Always be open minded and imagine……thousands of potential good friends and business contacts..... Do efficient networking. The time is limited - use it properly. Talk to people - also the unknown - that’s networking. Be friendly, ask questions and show interest. Offer your help and knowledge. Ask for help if needed – a lot of people would be happy to help. As a first timer, look for the Senator colour mark on the conference badge – The Senators have a lot of JCI experience and are good to ask for advice.
A hard time:
During conferences there is a risk to stress the body and there will be a lot of walking. Be prepared for a hard time with less sleep - One day off work after return from conference is very good.
Keep contact:
Exchange data very quickly – It is difficult to remember all the new names and without a mobile phone number to reach contact you might never meet that person again during the conference. Find your new connections on Facebook, Linkedin, Xing etc
Your win:
During a conference you can choose your favorite subject and improve your language skills. Cultural exchanges, international friends , good atmosphere, parties, fun and crazy things, people with same interest, business contacts and a boost of positive energy.
Arrival:
Find a map of the location - take a photo, then you have it available in your phone. Mark your conference bag with your colourful tape - then you know which one is yours.
During the day: Always bring with you :
- city map
- conference badge
- your mobile phone
- your personal program
- cards – business/private/JCI
- lunch voucher ticket(not all conferences)
Evening:
Prepare for the evening by sleeping in the late afternoon. Not all evening events have enough food - so eat a bit before the evening events. Remember to wear special outfit/national shirt for the theme parties/opening party. Use other shoes in the evening as during the day – your feet will like this. Don’t forget the galla ticket !!!! some galla parties requires this. After the parties – Get some food and drink something non-alcohol. This helps to keep you fit for the next day.
Before traveling:
- Water your flowers
- Empty your mail box – to prevent running full
- Read your national travel deligation information
- Copy of all cards / papers / passport – in case they get lost
- Add travel organizer / hotline telephone number in your mobile phone
- Backup important data in your office/computer/mobile phone…… a lot can happen…
- Book and print your program – don’t spent time during the conference to select.
- Order (business)cards …..with relevant data (Mobile number very useful during conferences)
- Pack all personal things in your hand luggage(not easy replaceable) – nice if luggage is lost
- Umbrella
- Flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Name badge
- Pins to exchange
- Food for the travel
- Presents for your friends
- Earplugs for the parties and the fligth
- Cash(local)and Visa card
- Extra glasses if wearing any
- Plastic bags – might be useful…
- Colourful tape to mark your conference bag
- Sun protection(max 100ml in hand luggage)
- Cards(for fast data exchange) – business, private and JCI
- Medicin and protection against unwanted health conditions
- JCI national shirt
- Long sleeve shirt
- Theme party costume
- Soft shoes and for cold conditions isolation soles inserted
- Tuxedo / suit / dress, Tie and tie clip, bow tie and cufflinks. – for galla
- If cold winter conditions : Gloves, hat(ear cover) and something warm for the feet also
- Computer and charger
- Power cable extension
- Mobile phone and charger
- Power connector converter
- Mobile internet connection equipment
- Weight scale to ensure a not too heavy luggage for the return flight
- Multitool with knive and other functions (not to be put in hand luggage)
- City map
- Passport
- Paper and pen
- Touring guides
- Conference info sheets
- Adress for conference checkin
- Tickets if no online registration
- Printout of your personal booked program
- Hotel + flight reservations + how to get from airport to hotel
- Insurances to be covered by company if your conference travel is a company travel
- Insurance number and contact for health insurance, luggage insurance, travel insurance etc
- Files on USB pin
- Laser pointer for seminars
- Company/marketing/training material
- Registration and insurance papers
- Documentation for German Umweltzone (for DE only)
- Check oil/water and wear components before travel long distance. Extra oil/water in the car