Earlier this week, I wrote about ways to find the perfect conference for YOU; today I want to talk about ATTENDING that conference!!:)
It’s a little nerve-wracking, right? Walking into a room with your favorite mentor, meeting so many new people, trying to take it all in & not get overwhelmed… I’m going to be honest with you: I am SO nervous to meet everyone at C@H on Sunday!!! AH!! It’s all so NEW and exciting and I get a little nervous meeting new people!!! These tips were the perfect reminder I needed 3 days out:)
– Turn on your auto response. Plan to be fully present in your time away, friends! Put on your auto responder and forget about your busy schedule and to-do list. You will NOT regret it!:)
– Pack comfortable and cute clothes. You always here “it’s not a fashion show – just be comfortable”. While that is SO true, the truth is we ARE more comfortable and confident when we feel cute right?! So pack clothes that you are proud of & excited to wear when you meet new friends:) (Another thing to keep in mind is that most conferences have a photographer & videographer team behind the scenes capturing fun photos!)
– Allow cushion in your travel schedule. If you’re like me, you get a little nervous going into an unknown situation! There is nothing worse than rushing around from a flight delay or traffic on the interstate and showing up anxious & stressed!! While we can’t control traffic or a flight delay, you can control your plans! If the conference begins at 8am, arrive the night before. Plan to meet new friends for dinner & enjoy a night relaxing before the conference begins! Plan accordingly so that IF the unexpected happens, you have a plan of attack & don’t let it hinder the start of your experience.
– Bring your favorite notebook + pen, do not plan on using your laptop or tablet. There are WAY too many distractions on your laptop or iPad!!! You want to make sure you are fully focused on the content & therefore using good ol’ fashioned pen + paper for notes:)
– Have a conference-buddy. Chat with a close industry friend & plan on attending a conference together!! You’ll both feel more at ease knowing the other is there & you’ll have so much to share together!
– Don’t be afraid to meet new people. Maybe you aren’t going with a friend – you signed up on your own & your a little nervous to meet everyone… That’s okay!!! Typically there will be a Facebook group where you can meet the other attendees & say “hello”! Reach out to one or a few!! Start chatting more and really building your friendship! It will help you feel less out-of-place if you have a familiar face when the conference arrives:)
– Wear layers! This one is a littler more practical, but still important!! You don’t know if the room will be hot or cold, so wearing layers allows you to be completely comfortable the entire time!! It’s miserable to sit there burning up or shivering!!!
– Be open to the unexpected. I have had some incredible experiences as an attendee, and you know what? They haven’t always happened “on the schedule”. Some of them have happened on the floor of a hotel room eating tacos with your friends, or during a tear-filled conversation or hug goodbye. Be open to a heart change. Be open to new people, new places and unexpected but magical moments!
PS. For those of you attending C@H on Sunday, I am literally DYING to meet you. Just dying.:)
xo! kat
(( Photo from Creative At Heart Round 1 in January ))