So you are headed to inbound 2015? Excellent choice. With all the conferences to choose from, Inbound is the one that has to power to transform your business. It is packed with inspiration.
I’ve attended Inbound since 2012 and it's hands down my favorite conference of the year. I always learn a ton, enjoy connecting with clients and HubSpotters I've met online, and meeting new inbound marketing fans. Since it's such a valuable experience, Media Junction always sends a big team and I always recommend clients come as well.
Whether this if your first trip to Inbound, or you're a seasoned pro, you can always get more out of the conference.
To help you, here are my tips for how to get even more value out of your attendance at Inbound 2015.
1. Download the Free APP
More than a scheduler, the free Inbound app is a networking and connection tool. Use it not only to keep track of the talks you want to attend, but Whether you are traveling alone or with a group, you can rely on the app to guide you on where to be.
Here's a link to download.
2. Set Inbound Goals
Before you even step into your first session, decide what you want to get out of Inbound. What inspired you to register for the conference? What is your key long-term goal for your business? Inbound is full of fascinating talks and it can be easy to get drawn off course. Stay focused on your agenda. If it comes down to two sessions that will both help you achieve your goal, ask yourself, "Does the speaker inspire or engage me?" Choose the one that does.
3. Arrive at Sessions Early
Map out the talks you want to attend and get there a few minutes early if you can. This is the time to talk with other people facing the same challenges as you. Introduce yourself and ask, "What motivated or inspired you to come to this session?" Exchange business cards, connect with them on Twitter and LinkedIn and make notes for yourself about your conversation.
4. Wear your Conference Lanyard All Over Boston
Many conference attendees immediately take off their conference lanyards the second they walk out of the conference space. Don’t do that. Keep your lanyard on everywhere you go in Boston and only take it off when you’re in your hotel room. Inbound attracts tens of thousands of people and there are a lot of people traveling alone who are looking to network. Your pass is a tip that you share something in common and is the key to starting conversations.
5. Tweet.
Make time to share what you are learning at Inbound with the hashtag #inbound15. If you don’t have a Twitter account, sign up. This is another great way to build a social following —as well as an excellent way to connect with others at the conference. At previous conferences, we’ve had people say “Oh, Media Junction! We’ve been following your tweets!”
Pro Tip: Follow every speaker at Inbound. Speakers are motivational, they will continue to inspire you year-round. HubSpot has made it easy with a Twitter list of all Inbound 15 speakers.
6. Take Notes
Bring a pen and a notebook/moleskin. Write down your thoughts, ideas and key takeaways. Attending sessions can spark ideas and inspire blog post topics for your own blog. Write a recap of the sessions you attend and post to social.
7. Hang Out in the Lobby of Your Hotel
Club Inbound is not the only place to network (although if you’re there, come see us at the Media Junction booth.) Spend time hanging out in the lobby of your hotel to meet other Inbound attendees. Last year, I made more connections in the lobby of the Westin, then I did all year attending other networking events. Do not sit in your hotel room and hide — make the most of the opportunity to meet other inbound marketers.
8. See Boston
Don’t get so caught up in the conference that you forget you’re visiting a really cool city. I recommend doing a Hop On, Hop Off trolley tour. It takes about two hours and is the best way to learn about Boston and see all the landmarks. It’s also really easy to use Boston’s subway system (the “T”). Boston is kind of a small city, so most people also use Uber for a short, fast trip around town.
Pro Tip: Get a discount with a Groupon.
9. Enjoy the Cuisine
Boston has great beer and even better food. Head out on the town at least one night. I recommend:
- Italian – Any authentic restaurant in the North End
- Seafood - The Summer Shack
- Chocolate - Max Brenner
- Chinese - China Town
- Drinks - Beer is plentiful, the darker the better in Boston.
- Dessert – Cannoli at Mike’s Pastry
10. Visit Club Inbound
Club Inbound is the social hub at the conference. Make sure you spend time there talking to the sponsors and exhibitors (like Media Junction!). Then stop by the HubSpot genius bar to grab some free swag and talk directly with HubSpot Support and Tech teams. We'll be at Club Inbound every day and will be happy to chat with you about your business goals.
11. Introduce Yourself to the Media Junction Team
We’re pros at HubSpot and at the Inbound conference. This year Media Junction has sent ten people to Inbound! If you don’t meet us at our booth, look for our colorful “Growth Driven” t-shirts and blue Converse sneakers around Inbound. We’ll be happy to share what we’re learning and to chat about how to use your website to achieve your business goals. Bonus points if you can snag selfies with all ten Media Junction team members!
Most of all, don't forget to enjoy it. Inbound is hectic, with thousands of things to do and see. Don't get so caught up in trying to do it all that you forget to have fun!