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Conferences can be amazing opportunities for education and networking, but to get the most out of them, you have to make it to the end. If your average SEO conference is an endurance event, then PubCon is the Iron Man – 3 full days of sessions, sponsored parties, being dragged around Vegas by crazy people, topped off by a full afternoon of even more drinking (just in case you somehow managed to forget where the “pub” in PubCon came from). This year marks my 3rd PubCon, so I thought I’d offer some tips for getting the most out of your experience without ending up looking like this guy.
1. Plan Your Sessions
Even before you leave for a conference, take some time to plan. Time flies onsite, and by Day 3, you’ll barely remember your name, let alone what the difference is between "Track A1 - Social Media" and "Track A2 - Media in Society". The Murphy's Law of conferences is that the 4 sessions you most want to see will all be in the same time slot. If a session just isn't cutting it for you, don't be afraid to get up and go somewhere else, unless you were foolish enough to sit in the front row.Pro Tip: If you do change sessions, please open and close doors quietly. It would be a shame if you were beaten to death with a laptop at your first conference.
2. Round Up A Posse
What's the difference between you and an A-list SEO celebrity? Celebrities are constantly surrounded by their posses. You can gain instant celebrity by pre-building your entourage – get on Twitter and arrange to meet some folks for dinner the night before the conference starts. Then, follow those people around, each taking turns being the center of attention. People will automatically assume that you must be famous.3. Stay Hydrated
Like any endurance event, you have to remember to stay hydrated. If you see a free bottle of water, grab it, even if you’re not thirsty. The vending machines at the Las Vegas Convention Center do take credit cards, which may seem convenient, but you'll feel differently when you get home and your wife asks you why there are 7 pages of $3 charges on your Visa bill.Pro Tip: The IRS does not consider $600 worth of Pepsi to be a legitimate write-off.
4. Bring A Sweater
Running a large event is grueling work, so it's no surprise that many conference organizers grew up in the Himalayas. Being near-Yetis, these otherwise helpful organizers labor under the assumption that everyone is comfortable at a balmy 50° Fahrenheit. By Day 2 of any conference, no matter how manly you think you are, you'll be begging to borrow the nearest hot-pink cardigan. Do yourself a fashion favor and bring your own sweater or dress in layers.5. Buy a Power Adapter
Laptops outnumber outlets by a ratio of 99:1 at any SEO conference, and even though you love your iPhone, let’s face it – it has the battery life of a crack-addicted drumming monkey. If you bring a portable power adapter, you'll not only be able to share outlets, but you’ll be a hero to anyone who comes along with a dying battery.Pro Tip: Save your last remaining plug for a celebrity – you never know when Matt Cutts may need to plug in his Android phone.
6. Know The Controversies
SEOs love controversy, so try to have a few in your pocket for when you need a conversation-starter. Start with something easy and work your way up. Here are a few to get you going, from least to most controversial:- "What do you think of the new nofollow rules?"
- "I think Flash is just as SEO-friendly as HTML."
- "Did you hear that Rand Fishkin eats puppies?"
- "Dude, that sucks"
- "Seriously, I know"
- "You should totally ask [insert expert] about that"
7. Know When to Nap
No amount of Red Bull can keep you awake for 4 days straight, and sooner or later you may need to sneak a cat nap. There are some comfy chairs in Vegas, but there's also a lot of competition, and napping on slot machine stools gets expensive fast. If you find yourself falling asleep during a session, just bury your head face-first into your iPhone or Blackberry. People will naturally assume that you're fanatically Twittering.8. Bonus Tip!
That's right – 8 tips for the price of 7, because that's just the way I roll. Pay attention, because this one is important. Whoever wrote the motto "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" clearly doesn't work in our industry and has never heard of this thing called the internet. Of course, from a marketing standpoint, "What happens in Vegas will probably be photographed on a cell phone, Tweeted, Re-tweeted, posted on Facebook, and tagged for the entire world to see" doesn't really have much of a ring to it.Don't Forget to Say "Hi"
This isn't really a tip, but if you're a Moz community member, don't be shy about introducing yourself. SEOmoz is also going to be hosting a special event you won't want to miss (more details coming very soon). Hope to see you there!(Las Vegas sign photo licensed from iStockPhoto.com)
Nice post Pete . . . I'll add my few additional tips.
1. Pick a session each day to skip and either sleep (if you plan on going out that night) or spend that time mingling with people in the cafeteria, show floor, or wherever people seem to be gathering. You never know who's real attention you'll be able to catch during those times versus whispering during a session to someone that's actually trying to listen.
