The Four Best Tech Tips for Conferences

When it comes to conferences I've had a bit of experience. I've spent the better part of the last ten years working all sides of them, from planning and development, to attending for work, to presenting at a booth to doing workshops or speaking. In that time technology has become more and more important to the way we interact and connect at these type of events. Where in the "old days" conferences were a "turn your tech off and pay attention" kind of environment, these days tech is more integrated into the event than ever before.

Getting the most out of your conference experience, especially for upcoming BlissDom Canada — Canada's most inclusive social media and blogging conference, can be difficult if you underestimate the amount of gear to bring. So, I've put together these tips and product suggestions for conference season to help you make it through without so much as losing your battery life. 

1. Buy A Charging Pack or Case for Your Phone ($20 - $100)

Your #1 most-essential tool during the conference will be your phone. You will be tweeting, taking quick pics and adding people to LinkedIn or Facebook pretty consistently and if your phone is anything like mine, the battery won't make it 'til noon getting that kind of workout. You can choose between power banks, charging sticks and even phone cases that also charge your phone, but make sure your phone's recommended power specifications are met to ensure nothing misfires.

Your options are practically unlimited at this point and fit most budgets. Try looking on Amazon.ca or your local retailer for deals. 
Pro Tip: Remember to charge your phone AND the battery pack the night before you leave and every night you're at the conference. 
(Pictured: Mophie Juice Plus Pack (4/4S) | Cell Phone Charger / Flashlight Combo | Great Shield Power Tank )
 

2. A Laptop, An iPad, and a Pen walk into a Bar... 

However you best take notes is how you should take notes at a conference. I made the mistake at one conference of bringing my iPad thinking it would "look cool" to take notes on, but in the end I hated typing on it for long periods of time and the case kept flopping over. If your notes tend to be more in-depth or sloppy, think about the old fashioned notebook & pen. Also, if you're a heavy typer (meaning the keys make lots of sound when you type!) then maybe a laptop would be disturbing for some. 

Pro Tip: Take as many notes as you can, even if you think you'll remember or you won't need them and then actually refer to them later. I tend to take notes and then re-type them into some sort of report to help me better analyze and create action plans for everything I learn at a conference. 
(Pictured: A Hand taking notes. source)

3. Not the best at taking notes?

Thought it might seem on the creepy side, some people remember things better hearing or seeing them again. If you're a more auditory learner (I'm especially talking to you podcast lovers!) then maybe bringing a recording device or using a recording app on your phone (warning, those fill up quickly!) is a good option. Not only that, but you'll totally feel like a journalist later listening to the playback! ;)

Pro Tip: While it's perfectly acceptable to record certain sessions, remember that they are personal recordings and not meant to be uploaded or shared online. 
(Pictured: Philips DVT5000/00 4 GB Digital Voice Tracer)

4. Keep Your Stuff Safe and Organized

Preventing that horrible but inevitable moment when your bag slips off your shoulder, or you accidentally trip walking down a carpeted hallway (wait, that only happens to me). Having a bag, organizer or compartment protecting your valuables is always a good thing. If you go to conferences as much as I have, you learn that you need these fancy compartments and storage containers to keep your life from spilling out of your suitcase at any given moment. 

Pro Tip: Keep your jewelry and valuables hidden and organized in your suitcase with a travel jewelry box. 
(Pictured: Jewelry Box, Tool Card & Hold Everything Cases all from MYTAGALONGS.com)

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Got any more questions about conferences, tech tips or otherwise? Tweet them to me and you could be featured in an upcoming #TechSupport post.