Maximize Your Connect Conference Experience with These Dos and Don'ts

Are you signed up to attend the Connect Customer Conference? If not, what are you waiting for?

We have your ultimate guide to packing smart, navigating travel logistics, and maximizing your experience at the event itself.

From Nov. 11 –13 at the gorgeous Gaylord Texan in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, our Connect Customer Conference will bring together all types of businesses from around the world. The conference aims to elevate our customers’ experience by fostering connections, igniting inspiration, and equipping attendees with the tools to elevate their ECI software use.

If you have joined us in the past, we can’t wait to see you again. If this is your first Connect Customer Conference, get ready to join a community of passionate individuals dedicated to building exceptional customer experiences.

But before you catch Jesse Itzler’s keynote talk on success and living a purposeful life, get hours of software and industry training for your industry, or spend time in our Tech Lab, make sure you know the do’s and don’ts of Connect.

Here is your insider cheat sheet to make the most of your time at the conference.

Packing tips

Whether you're a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, preparation is key to a successful and enriching experience. Before packing your bags, let's explore some travel hacks and smart booking strategies to ensure a smooth journey to the conference.

Do:

• Bring comfortable shoes – We have an expo hall, countless sessions, and amazing events planned from morning to night, so make sure your feet are prepared.
• Bring your tech essentials – Pack your laptop/tablet and phone charger to stay connected throughout the conference. A backpack is your best friend for carrying these essentials, and keeping your phone charger handy will ensure you never miss a beat or a connection. Bonus: Pack a portable charger for your phone because you will be on the move.
• Strike a pose – Dress code is business casual, but that doesn't mean you can't unleash your inner fashionista! Pack comfy-yet-professional outfits that will keep you looking sharp as you network with peers and industry experts.

Don’t:

• Overpack – While it's tempting to bring everything you might need, resist the urge! Conferences are all about networking and learning, and you won't want to be weighed down by a heavy suitcase or backpack. Only pack what you'll truly need for the duration of your trip.
• Forget the non-tech essentials – There are a few key items you shouldn't forget to pack. These include your business cards, a pen, and a notebook. These are crucial for effective participation and networking.

Travel tips

Before you hit the road, ensure you are prepped and ready to go.

Do:

• Use discounts for travel and hotel – Make sure you do so you save big on your hotel stay at the Gaylord by using this link to book. You can also check out our Travel Page to find more exclusive deals on air travel and car rental costs.
• Bring a credit card – The Gaylord Texan has recently become a cashless resort which means that it only accepts credit cards when it comes to paying at restaurants, buying at a retail store, parking your car, and more.
• Research hot spots beforehand – Don't be a tourist wandering into overpriced tourist traps. If you want to branch outside of the resort, the Dallas/Fort Worth area has some great local markets, quirky cafes, and off-the-beaten-path restaurants.

Don’t:

• Wait until the last minute to book – Flight prices can skyrocket if you book too close to your travel day and our hotel block at the Gaylord will fill up quickly. Make sure you give yourself enough time so you can save some cash.
• Forget to check the session schedule – Before you book your trip, make sure you are planning it around the sessions and networking events you want to be at. Allowing some extra time for travel delays and check-in processes can also ensure you won't miss what is most important to you at the conference.
• Book or leave without checking your company’s travel policy – Make sure you are staying in compliance with any specific guidelines or restrictions that your company has in place.

Session booking tips

Let's turn our focus to the heart of the conference: the learning sessions. Connect sessions offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise to equip you with the latest strategies and best practices. Before booking your ideal schedule, explore these key strategies to ensure you get the most out of them.

Do:

• Get out of your comfort zone – Attend more advanced classes or ones that you are not an expert in to strengthen your own skills and understanding.
• Mix it up – If you are new to a field, foundational sessions can be super valuable, even if they seem introductory.
• Discover the best sessions for you – Check out the following list of sessions offered by industry and product: Building Suppliers, Business Supply Dealers, Manufacturing, Office Technology, Residential Construction, and Service Management.
• Go beyond the functional classes – We have over 25 sessions designed to help you sharpen your knowledge on marketing, culture building, security, project management, leadership, and so much more.
• Bring supplies – Whether you use a pen and paper, laptop, or tablet, make sure you are ready to capture useful takeaway insight when attending sessions. If you hear something repeated multiple times, it might be for a good reason, so write that down so you can refer to it after the conference.

Don’t:

• Overload your schedule – There's a reason they call it "conference fatigue." Don’t book back-to-back sessions, with zero wiggle room. Forget networking, bathroom breaks, or even grabbing a decent lunch.
• Be afraid to switch it up – Want to switch to a new session? Do it. Want to spend more time in the TechLab? No problem. Take advantage of the flexibility of the conference to get exactly what you want out of it.

Networking tips

Our Connect Customer Conference brings together a diverse group of industry professionals, all eager to share ideas and forge lasting relationships. Here are some tips to equip you to navigate the social aspects of the event and turn fleeting interactions into valuable connections.

Do:

• Mingle – Conferences are all about making connections! The last thing you want to do is spend the entire event glued to your phone or hiding in the back of the room. Strike up conversations with people around you, attend networking events, and introduce yourself to speakers.
• Respect other people's time – If you schedule a meeting with someone at the conference, be on time and respectful of their schedule. Make the most out of their time and come prepared.

Don’t:

• Be part of a clique – Branch out from your team and sit at the lunch table or the keynote session with someone new. You work with your team members every day, so take advantage of the opportunity to meet others and learn from them.
• Go crazy with the swag – We agree: Swag is awesome! But keep in mind that you walk around with those goodies all day and then travel home with them. Keep your hands free for networking and try to restrict yourself to only grabbing swag that is useful for you.
• Multitask – Stepping away from the office can be hard, especially if you support a small business. But remember that attending this event is an investment and there is so much you can take away from the interactions, training, and keynote sessions. Put your “out-of-office” on and try not to constantly check emails so you can be present and get the most out of the event.

The Connect Customer Conference is a prime opportunity to learn, network, and gain valuable insights. By following these do's and don'ts, you will be well-equipped to navigate the conference easily, maximize your connections, and return home feeling empowered.

Maximize your Connect Customer Conference experience by following these practical tips. From packing smart to effective networking, these strategies will help you make the most of your time and ensure a productive and enjoyable conference.

Now that you have the inside scoop, make sure you register now to save your spot.