This will be my 6th INBOUND since I first attended in 2016. And I've learned some things along the way. So I figured I would share some of my best tips for getting the most out of your time at the conference.
Not attending? I highly recommend joining the r/hubspot subreddit, which I help moderate. I've been collaborating with the HubSpot community team for some great INBOUND-centric content and megathreads before, during, and after the conference that will bring the experience, product announcements, and more directly to you!
Before You Go
Plan Your Agenda
The INBOUND mobile app is avilable for Apple and Android app stores. There's an AI tool that can help you build your perfect agenda, or you can scroll through all the sessions yourself. Favorite those sessions you don't want to miss. Registration for limited seating sessions opened up last week, so if you haven't already, register for any sessions you want to attend.
That being said, I wouldn't recommend filling up your whole day with back-to-back sessions. Leave at least 30% of your schedule open for spontaneous networking and non-session activities like meetups, brain dates, and checking out sponsor booths, like the campfire-themed booth that hapily did last year.
Pack Like a Pro
Comfy Shoes
Two years ago, the only shoes I brought to the conference were a pair of low-top converse. And as stylish as they were, they did nothing to protect my feet from the 20k steps a day I was doing at the conference. I ended up needing to go to an orthopediatrician for achilles tendonitis shortly after the conference. Footware is no joke!
Snacks & Drinks
You're gonna be go-go-go at the conference and you might not want to stop to hydrate or chow down. Plus, the lines at the food vendors can get crazy long during the peak lunch hour. Better to be prepared by bringing a refillable waterbottle and some quick-and-easy snacks, like protien bars.
If you're looking for something more substantial on a budget, last year I hit up Walgreens and bought a loaf of bread, deli meat, and mayo and kept them in my hotel fridge so I could bring sandwiches with me to the conference.
Portable Power
If you're going to be taking notes on your phone or knocking out some work on your laptop between sessions, you might want to make sure you can recharge your devices without a power outlet, since they can be hard to come by.
I just bought this UGREEN portable charger (not an affiliate link, I just think it's a great charger) that outputs 145w – fast enough to power my gaming laptop and phone at the same time.
During the Conference
Show Up Early to Sessions
For sessions with limited seating, once the doors close, you can't get in. On the plus side, if you missed your chance to register for a session, you can show up to the anyway to get into the standby line. Once the session starts, they will fill any untaken seating with people from that line.
Network Without the Awkwardness
Everyone stares at each others' badges to remember names. Just accept it and move past it. You can't expect me to remember you based on your AI-generated cartoon LinkedIn profile headshot.
And speaking of badges, you can forget the business cards, LinkedIn profile QR codes, and, god forbid, phone numbers written on cocktail napkins. INBOUND uses "klik" sensors in your badge to exchange info. Just press your badges together until they light up and then you'll be able to see them in your app's contact list, which you can download after the event.
Share Your Experience
Usually the advice is to put away your phone and focus on the experience. But most of us are marketers, and does the experience even exist if we don't post about it? Share photos, videos, and key takeaways from the event on LinkedIn or on the r/hubspot subreddit.
Hit the Happy Hours
Yes, I know you're here for the amazing speakers and informative sessions, but my favorite part of INBOUND is always the side activities. And San Francisco has such a killer food scene that I cannot wait to try some free hors d'oeuvres.
Here are some of the happy hours I have heard about so far:
