We are off to our second conference next week and SO excited- but… there are also some lessons we learned from last year’s adventure. Read on for some conference tips that are sure to help make your whirlwind week go smooth!
1. Send all information.
Many times when you meet a new person, you want to be able to reconnect with them, so when you text your number to someone, send your full name AND number in the body of the text.
Sometimes it all gets lost in translation and seeing all of the info on the screen can really help… and on smart phones, the number is highlighted! Just click and you’re calling! How simple!
2. One group page.
Facebook pages are so easy to make that sometimes multiples come about for conferences and then confusion about threads… it’s a mess. One page, with multiple events are a perfect solution because they give a conscious timeline, as well as options for what people want to join, see, and feed into!
3. Car share/car pool/public transportation.
Ideas like parking off-site to save money, renting a car only for necessary days, getting familiar with the public transportation in your destination city, and even splitting car rental with another family are all ways you can save time and money. Getting creative, as well as informed, gives you more options- for instance, most conferences take place in walk-friendly cities, where hailing a cab may be an easier feat than finding parking- plus, many hotels offer group shuttle service from the local airport for less than a cab! Before you click “add a car” to your reservation, be sure to look into other options.
*Biggest tip this year: park at the convention center a few blocks off-site from the hotel!
4. Make a budget, including some funds for an emergency (ripped luggage, forgotten bathing suit, ER copay, etc.), and make a plan to stay in it.
For us, that means clearly outlining what we do ahead of time (admissions to parks, airline fees, parking, gas, and meals) and then sticking to it. I wish there was some extra in case there’s something really fun, but that’s not in the cards- remembering that if you’re on a strict budget may cost you “trading” one thing for another is crucial. Enjoying a vacation that leaves you further in debt is only a vacation that will leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Remember to include little things, like internet, which is free in our hotel lobby, but not in the rooms- this means I have to work from the lobby or pay, or tether to my phone- so I have to have enough data. Both Dave and I need to work (there’s no vacation for a freelancer), so being sure we’ve covered all of our bases as far as expenses is important. Enjoy your trip by not over-extending yourself financially… then the memories are of joy and not stress!
5. Make a list!
I LOVE lists… I’ve made one of what we pack, as well as names and numbers of friends we want to connect with ahead of time! Having that on paper means I don’t have to dig through my phone to find that information later and no one gets left out.
6. Grocery shop.
The hotels booked for conferences KNOW how to have a conference-number of people, and (most) have refrigerators in the room, as well as space on desks and tables for dry goods. To save money (breakfast buffets can be upwards of $20 per person at conference hotels), we buy bagels and fruit for the mornings, as well as lunch meats, cheese, and bread for lunch- and always bring water bottles. I pack two water bottles per person to bring through the airport empty and have it filled at one of the airport bars. The same goes for traveling. We use these water bottles day in and day out filled with ice and water from the hotel. We plan special meals out, as well as budget for coffee each day, because we both love to support local coffee shops and need good java! Not dining out for every meal or having to buy a beverage whenever you need a drink can save you over $100 a day- #truestory.
7. Business cards.
These are a must for all professional conferences, but having business cards for whatever you do and whoever you are is something I live by. With your name, number, picture… whatever you want- make it fun and identifiable. For me, I use moo.com (not only awesome at all things print, but my most missed employer!) Their business cards are the most amazing quality (and hold up to the test of being at the bottom of the bag). Each pack comes with it’s own carrying case, and dividers so you can place other cards behind of your own, so they’re super easy to transport and they’re made right here in Rhode Island! Get your order in NOW and you can have them before the conference! Here are the ones that I ordered for the conference:
8. Prime.
Not Optimus, but Amazon (although I cannot wait for the new Transformers movie!). As a Prime member, you can have goods shipped to your hotel ahead of time, like diapers, that are especially bulky and disposable- and as an member you get free Prime shipping in about 2 days! Please be sure to call the hotel and make arrangements. (Anyone who cloth diapers- how do you travel and still CD?! Tips, welcome!!!!)
9. Calendar!
I go old school with this and use my planner so that I know what’s going on each day. I also print out a calendar of just the days we will be at the conference and fill it in with what’s going on that we want to do and then eliminate from there. From going to the most important medical workshops to making sure my own speaking event and Addie’s fashion show debut and the group photo are all accounted for, having everything written down means less stress of where to be and when, as well as overbooking your time- remember everyone needs some downtime, so don’t forget to head to the hotel pool, gym or just lay in bed for some time, too!
10. HAVE SOME FREAKING FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who else will be in San Diego for the LPA National Conference?
Looking forward to meeting your beautiful family and hope Emilio gets to meet Addie!
Me too!!!!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
Great tips, I have only been to homeschool conventions/conferences before which are SO much different than blog ones.
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…4th of July Popsicle Stick Stars (Learn & Link With Linky)
I’ve never been to a blogger conference. I hope I can get to one!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
Have fun at the conference. I did a one day conference in Boston a few years ago and my head was spinning when I left. I was completely overwhelmed and haven’t been back to a conference since.
Haha. I was overwhelmed last year- especially because there is SO much medical information and I was on a panel last year and speaking this year. It’s hard to keep a level head about ALL of the info that you get.