2. Don't be a home-body. Get out at night and be where the crowd is at. Be social. If that means you have to go to dinner with 10 strangers then do it. Try to drag one of your own buddies along and get involved with the conversation. Don't be a know it all but participate. Safe responses when you disagree with someone are . . . 'interesting', 'oh really?', 'huh'. Simple, yes, but the last thing you want to do is go toe to toe with Boser, Oilman, Stephan, or a Googler when there's a crowd gathered. Check your ego and pull them aside later.
3. If you are going out...carbs are your friend. Yes, you'll pack on some pounds but it's considerably better than not holding your liquor (and I speak from experience). Eat well and (as Pete suggested) stay VERY well hydrated with WATER.
4. Get rid of the hangover when you get home THAT NIGHT. Drink as much water as you can when you get back to your hotel, then drink one more glass. You should feel like Santa does at the end of Christmas Eve, swollen belly, unable to move comfortably. If you have 6 hours before you to be up again, down two Tylenol (even if you don't have a headache that night, it'll swear off one in the morning).
5. Make a list of people you want to meet and have two or three subjects you could talk to each of them about. You never know how the conversation may go when you walk up to a group with the targetted individual present and you don't want to look like an ass-munch throwing out a wild ass comment just to get your meet and greet in.
6. Never a bad word about anyone. You have no idea the social structure of the industry. Friends last conference are enemies this conference and enemies last conference are friends this conference. Listen to your grandmother, if you don't have anything nice to say . . . don't say anything at all.
7. A mistake I learned at SES San Jose, ask permission before you post any photos/videos taken outside of the conference center. The fastest way to piss someone off in the industry is to post photos/videos of them having fun.
8. Pubcon is crazy. One of the craziest of the conferences. Have fun. Build true friendships. You'll learn the most outside the conference center if you can make new friends.
Good advice Brent, it sounds like you have lots of experience as well. :) You mentioned to me at SMX that you'd be more active on SEOmoz again, so I'm glad I didn't have to go wrangle you to get over here!
Amen to (6) - it's a small world in the SEO industry and bad blood flows fast.
I like the point #7
7. A mistake I learned at SES San Jose, ask permission before you post any photos/videos taken outside of the conference center. The fastest way to piss someone off in the industry is to post photos/videos of them having fun.
What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas. And let us all support that :)
Great post! Here are a few more tips based on my previous experience...
1. Plan on and Be at the Bars. As good as the sessions can be, the best sessions take place in the bars. 2 years ago, it was the Parasol at the Wynn. Last year, it was the main casino bar at TI.
2. Share. Pubcon is the one conference every year that I have confidence that whatever I share will be reciprocated in full. Everyone is in good spirits and knows that the guys across the table have no interest in letting the cat out of the bag.
3. Deal Drugs. And by that, I mean Aspirin. Be that guy. The one who knew what he was getting into and showed up with a bottle for the opening sessions.
4. Do at Least 1 Session You Don't Know Anything About. Chances are, you will learn more at this session than any other, and will get a breath of fresh air. Every now and then you need a break from whatever it is you are doing.
5. Do the SEOMoz mixer. It is fun all around and a great opportunity to get to know folks.
Stop trying to ruin my post with valuable advice ;)
I think your (2) is a great point. Our industry sometimes gets a bad rap because of a few snake-oil salesman, but all in all I've never met a more generous group of people.
Here's the link to the sessions to help in our homework prep:
https://www.pubcon.com/sessions.htm
I'll help out with your Posse and will serve as your agent when you are swamped for autographs!
Thanks for the tips!
9. Don't go.
Great Advice!, lol but it does compleatly invalidate #'s 1-8
... and it was a joke. People are very strange.
Pete this is awesome! I have to say that last year at Pubcon I almost froze to death. Seriously by the end of the first day my teeth were chattering as I sat on my hands to keep them warm. I know people thing that bringing a sweater sounds silly but it's true! Another great tip I figured out is that if you sit behind the projector it's nice and warm. :)
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and look for an announcement early next week on SEOmoz event. If you're a PRO member, you'll find out this week. :)
Tip 1: Don't judge a book by its cover.
This is especially true while networking. Regardless of looks, attire or social grace, try to assume that each person you speak with knows someone or something you would like to know and/or would like to know someone or something you know. That seems pretty fair.
Tip 2: Don't immediately go into business mode when you first meet somebody. I truly believe that most people get thoroughly annoyed when the first question asked of them is along the lines of, "What do you do?" Begin by building a dialogue and perhaps you'll eventually build a new friendship that could naturally progress into something more. Sounds like dating, eh?
