Affiliate Summit can be overwhelming to first time attendees. Everything that makes Affiliate Summit informative, fun, and unique can also make it a lot to absorb. So, I’ve put together a guide to help first timers prepare for the adventure ahead.
REGISTRATION
Hopefully, you’ve already registered, as the earlier you register, the better prepared you can be. Not to mention a cheaper flight, access to the group rate at the hotel, and advance networking.
If you haven’t registered, we’re close to selling out. Find out which pass is best for you.
PLAN
Are you familiar with the Affiliate Summit Newcomer Program? We created it to help first timers to be assigned a conference veteran to help navigate all of the opportunities at Affiliate Summit.
Stay aware of things by subscribing to our email newsletters, participating in the Affiliate Summit forum, listening to our podcasts, and following us on social networking spots like Facebook and Twitter.
Review the agenda and make a schedule. You don’t have to stick with it, but having plans in place will make all the difference. And as you work out your schedule, you can figure out which times you have available to schedule meetings, attend sessions, visit booths, and attend social events. With so many things taking place at the same time, it never hurts to have a Plan B or C.
Check out the map. This is very important. The Hilton New York is a large venue. Read through the online version of issue 19 of FeedFront magazine. Not only does it have the agenda and speaker bios, but also a map for the conference.
If you have an Android phone or iPhone, install the EventMethod app. This app enables you to access details on sessions and events, review speaker bios, provide feedback on presentations and speakers, and more.
TRAVEL
Be sure you know the name of your hotel. There are many, many hotels in New York City – often multiple hotels for the same chain. Just plug the information into the calendar on your phone, so you can tell the cab driver when you land. If you’re staying at the Hilton New York, the address is 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 10019 and the main phone is 212-586-7000.
ON THE GROUND
Pack for a variety of occasions. Affiliate Summit is more than just a conference. You’ll be attending sessions, meeting potential clients, networking in the hotel and all around NYC. Dress during the day is business casual (some people wear shorts and a t-shirt, while others wear suits – wear what you please). Also, NYC is a walking city. I’d suggest having a change of shoes. Feet first.
Pace yourself. You might have the urge to try to cram as much into your first day as possible. Don’t do it! You will just be overwhelmed and disappointed with yourself that you don’t have the energy to go some great evening event you planned to attend. Slow and steady if you hope to start early and go late.
When you check-in, we’ll be providing you with a print copy of FeedFront, as well as an exhibitor guide with details of each exhibitor, and an agenda at a glance to stick in your pocket. Anyhow, read those materials. Pay particular attention to the agenda at a glance. This will be your lifeline. It will have a list of all the programming times and locations.
After you check in, take a tour of the conference areas. Remember that map I mentioned? It’s in the print version of FeedFront for you. So get familiar with the layout. Take your map and walk all the levels.
Oh, and stay off your computer. Well, if you have business on there, do it by all means. But don’t mess around checking sports scores or seeing what your friends back home are having for dinner. Don’t just be at Affiliate Summit – experience it!
Did I miss something? Email us about what should be added.
COME TO MY SESSION
I will be giving a version of this presentation in person at 10 am on Sunday, August 12, 2012 to kick off Affiliate Summit East 2012.
The session is open to all attendees and will take place in the Gramercy Suite at the Hilton New York.
You can pick up your conference registration materials between 4 pm and 8 pm the night before or starting at 8 am on Sunday at the 2nd Floor Promenade at the Hilton New York.
Visit http://www.affiliatesummit.com for more details on the conference.
