Tech conferences can be overwhelming and exhausting no matter how well you prepare, but there are some things you can do to make your experience less hectic. As Day 1 of Microsoft’s TechEd draws to a close in New Orleans, I wanted to share the survival tips I’ve heard from long-time attendees. As a first-timer myself, I’m taking these to heart as I settle in to three more days of fanfare.
1. Wear the right gear. By far and away, “wear comfortable shoes” is the most-common advice I’ve received from TechEd pros so far. With the New Orleans convention center at almost a mile long, even if your hotel is right next door, you’re going to walk a lot throughout the day. Beyond shoes, keep in mind that while it’s sticky and hot outdoors, the convention center has the AC cranked high, so bring layers. You may also want to consider your bag choice, opting for a backpack (luckily all attendees get one) instead of a shoulder bag for more comfort.
2. Take breaks. With sessions from 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. you might feel pressure to go nonstop, but remember this is a four-day conference. You’re going to have plenty of time to learn new things. Give yourself at least one hour-plus break a day to recharge your mind.
3. Have a plan but be flexible. With around 30 sessions per time block, you can’t really just wing it. Download the official app and take the time to read through the full descriptions of any sessions that interest you. Ask yourself which one will have more valuable takeaways or will cover something you can’t easily learn on your own. But, also don’t beat yourself up if a session you want to go to is full or you decide to skip one for a much-needed break. Keep reminding yourself that a conference is more like a marathon than a sprint.
4. Research after-parties ahead of time. It’s too late to take advantage of this tip for this year, but for next year, know that you should start looking into post-session events well before your plane ride to the host city. Many parties “sell out” in advance, leaving people clamoring to get in night-of. If this part of attending a conference is important to you, do the legwork ahead of time.
5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Speaking of after-parties, they typically involve some adult beverages. Hangovers + heat/humidity + long days of learning can equal trouble for your body and your immune system. With all the free soda and coffee around, you might be tempted to reach for a caffeinated beverage between sessions, but do it in moderation. Alternate with a big glass of water or fill up your water bottle so you have it with you all day.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s rare that you have access to so many knowledgeable people in one spot. If you’ve never visited the Hands-on Labs or Instructor-led Labs, what are you waiting for? And don’t limit your question-asking to these forums. Take advantage of Q&As during sessions and buddy up with other attendees to share your war stories and compare notes.
7. Get out of your content comfort zone. While you might be tempted to follow the technical track you’re most comfortable with and never look back, consider the conference as an opportunity to learn about something completely new to you or open your eyes to a solution you’ve never considered before.
8. Do leave the convention grounds. It’s tempting to never leave the quarter-mile radius around the convention center, but in a city like New Orleans, that would be a shame. Get out and try a local restaurant (see our guide here) and try to set aside time to experience other things that are important to you. If you like history, consider the National World War II museum. Music buff? You can’t miss a trip to Frenchmen Street. Yes, you’re probably here for work, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cut loose, right?
Update: 9. Sessions aren’t everything. MVP Michael Bender offered up some important advice last night when I ran into him at a Krew party. He made a good point that while most sessions are recorded and you can watch them when you get back home, you can’t do face-to-face networking with hundreds of people after the conference is over. If you have the chance to spend some QT with people who may become lifelong connections, don’t pass it up, even if it means missing out on a session that seems really important.
TechEd veterans, what are your tips for newbies? Tell us in the comments section below!