Conference Season Check-In: Are You Asking the Right Questions?

It’s that time of year again—events, conferences, and airports.

I’m writing this from the terminal, on my way to sunny... Ottawa. Yup, sunny and 24°C in October. Go figure.

Before I booked this trip (like every other), I ran through a set of questions. You might have a similar checklist. If not, here’s mine—feel free to borrow it.

My Pre-Trip Questions:

• What’s the real cost of going? (Yes, even points have a price.)

• How many days at the office will I miss?

• Will I lose a weekend day or two?

• Should I arrive early or stay later?

• What sessions are must-attend?

• Who do I need to thank in person?

• Who can I grab 15 minutes with?

• Who have I never met in person but should?

• Who should I keep an eye out for?

• Who would miss me if I skipped it?

And most important:

What would need to happen for this trip to be a massive success?

If you write down your answers, send them to your future self in a delayed email—say, 9 months from now. It’ll make next year’s decision way easier.

Which brings us to the final question:

Should I go again next year?

And one more question, this one’s for you:

What do you ask yourself before events and conferences?

Hit reply and let me know.

DW

P.S. If you see me at a conference looking grumpy—please say hi anyway. I’m not mad. I’m just thinking. 😊