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Conferences are great! I always love the opportunity to learn new things, meet new people, and see new places. I’ve discussed this topic before, but now that I’m in my third year of running my own business, I want to revisit it. I don’t enjoy being away from my family for long periods, but taking some time to clear my head, gain fresh perspectives, and have a break from the office is always nice. Also, conferences and travel don’t have to mean being away from your family (more to come on that). I’d like to share some things I do outside of the conference that make my time away from home more enjoyable and enhance the overall conference experience.
Ideas to Maximize your Conference Experience
#1. Bring a Family Member
Consider spending the extra money to bring a family member along. For one conference I attended, I brought my 12-year-old daughter, Olivia. As a result, I had the most valuable one-on-one time with her, and it was an absolute blast. With four kids, I rarely get the chance to take my wife along, but if you can, that’s an even better option. I have taken her on other work trips and it’s always nice to get away as a couple, regardless of the reason. Sharing these experiences with family makes the event more enjoyable and creates lasting memories. From a cost perspective, it’s usually very inexpensive aside from an airline ticket (if you’re flying) and a few additional meals.
#2. Bring a Team Member
This last year I was invited to speak at a TDWI conference in Chicago. It was just a few hours away from where I’m located, so I decided to bring a team member. It was a two-day conference. We drove, so cost was relatively inexpensive, and I thought it would be a great opportunity for him to grow and have an experience outside his normal, everyday job duties. This is also a great option if you need some administrative support. He wrote thank you cards to the host and other event facilitators, and also handled miscellaneous tasks while I focused on my presentation. It really freed up my mental space during the day knowing he had everything else handled. In the evenings, we went out and enjoyed the city.
Additionally, if you have read our blog post titled “Being on a Real Team,” you will find that this concept aligns perfectly with the ideas discussed there. It is crucial to invest in your employees beyond their professional roles. Take the time to understand them as individuals, not just as workers. Engage in conversations that go beyond work-related topics. Show genuine interest in their personal lives, hobbies, and aspirations. By doing so, you create a more inclusive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued and understood.
#3. Eat Local
When traveling, I always recommend eating at local restaurants instead of national food chains to truly experience the local flavor. In San Diego, we discovered an amazing grocery store called Jimbo’s Naturally. Founded in 1984 by Jim ‘Jimbo’ Someck, this specific store offered a wide variety of products, including fresh seafood, a deli, a bakery, and even specialty meats. It’s a unique place that I thoroughly enjoyed visiting. We picked up some healthy snacks and drinks for our hotel room. Exploring local spots like Jimbo’s Naturally can push you out of your comfort zone a bit and give you the chance to interact with locals.
Another favorite, during our trip to Chicago, we made sure to visit Giordano’s for a slice of their famous deep-dish pizza. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a piece of deep-dish pizza in the Windy City. Let’s be honest, food is fun. And it’s even more fun when you can explore cuisines you’ve never experienced.
#4. Explore the Hotel
On my San Deigo Gartner trip, we stayed at the Grand Hyatt. We found basketball courts on the roof, old pictures and artwork around the lobby, and great views of the city from some of the higher floors. We stayed at the Swissotel on my recent trip to Chicago and it was also wonderful. First class service and facility.
Find the gym or the pool and take some time to unwind after your full day. And don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions at the front desk! They get those questions all the time and will definitely have recommendations for excellent restaurants and experiences.
#5. Use Public Transportation
Make the most of public transportation whenever possible. If you’re not from a large city, using public transit can be a truly unique and eye-opening experience. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and see the city from a different perspective. If you have family with you, as I mentioned earlier, it can be an especially exciting adventure for kids. They get to experience the hustle and bustle of city life, and it provides a wonderful opportunity for you to enjoy the journey together. Instead of stressing over navigating unfamiliar streets and finding your next destination, you can relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city.
Chicago is great because the Chicago River goes right through the heart of downtown and splits north and south. You have so many amazing options like hopping on a bus, Water Taxi, Train, or of course an Uber.
#6. Find a Local Attraction
Enjoying local attractions is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture and history of a new place. These attractions often showcase the unique aspects of the area, from historical landmarks and museums to parks and local markets. By visiting these sites, you gain a deeper understanding of the community. Additionally, local attractions can offer experiences that you won’t find anywhere else, making your trip more memorable!
During our visit to San Diego, we decided to explore the USS Midway. This impressive aircraft carrier, which was commissioned shortly after World War II, held the title of the largest warship in the world until 1955. We had the opportunity to tour as many of the decks as were accessible. It was quite an experience.
In Chicago I really enjoyed early morning runs on the Chicago River Walk. My morning jog was filled with great sites up and down the river including skyscrapers and everything from yachts to sailboats. The riverwalk is also lined with Artists and eatery establishments along the way.
#7. Bring Something Home
Who doesn’t love a souvenir? Bring something home for the rest of the family, and yourself! Something as simple as t-shirts, chocolates, or hats is all it takes to make my kids feel like they were a part of my trip. I would recommend something specific to that city or it’s culture.
#8. Take Pictures
This will allow you to capture some of the great fun you had and enjoy those memories with others. Life is short so make the most of your trip and do your best to capture it, or at least the highlights of it.
These are just a few of the things I’ve done to have a better experience during conferences. If you aren’t doing one or any of these, I recommend trying them out. If you have other ideas, I’d love to hear them. Please let us know in the comments below. I hope you are able to make excellent memories while attending that next conference.
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