The 5 Things You Can’t Forget to Pack for IBM InterConnect

I’ve lost track of how many conferences I’ve been to in Las Vegas by now, and in all those visits I’ve picked up a few tips that I wanted to pass along. Here they are in ballpark order of importance.

1. Comfortable Shoes

If you’ve never been to a conference in Vegas before… lucky you! Okay, I’m just kidding about that, but I’m not kidding about the shoes. You’ll be amazed at how much walking you’ll do over the course of the week. You could easily walk over half a mile just getting from one end of the hotel to the other. Give your feet some love and bring something fashionable, but comfortable.

2. Chapstick

Even though it’s still early in the year, we are still going to Vegas — which is still a desert last I checked. Deserts are dry. Dry air, regardless of how much oxygen the casino’s pump into the air will dry out your lips, and no one likes chapped lips.

3. A convenient water bottle

The conference is always well stocked with beverages, but I’m always amazed at how thirsty I get in Vegas — and I’m not just talking about the adult beverage kind of thirst. Buy a case or fill that water bottle up and drink the whole thing before you go to bed. Regardless of what you did earlier in the evening (no judgement here — what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!), you’ll feel worlds better in the morning.

4. Plenty of Business Cards

There are many great reasons to come to InterConnect, from hearing the keynote speakers, getting the latest information from IBM experts (don’t miss my session Wednesday afternoon), hearing from our customers, or enjoying Zac Brown Band; however, the piece that I always look forward to the most is networking with all the other attendees. While social media and mobile phones have provided many other ways to exchange contact information, in a business setting, I find that there’s still no replacement for a professional business card… even if it’s just to let someone take a picture of it. Get out of your shell, introduce yourself to someone you don’t know, and take advantage of this opportunity to network. I know I’d love to meet anyone who took the time to read this!

5. A little gambling money

I always say, I love to gamble but hate losing money, and that’s certainly still the case. That being said, I do find it entertaining and InterConnect happens to fall in between some of the best weeks for college basketball this year. If you’re arriving early, you can get in on the opening weekend of March Madness. If you aren’t there’s still an opportunity to pick some of the deeper games in the tournament. Or throw some dice, pull a handle, or get dealt a blackjack. Think of all the money your saving by coming here on business. Even the most frugal of us all need to have a little fun every now and then.

As I said, if you’re going to InterConnect, be sure to look me up. Also, if you think I missed something on my list, be sure to let me know! I’m always available @TalkToErik.