How to Conference the Right Way: 19 Tips for Success

With hundreds of attendees, dozens of volunteers, over thirty brands, and 50+ speakers, TravelCon is a huge conference. Attending a conference this size can be overwhelming – whether you’ve attended one in the past or not. You never really know where to start and how to fit into this entirely new group of people.

Plus, after two years the pandemic, it’s very likely that this is the largest event most of us have been to in quite some time. We’re all dusting off those dormant socialization muscles together!

To help those attending TravelCon for the first time (and especially those who are attending it as their first conference), we’ve created this handy list of tips to help you prepare and get the most out of your experience.

Before the event

1. Post an introduction in the TravelCon Facebook group – Share your niche and website so everyone can get to know each other before the event. Work out logistics, meet friends, find roommates, get updates on the event — our group has it all. Making just a couple of connections beforehand will help ease any pre-conference jitters that you might have.

2. Stay updated via social media and email – Check your email (including that sneaky spam folder) to stay on top of conference updates. We’ll announce timely dates like when workshops or FAM sign-ups go live, as well as new speakers and sponsors. Don’t forget to follow TravelCon on your social media platform of choice (we’re on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook). Use #TravelCon22 to see what’s going on and connect with others before, during, and after the event!

3. Research the speakers – Familiarize yourself with their work so that you can not only decide which talks are best suited for you but also so you can better engage them in conversation when you meet. Avoid those awkward moments when you run into a big-time speaker during a coffee break and ask their name and what brings them here.

4. If you have a website, make sure it’s presentable – It doesn’t have to be perfect (after all, you’re coming to this conference to learn), but having your blog “ready to share” is a win. After all that networking, people are going to go look up your website (sometimes even as you’re talking)!

5. Register for niche meet-ups – Networking is the key to success. Attend a specific meet-up to meet like-minded people, deepen relationships, and create new friendships. Since meet-ups are much smaller and with people that have overlapping interests, it’s often a much easier and more natural way to connect. With 16 different niche meet-ups occurring this year, there’s something for everyone!

6. Bring (unique) business cards – There will be lots of people around to talk to and you’ll be making connections left and right. When you connect with someone, it’s great to exchange contact information so you can follow up with that person later. Consider having your face included on your business card so conference-goers will remember you (they will be meeting lots of other people too). If you have a book or a physical product that you sell, make sure your business card conveys that. You might want to bring a few books/products to pass out too!

7. Book your accommodation and flight – The conference is all day on April 29th-May 1st, with workshops and FAMs beforehand on April 28th, and FAMs afterward on May 2nd. Try to arrive the night before (so you can get some rest), and leave the day after (so you don’t have to miss the closing party)! Learn more about official conference accommodation here.

8. Set up your marketplace profile and make appointments with the brands – Be sure to set up appointments with the brands that are attending. Best case scenario, you get some business out of the event, and “worst” case scenario, you make some new connections that might bear fruit later on down the line. Appointment scheduling will go live the week of April 11th.

During the Event

9. Don’t try to do it all – The conference schedule is jam-packed and it’s inevitable that you won’t get to see or do everything that you want. Consider finding a buddy to share notes with so that you can divide and conquer. Also, keep in mind that as a ticket holder you’ll be getting access to the virtual pass as well (a recording of all the keynotes and sessions) so you don’t need to spread yourself too thin. Whatever you miss, you can watch after the conference when you get back home.

Likewise, don’t worry if you can’t attend all the meet-ups. Conferences aren’t about knowing EVERYONE there. They are about meeting many people and building deep relationships with the few people that you really jive with. Less is more. Don’t worry about FOMO! (Also, remember to get some sleep. It really helps!)

10. Dress appropriately (including comfortable shoes) – Find a balance between fitting your brand while also appearing professional. Remember, you are your brand and this is real-life networking. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be on your feet all day!

11. While networking, consider how you can help other people – This is what will help you build lasting relationships. Don’t make things one-sided. Here are a couple of resources on “networking” tips as well as icebreaker questions:

12. If you sign up for a workshop, have questions ready to ask – You have an expert at your fingertips: make the most of your time with them! Identify the aspects of your craft that you’d like to work on or refine, and ask for their feedback. They are there to help and love teaching others how to improve.

13. Keep your phone charged – Make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave your room. We have hundreds of people with tech needs and there won’t be enough wall outlets for everyone.

A portable charger is always a great idea because you’ll deplete your phone battery quickly if you’re using your phone to take notes, photos, or video. If you don’t have a portable charger, at least bring your charging cable. Chances are someone sitting near you might have one (another great way to make new friends).

14. Bring a pen and paper for taking notes – Save your phone battery and go old school; pen and paper never fails. Bring extra pens just in case.

15. Drink lots of water – We’ll be having long days and lots of alcohol at night (if you drink). Stay hydrated so you can be fully present and ready to absorb all of the information that you came for! Bring your own water bottle so that it’s easier to stay on top of how much water you’re drinking throughout the day (and night).

16. Come prepared for the networking sessions – You only have ten minutes, so be sure to use your time wisely. Have your elevator pitch prepared on what your brand is, what you can offer bigger brands, and how you could potentially work together.

17. Smile – Remember to have fun. Plus, smiling is contagious.

After the conference

18. Connect, connect, connect – Take your stack of business cards and follow up with all of the people that piqued your interest (whether that’s by email or via social media). Following up is a huge part of successful networking!

Also, if you offer to connect someone you meet to someone you know – remember to do that. The same goes for if you promise to follow up or send that new person something. Remember to make good on that promise! (Doing this will actually make you stand out, since so many people say things and then forget that they said them.)

19. Stay in touch via social media – Just because the conference is over, doesn’t mean that our social media accounts will be turned off. Whether you’re in the Facebook group, on Instagram, or on Twitter, share your photos, ask questions, and keep in contact long after the weekend is over. Keep using #TravelCon22 until we’re ready for Travel Con 2023!

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Don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed. If you need help or assistance, chat with a volunteer or a member of the team. We will be all over the event and can assist you with anything you need. We’re here for you and we want to make sure you have the best experience possible.

See you soon!

– TravelCon Team