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
hey ! i didn’t know you were in RI! I’m not far from there- between Hartford and UCONN 😉
i like smaller conferences. big huge ones are too much for me to handle!!
We ARE close!!
I’ve only been to large conventions for event planners and the ones for the LPA (Little People of America). It is such a large conference!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
have a fun time 🙂
Thank you!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
I never thought to ship diapers ahead. What an absolute convenience that would be!
Liz Mays recently posted…Transformers: Age of Extinction In Theaters July 26th
YES! There’s so much to bring with a baby!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
Conferences can be hectic and pens hard to come by or even use to write down information. Terrific tips!
Jenn @ The Rebel Chick recently posted…My Kid is Extraordinary and so is YOURS!
I steal them from the room as soon as we get in. LOL! That and all the paper pads!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
Great tips and ideas for traveling to the conference. I wont’ be there but it sounds like so much fun! Have a blast!
Sarah @ Must Have Mom recently posted…10 First Aid Tips For Summer!
Thank you, Sarah!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
you have listed some great tips. I am the worlds worst about setting a budget and sticking to it. I really need to get better with that
Robyn recently posted…Easy Way to Pit Cherries
We used to be… then we really had no extra money and we got really good at budgeting. 😉
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
Looks like a fun conference and great tips!
Elizabeth @ Being MVP recently posted…Kenzie’s Room Makeover | @RugsUSA + #Giveaway
Thanks Elizabeth!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
Great tips! Conferences can be a pain in the butt, especially if you forget something. Absolutely include your full name in a text for contact info. With so many people networking, it’s easy for connections to fall through the cracks.
Jennifer recently posted…Waterproof Phone Case Review and Giveaway #OtterBoxPreserver
Oh my gosh! I found that out last year- the hard way. So many people I missed making a connection with because I couldn’t remember who had texted me their numbers!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
Amazon Prime is worth every penny. Whenever we travel, I have items shipped to the hotel if we don’t have room in the carryon bag.
Dede recently posted…There’s no place like home
It totally is! I could not agree more!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
Great tips! I can’t wait to go to a conference!
Brittany C. @ Mom. Wife. Busy Life. recently posted…How to Create an Emergency Survival Kit + Keep Kids Entertained During a Storm #PrepWithPower
I love the LPA conferences because I learn so much about my sweet babe… I want to get to some professional ones for me, too- someday!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
I really wish I could say yes, I’ll be in SD for the conference, but I won’t be. Have fun! I love lists, too. You’ve got a lot of great ideas here.
Tiffany (Fabulous Mom Blog) recently posted…Favorites & Friday Link Love
Thank you, Tiffany! I will have fun in SD for you 🙂
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
It’s been years since I’ve been to one,. you make me want to go again!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Broccoli Craisin Salad
I love conferences of all kinds- personal and professional. Just getting together with like-minded, but totally different people is an amazing experience, every time!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
Have fun at the conference! Whenever I travel, I ALWAYS make lists for packing and things to remember!
Meagan recently posted…Tucson Staycation with Kids
Makes life SO much easier! We actually change locations mid-week to see family and know that without a list, we would surely leave something (but not someone) behind!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
I am so not a conference fan but these are great tips that I may implement and try to tackle it again. Thanks for sharing.
Laura (Lauras Little House Tips) recently posted…Delicious And Nutritious: Hummus Recipe
Go for it!!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
These are FANTASTIC tips! I never thought to use Amazon Prime to ship to my destination! That’s brilliant!
Shelley recently posted…Waterproof Phone Case Review and Giveaway #OtterBoxPreserver
And lots of hotels have services, too!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
Wonderful tips… I had a blast at all the conferences that I went to and can’t wait to go to another one!
That’s awesome!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
One of my favorite ways to plan for conferences or travel I make a budget and stick to it tightly.
Amy Desrosiers recently posted…The Custom Vinyl Shop: Kissing Birds on Tree Branch Review and Giveaway!
Amen, sister!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
I’m definitely loving these tips! I whole-heartedly agree on the lists, by the way. I don’t know what I would do without lists!
Courtney Pies recently posted…If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Activities & Giveaway (Ends 7/7)
I love a good list lover 🙂
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
Great list and tips! I know it is easy to forget things, so I think these are all great idea’s!
Kelsey Apley recently posted…World Cup Soccer + Degree MOTIONSENSE Protects
Thank you, Kelsey!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
Great conference tips! I like your business cards too.
Sarah @ Must Have Mom recently posted…10 First Aid Tips For Summer!
Thank you! I love moo… and miss working for them A LOT!
martinkadelux recently posted…LPA Conference Tips!
Hey guys, Austin from Print Peppermint here.
I just wanted to jump in here and say that although Moo is an amazing company,
their print quality is entirely digital and very average.
If you’re looking for more custom finishes and premium paper stocks,
c’mon over to our site and give us a try.
We’ll even throw in a 10% off coupon just for the heck of it.
I actually worked for Moo. They’re amazing- employ a lot of people- are based in a little city in Rhode Island and care a lot about their customers… when you’re looking for business, maybe just offer how comparable your services are at a better price point. I love Moo’s integrity more than anything.