By Emily Runions, Platinum Educational Group
Hey all! Conference season is once again upon us! As your Senior Business Development Manager, I must say traveling to all of the conferences to meet all of you is one of my favorite parts. I have had a long stretch of problematic flights, travel sickness, amazing sessions, and networking in my own profession and collaborating with others to share and learn to benefit one another. Whether it is your first conference or you’re a pro, I’m here to share my favorite conference travel tips and tricks to make the most of it!
Plan your schedule ahead of time! This includes flights, hotels, Ubers, conference schedules and agendas. Even consider looking at your free time! It's a good rule of thumb to book the hotel and conference registration as soon as they open. Larger, well known conferences will sell out of their hotel room blocks fast. Being first to reserve guarantees you’ll be close to the action. You may even save some money on an early bird registration! Look at flights 4-6 weeks out for your best rates. Traveling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is typically more affordable. You can now schedule your Uber or Lyft to pick you up for the airport. If they are not on time in your scheduled window, you get a free ride!
Pack accordingly! I like to dress business casual. You will be networking and never know who you might actually be interviewing with. First impressions count. Make sure to check the schedule to see if there is a themed meet and mingle night or social gathering. When everyone is dressed up it adds to the fun of the theme. Who knows- you may end up being the best dressed!
Check your health. About a week before, I like to up my vitamins and hydration. These will help ease the sickness you may encounter on that cooped up flight or in a classroom. Vitamin B, C & D, Zinc, Magnesium can ward off sickness and boost your immunity. Hydration can help flush everything out. I love to carry Liquid IV with me. I drink 1-2 a day on my days of travel. If you find yourself sick while traveling, acting fast is key. Urgent care facilities can get you in and out and feeling better. Worried about getting a prescription? Ask them if they fill them! Most are stocked with your common steroids, antibiotics and more and a fraction of what pharmacies charge.
Don’t forget to take some downtime. Grab lunch and keep that energy up. Visit some local spots and tourist attractions. Even if you have been somewhere before, now is the best time to meet some new friends and go on a small adventure together. Even if you’re traveling as a group, find something unique to the area to complete as a team. Recently, three of us traveled to Snowbird, Utah for the AARC Summer forum. We decided to Hike down Snowbird. It was such an incredible experience bonding with my team on a new level.
Plan for everything! I was unfortunately stuck in the global computer outage traveling home. I have had countless flights canceled in rain, snow, sun, and totally random events. I have learned to travel with a small toiletry bag. Nothing is more refreshing than a toothbrush and some deodorant on hour 12 in an airport! I will even travel with a quick change of clothes in my bag. I bring clothes for the first day of the conference if for some reason my luggage gets lost and then I switch it to another pair of comfy clothes for my trip home. I always wear sneakers for when I have to run from terminal to terminal in Atlanta! Bring a phone charger, air buds, and a book incase there's no WIFI. I also have a small scarf and a hat to cover my face if I have to sleep in the airport. Blocks some of the bright lights to actually get a nap in!
I hope some of these help you when getting ready to go to your next conference. I would love to hear what conferences you attend and hopefully meet you in person! If you have a great conference that you think we should attend, feel free to email me, Emily@platinumed.com
See you soon!
