The organizers of REtechSouth are very good at getting the word out and keeping folks informed about the conference. They’ve put together a great list of people and sessions. If you can attend, do it– it’s being held in Atlanta on March 20, 2009. They’ll even pick you up at the airport.
Visit the conference website, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Eventbrite.
Here are some tips they emailed to me. I share them because most are useful for any conference you might attend. I added my thoughts in [ ].
REtechSouth Attendee Tips
10 Tips to Improve your Conference Experience
1. Expedite check-in by bringing your printed confirmation email to the event. Arrive early for coffee, music and best seats! [I leave a copy at home-- just in case]
2. Print the program guide ahead of time. To prove the concept that technology can enhance productivity while saving costs -we will not have printed programs at the event. [I often write questions/notes on the schedule]
3. Plan your schedule at REtechSocial. Allows for custom personal schedules of the sessions so you can craft your plans for REtechSouth. [Don't wait until you get to the event, it will be too confusing & you're likely to miss something.]
4. Start networking early at REtechSocial. Create your profile and make friends or schedule to meet other attendees and speakers in the hallways at the event. [Get the calendar of pre & post social gatherings. Many a conversation goes better with a beverage.]
5. Bring your laptop. FREE wifi, table tops, and power at the event. Learn hands on! [Don't forget all your chargers-- phone, camera. I did discover that most hotels have chargers -- yeah, of the guests who forgot to unplug them from their rooms.]
6. Bring your camera. You’ll want to blackmail (I mean document) your new friends with tons of pics to share on your social networks. Email your photos taken at the event to sit62idea@photos.flickr.com and they will be shared on the big screens, see Flickr example. [Heck, bring your camera everywhere you go. And bring an extra battery.]
7. Video interviews. Ask attendees and speakers alike questions in the hallways. [and don't neglect visiting and talking with the exhibitors/vendors-- I have discovered many cool tools (and interesting people) this way. Don't stereotype these folks.]
8. Remember me items. These use to be called business cards, but now they are t-shirts, moo cards, signs, hats, etc.. be creative! [Buy someone a drink and they'll better remember you. Take a photo together.] [I recall someone had cards just for the conference which said on one side "We met at the ___ Conference " Neat idea.]
9. Follow @retechsouth on Twitter and join the Facebook Event. Stay up to date and share tweets before, during and after the event. [I love (and appreciate) that folks tweet the conference, but I am too wrapped in the moment to do it. ]
10. Bring petty cash for concessions, lunch, and of course the cash bar networking event post-conference.
*Bonus Tip: Dress Business Casual. No need for suits as you’ll be on the move a lot between sessions and need to be comfortable.
Here are some other random tips. What tips have helped you at conferences?
1. Put your cell phone on vibrate during the sessions
2. Bring aspirin (those late night social gatherings can affect you the next day)
3. Get a map of the venue and circle the rooms you’ll be going to (like the bathroom)
4. Use Yelp to map out places to eat, drink and be merry in case you can’t find a local to help you. If you can, get to town a day earlier to play tourist.
5. Keep the business cards you get in one place (I use my conference badge, which usually has a pocket part). Ideally, you’ll want to send a “nice meeting you” to these folks.
6. Pack a small umbrella (it insures that you won’t need it)
7. Try to set up lunch or dinner groups well beforehand. It’s another opportunity to get to know people.
8. Try to meet someone new everyday.
9. Thank the event organizers– I like to do it in person and in an email. Heck, these folks go through a lot of stress putting these events together and it’s nice to acknowledge their efforts.
10. Bring a notebook or legal pad. I label the page with the date and session and jot notes. I usually read them over at night or on the plane right back home — and that’s when things hit me.
11. Sit in the front row. You’ll hear everything. (The only exception is if you’ve had a late night– you don’t want to be seen dozing with your mouth open– grab a coffee and sit in the back)
12. If cost is an issue, use Twitter to find a hotel roommate. Forget cabs– virtually all hotels have shuttles.
13. Call home to give your hotel room number.
14. Some photo tips: try to get candid and casual shots– they’re usually more interesting than the posed ones. Try not to use the flash– natural light gives a much nicer effect. Switch to P mode and bump up the ISO to 800 or higher. For crowds, hold the camera high above your head and take the shot (it also works well for individuals as it gives a more flattering look– and it’s different). Keep shooting, it’s digital and you can just erase the clinkers.
15. Have fun.
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