Sitecore Symposium Tips For The First Timer

Symposium is almost upon us! Having been to several Sitecore Symposiums I wanted to pass on some tips to the first timers from my point of view.

1. Use the app – Sitecore will release a site/app a few days before the event to give you a chance to prepare. Go through this site and see what sessions are available. You will find a lot of great information here including time slots and locations. Also, if you are attending with colleagues, decide who is going to what session. A lot of times sessions will overlap and it is better to divide and concur to get a broader picture of available information. Here is a link from last year to give you an idea – http://www.sitecore.net/events/symposium-2017/breakout-sessions

2. Familiarize yourself with the area – Take an hour and walk through the venue. Find out where session rooms are, where the keynotes will be, where you will be having your meals, and where the restrooms are! The breaks in between each might seem like enough time to figure things out, but when you are among your peers, conversations about all things Sitecore can happen anywhere, and that break time flies by fast.

3. Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone for sessions – Most people at Symposium are in the technology track. Don't be afraid to go to a business, marketing, or case study session. Being able to see the big picture of a successful project can help spark your own creativity.

4. Don't be late – Popular sessions fill up fast. Show up a few minutes before to make sure you get a seat.

5. Leave the work behind – I know how tough this can be and maybe it is not possible. But if you are planning on working during sessions, meals, and drinks, you are missing out on a lot of great information and networking. Offer a couple hours during the day where you are available or offer to work on issues after hours.

6. Have fun, but don't have too much fun – You are in Vegas. There is always something going on. Make sure you have the energy available to make the most of each day of learning. There is nothing fun about being extremely tired and hung over.

7. Make new friends – You will be surrounded by your peers for several days. Make the most of it. Remember that everyone there has a passion for Sitecore like you do. Make sure you have your business cards, and don't be afraid to stop by the partner booths. Knowing who your peers are and what they offer can help you out in your own organization.