#9 Don't try to match people like Dr Pete, David Mihm, Julie Joyce or Jane Copland drink for drink.
#10 Make friends with your hotel's barmaid - it can result in fresh raspberries at 3am.
I'm a newbie to Pubcon. Am I getting it right? Are you suggesting to nap during the day and go out with the gang all night? Which Pubcon did poor Mel go to?
It sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun. Thanks for the tips!
I do recommend naps when you see a session set you can bow out on as the after conference activities start pretty quickly after the conference is formally over each day.
Just not during my sessions on Wednesday ;)
,Michael Martin
Mel went two years ago. The night that resulted in that picture was beyond epic, but it's not my story to tell ;)
Also a neophyte here. Hope we meet up. I like to nap during the day but only if I can nap at night too. ;-)
Yes this will be my first PubCon too. I look forward to meeting a lot of you.
Can I also mention another Tip?
Don't be afraid of talking to people who work in any industry (not just yours). You can gain valuable insight into techniques that people outside of your verticle are using :)
Also if you see an Aussie guy, 6ft 1in, smelling of rum, stumbling around looking for someone to talk to (and lean against)...just say hi!
See you there!
I'll remember that :)
Aussie guy, 6ft 1in, smelling of rum, stumbling around looking for someone to talk to (and lean against)
Just have fun. I went to this a few years back and it changed the way I look at SEO and Affiliate Marketing (and showers). :)
Wish this was a problem I had - I can't go!
Find a great posse from different countries as you will often find a great contact who is willing to assist you in future projects.
I agree with Brent Payne, sometimes its smarter to miss the first session and get a bit more sleep...
Also try and get back to the hotel for a quick shower before heading out, that second wind is often needed.
So sorry i wanted to be there maybe next year, shouts to all those who were at SMX Advanced and those travelling from Australia/England.
ps... Don't tell people you are from Australia because you know it means you are going to be challenged to a drinking competition on the first night....
PubCon is one of the most enjoyable SEO conferences I've been to. Most of the sessions are great and people are more relaxed and willing to talk to you.
I only remember maybe 2 sessions last year that felt like I was in a sales presentation for a product.
I also remember that the SEOmoz booth last year (as it is every year) was really crowded.
Great post, really enjoyed it.
Don't forget making the itinerary of the AFTER conference events such as if there is a Yahoo party at the Hef suite in the Playboy tower.
You can often find out whats goin on via Twitter & following #pubon which is how most after conference events were tracked and coordinated for PubCon South & then SXSW in Austin.
Brent also makes a great point in taking time during the day to plan out your naps which is why its key IMHO to have your hotel nearby like at the Hilton or Renaissance.
,Michael Martin
Great sense of humor!I love this post and would love to come...
#2. Option B - While I respect Dr. Pete my suggestion for tip #2 is a little different. If you really want to make an impression on someone that you consider a "SEO celebrity" treat them no different than anyone else. I have seen people who get blurred vision when talking to people in the industry that are well know and successful. These fans say "Hello its so great to meet you 'professor x'" and there ends the conversation and creates an awkward pause because your SEO celebrity was just in mid-conversation with someone else. So in my opinion the proper thing to do is this two step process:
Although this post was mostly out of love for PubCon and was 92% joking, I think the real aspect of Tip #2 is that conferences are a great place to take online connections offline. Arranging to meet up with some people in advance, pre-arranging dinners, etc. is a great way to meet new friends and enrich your experience.
I agree, though - don't be a drooling fan-boy (or girl). I've gotten far more mileage getting to know the people who were also "nobodys" when I went back into SEO than I have chasing after celebrities. Granted, some of the celebrities are great people and very generous, but real success starts with being genuine and passionate about your work.
Pete's right about this...don't be afraid to approach people you recognize ("celebrity" or not). Most of the Moz crew actually met Pete a couple of years ago when he joined us for dinner on the first night of PubCon, and look, now he's one of us (gooba-gabba, gooba-gabba, one of us! One of us!).
You bet doc!
All the way from Scandinavia I'll represent the Vikings ;o)
Special session you say?? Sounds fab...
When are the danish people going to stop claiming they are the original vikings? Everyone know that the biggest and most dangerous vikings came from NORWAY :)
Cheers
Tip #2 is my favorite. That is some solid advice there, thanks for the post
Great article, networking is crucial to your company's PR, not to mention the future possibilities that come with it. This conference sounds very exciting! Thanks for sharing
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