Conference are demanding, tiring affairs. You start the day fresh, dressed smartly and filled with energy, and end it crawling back home, bones aching and just wanting to get to bed…

 

Here are some tips I’ve accumulated over the years:

1. Have someone go instead of you.
   Sounds silly right? Well- you’d be surprised at how many non- marketing/ sales people enjoy attending and presenting at conferences. For some it’s just the novelty, for other the chance for a trip aboard and for some its and opportunity to explore the industry. Whatever the motivation- why not harness it? For sure a motivated individual will be better at chatting to folks at the booth. You can train them do deliver the sales pitch, or ask them to help with general booth-related tasks (operating the games, handing our giveaways, collecting contact details etc.). since many people in your organization actually know the product better than you (having dealt with it for years) they might actually be better in some regards than pure sales/ marketing people. And you will get the chance to sit back and enjoy a week of back-office fun.
2. Carry a trolley

   

   An easy hack, but what a difference. Sure, it will make you look somewhat weird at first. But after several hours of walking around your back will thank you and the naysayers will salute you. By the way- this is also applicable if you’re operating a booth- you still have to carry heavy stuff to or from the hotel to the site (brochures and giveaways) so make the trip easier and stuff it all down the trolley.

3. Hydrate and eat (but beware of junk):
   It’s very easy to get carried away and spend an entire day with eating or drinking. Or even worse, eating candy and chocolate and drinking only coffee and beer. Do your body a favor- grab a small plastic bottle and keep it filled with fresh water. No need to hold it- that’s what you have a trolley for! And if food (real food, not the free stuff they give away at the other booths) is scarce or expensive, keep some energy bars with you for a quick nibble when hunger strikes.

All in all, conferences can be a welcome break from your daily routine. Done right and you might even enjoy these…