I think I'm the opposite of edw519 - I'm going the conference to hang out, absorb as much as I can, and have fun. Nothing about edw519's advice appeals to me -

I think I'm the opposite of edw519 - I'm going the conference to hang out, absorb as much as I can, and have fun. Nothing about edw519's advice appeals to me - makes it like work. A conference should be fun and yes, crashing is part of it. You can't absorb everything and if you go into a conference thinking that you must "prepare" or your will forever "wonder what could have been if you had planned properly", you will get depressed/upset when you find your brain has turned to mush at 4:15 on day three. Have caffeine if you've found that it helps you stay alert or be perky/whatever. Eat junk food for the same reason. Lots of carbs and proteins both work for me. I don't know - I guess I just don't think of a conference in the same way as a marathon (which is what edw519's advice would apply to).You should absorb what you can but you should meet lots of folks and hang out. Brush your teeth and have good hygiene. No one enjoys smelling you from 10 feet away. Smile. Wear your nametag. Take pictures with people and connect afterwards. Enjoy and congrats!