The Ultimate Conference Survival Guide

Do’s and Don’ts for Newbies

Last December, I was granted the opportunity to attend AWS re:Invent. It was the first and to date only Big Tech conference I have been exposed to, and it was quite an incredible experience!

Credit: TechNext

If you are planning to attend a big tech conference or meetup soon, here are some of my tips and takeaways that you can arm yourself with to have a successful and rewarding time.

First off, let’s talk about what you SHOULD DO at these events.

Do’s

1. Do research the conference and its speakers beforehand to make the most of your time there. This will ensure that you don’t miss out on any important talks or events.
   I did plan ahead for the conference as soon as the seating opened up, but be aware that all plans are subject to change at a moment’s notice in the frenzy of the actual thing!
2. Do network and make connections with other attendees, speakers, and exhibitors. Tech conferences are an excellent opportunity to meet new people, learn from experts in the field, and have exciting collaborations in the future.
   I met so many brilliant people during the week-long conference during workshops, sessions, 1-on-1s, and mixers. Always have a QR code of your preferred social media ready to connect!
3. Do attend sessions and workshops that align with your interests and goals. This is a great way to learn new skills and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the tech industry.
   I favorited all the events/sessions/workshops/keynotes that I found intriguing and after realizing there was no way other than time-travel(!) to attend them all, I caught some of them for the experience and watched the recordings of the rest later.
4. Do take advantage of networking events and social gatherings. These can be great opportunities to meet new people and make connections.
   I had so much fun at these informal mixers and social events. I met quite a few super smart people sharing some of their most unique insights and experiences in a relaxed setting.
5. Do wear comfortable shoes and clothing that won’t restrict your movement as you’ll be on your feet for most of the day shuttling from one venue to the other.
   As an aside, hopping across a variety of casinos and events spaces all over the Las Vegas Strip all day was dizzying and I can’t wait to do it again!
6. Do hydrate and take breaks at regular intervals. Give yourself time to recharge and bring those energy levels back up.
   Most conferences will provide recordings for sessions and keynotes, so catch them later at your own leisure.
7. Do follow up with the people you meet after the conference. This will help to build and maintain professional relationships.
   This is the most important tip to DO and the hardest one to follow! Try it though, it will pay off richly!

Next up, let’s see what you SHOULDN’T DO!

Don’ts

1. Don’t spend the entire conference glued to your phone or laptop. While staying connected is important, it’s also important to be present and engage with others in person.
   Me, as it was my first-ever experience, I was dazzled and was rather amiss in checking messages or emails! Keep a periodic check on your devices but immerse yourself as much as you can in the hubbub unfolding before you.
2. Don’t skip sessions or workshops without a good reason.
   Especially for the workshops which won’t be recorded or which are too good of an experience to miss, ensure that you attend them.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. Everyone has varying backgrounds and experiences, and there’s no shame in admitting you don’t know something.
   This is the best way to learn and grow! And someone else might thank you silently for asking their questions.
4. Don’t interrupt speakers or other attendees during sessions or workshops.
   Take notes on any points that you need explanations for, or if you have a different perspective. Engage during the Q&A time.
5. Don’t be afraid to approach people and start conversations. The tech industry is all about networking and collaboration, so don’t be shy.
   Absolutely make the most of your time there amongst some of the best and brightest minds in tech!
6. Don’t monopolize conversations or hog the microphone during Q&A.
   Please don’t be that person who talks endlessly about themselves and their accomplishments. Be respectful of other people’s time as well.
7. Don’t be too salesy or pushy when networking. Focus on building genuine relationships and providing value to others, rather than just trying to sell yourself or your products.
   Also, don’t drink excessively or engage in inappropriate behavior that could damage your reputation.

And the most important one is:

Don’t forget to have fun!

Tech conferences can be exciting and informative, so enjoy the experience and make the most of it!

I certainly did!

Happy Conferencing!

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