How to Survive Business Conferences

Business conferences can be exhausting. I'm not sure why- it doesn't seem like you do anything special but maybe that is just it. What you are doing at a conference is different from your daily routine therefore it takes more effort than you think it does. How do you deal with it? You need to be up for the good sessions and to make a good impression in the networking arena. Here are some quick tips for helping you stay on top of your game during conferences.

Pack comfortable shoes and clothes. Your conference might have a dress code - or at least an unspoken one - but find clothing that is comfortable to wear and that makes you feel good. Shoes are a big deal because you often end up standing for long periods and some conferences are in huge venues where you have to walk forever to get to breakout sessions. For any of you who have screwed up in the shoe department you know how miserable the wrong shoes can be.
Select the sessions you want to attend before getting to the conference. That way you can do a little planning and even some research so you can talk articulately about the topics in networking conversations. Figure out what is going to do you the most good in your career and be sure to get to those sessions in time to get a seat. What you want may be what everyone else wants to and it is pretty disappointing to be the one who gets shut out of a popular session.
Stay in the convention hotel if you can. It saves you a lot of travel time and it is very convenient. You can even slip up to your room if you need a quick nap or just to put your feet up for a little while. Sometimes this can make all of the difference in your energy level.
Plan your day so that you get some exercise. Sometimes walking the conference center is enough but there will also be those who want to use the exercise room. Plan ahead. There will probably be lots of other like-minded people and the exercise room is liable to be crowded. Try to pick some times that are not so popular so you can get your work-out done the way you like it.
Don't force yourself to attend sessions just to attend sessions. Go to the stuff that is important and let the rest go. Most conferences have very long days so pace yourself so that you will enjoy the things you do chose to attend.


If you do a little planning and follow a few of these tips your conference experience should be fun and refreshing. Can't do anything about the quality of the speakers - you are on your own there.