I’ve always felt that conferences are a magical thing. Whether attending for work or play, a conference serves as that once-a-year chance to connect with industry professionals and discuss the latest topics and trends.

PersoniFest is no different. Whether it is your first or your 20th PersoniFest, I have put a list of tips to help make this a magical experience and maximize your time at the conference:

1. Set Goals

With 50+ breakout sessions, plus general sessions, networking events and more, one can easily feel overwhelmed. Set a few goals for yourself around sessions you’d like to attend, people you’d like to meet or new functionalities you’d like to learn about.

2. Plan Your Agenda

Whether using the mobile app or the agenda at-a-glance, plan out all networking and content sessions you’d like to attend. It will make to conference easier to digest and allows you to know which sessions are most important to you.

If you’re planning to earn CAE, CPE or CEM credits, take a look at the agenda at-a-glance to see which sessions will help you earn credits. We’ll also have worksheets available at the registration desk to help you track your credits throughout the conference.

3. Network like a Boss

Networking and social events can be overwhelming, especially if you’re attending on your own. Networking helps foster collaboration and it can help you make friends.

One of my favorite tips for attending a conference is to never sit with the same group twice. Take the opportunity to meet new people and grow your network. You never know who will help spark inspiration or develop new ideas over lunch or during happy hour.

4. Speak to the Speakers

Speakers are some of the best reasons to attend a conference. And, they are the best way to get connected. Take a moment to visit with the speakers after the sessions. They know the products and the people you should meet to learn more. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and find out more about their background and expertise.

5. Dress for Success

We’ve received a few questions about recommended attire for the conference. We recommend business attire for the event, but you may want to bring some casual options for evening events. Also, comfy shoes are a must. You’re going to be walking a decent amount each day at the conference, and Savannah is a beautiful city to explore.

Finally, we encourage all attendees to break out their best 90s attire for the Conference Party on Tuesday night. Given that we’re celebrating 20 years of PersoniFest, we’re going to party like it’s 1999—the year that our first conference began.