lean Six Sigma green belt from the University of Georgia. She has professional memberships with the American Psychological Association (APA), APA’s Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE), IEEE’s Power and Energy Society, the International Erosion Control Association, the Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals, and the Cobb Association of REALTORS. She also serves as a member of the North American Transmission Forum’s Human Performance Core Team. She is an inducted member of the National Society of Leadership Success.
Communicating with FINESSE is a not-for-profit community of technical professionals dedicated to being highly effective communicators and facilitators. Learn more about our publications, webinars, and workshops. Join the community for free.
コメント