Traveling to a training event, expo or tradeshow like a pro involves planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and successful trip. This includes booking flights and accommodations, packing efficiently, and navigating the event itself. By following these tips, you can travel like a pro and have room to bring home the books, handouts and schwag you get from the event.
First, it is important to book flights and accommodations well in advance to get the best rates and availability. This can include researching different airlines and hotels, comparing prices, and considering factors such as location, amenities, and reviews. Booking early can also allow you to take advantage of early bird discounts and special offers, which can save you money and make your trip more affordable. Most events will have a hotel they are working with, this will be a discounted rate, but not always, so shop around. If staying offsite, be sure to account for transportation to and from the event location.
Before booking, check for hotel perks and free memberships. These will oftentimes give better rates and offer advantages like room upgrades, free breakfast or late checkout. If you’re going to be traveling more frequently, some credit cards offer bonus miles for airlines that can add up to free travel.
Second, it is crucial to pack efficiently for your trip to the event. This can include bringing only the essentials, such as clothing, toiletries, and electronic devices, and packing them in a compact and organized manner. Using packing cubes, compression bags, and other space-saving tools can help you to maximize the amount of space in your luggage, and ensure that you have room for the schwag you collect at the event.
Third, it is important to navigate the event itself in a strategic and efficient manner. This can include reviewing the event schedule and floor plan in advance, setting priorities and goals, and making a plan to visit the booths and exhibits that are most relevant to your interests and needs. Check if the event has a phone APP that can help you navigate the floor, review speaker schedules and join social gatherings. By planning ahead, you can maximize your time at the event, and ensure that you get the most out of your experience.
Additionally, it can be helpful to network and connect with other attendees at the event. This can include attending networking events, joining professional organizations, and reaching out to other attendees on social media. By networking, you can build relationships and connections that can benefit you both personally and professionally, and can provide valuable insights and opportunities.
Events are using hashtags like #industryattends to allow people to post to social media and easily find related posts and content. This can help you connect with fellow attendees, daily happenings or in-person social events. So be sure to check the hashtag for the event you are attending.
A hashtag is a word or keyword phrase preceded by a hash symbol #.
It’s used within a post on social media to help those who may be interested in your topic to be able to find it when they search for a keyword or particular hashtag. It helps to draw attention to your posts and encourage interaction.
Furthermore, it is important to take care of yourself during your trip to the event. This can include staying hydrated, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep and exercise. It’s just too easy to eat bad foods and not get enough rest, so be mindful of these things. By taking care of your physical and mental health, you can stay energized and focused, and can make the most of your time at the event.
