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It’s that time of year to begin the “Road to Imagine.” Last year, I offered some tips to help get you prepared and focused. Rather than provide you with more of the same, this year I thought I would shake it up a bit and provide my crazy eights – the eight things to ensure your attendance is not a waste of time.

Now in its eighth year, Imagine “brings together 3,000+ merchants, partners, developers and ecommerce experts from 50+ countries to network, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Imagine 2018 offers an opportunity for senior executives, marketers, developers, merchandisers, and ecommerce visionaries from leading merchants, web design agencies, system integrators, and technology innovators to collaborate and share the latest inspirations, technologies, techniques, and strategies transforming commerce.”

1. Never just wing it! All the sessions, contacts, and conversations can be overwhelming. Attending all the sessions– is simply impossible. Content may be king but that sure doesn’t mean it will all be 100% relevant to you. Trust me here, I sat in on sessions in the past that left my head hurting. Plan ahead and pinpoint the sessions that will be the most valuable for you to attend. *Note: To ensure you hear who you want to hear, make sure to show up 30 to 40 minutes early if you want a seat.
2. Don’t talk to the wrong people for too long. I know, it can be hard to walk away from someone jabbering away about their “industry-disrupting” startup (whose name you can’t pronounce), but you must be able to put your foot down. Your time is your most valuable asset- so politely excuse yourself and walk away. Know how to say no and if that fails, RUN!
3. Brain Farts from Information Overload. If you try committing everything to memory– you will surely set yourself up for failure. You are in Vegas people! Take notes! Make sure you don’t miss a beat or forget all of it later. If it’s important- write it down.
4. Stomach Growling. Leaving Imagine to have lunch is tempting, especially in Vegas. But, lunchtime is valuable networking time and your chance to solidify the business relationships you started forming earlier that morning. It is also a great time to make plans for dinner or a show with your new-found friends.
5. Don’t Hang with Your Peeps. Hanging out with your colleagues is usually my first instinct. Like most people I tend to drift towards the people I already know. Unfortunately, that usually lands us in a corner gossiping about this or that. Challenge each other to go out and make new connections. Don’t be shy, be social and remember you are in Vegas.
6. No Sweet Spot– Even if you think you found your sweet spot in the front row of the auditorium, or where to hang in the marketplace, make sure you do at least one complete round of the venue so you don’t miss anything Imagine has to offer. Who knows? Maybe one of the exhibitors is your next big partner.
7. Teacher’s Pet Sitting in the back row during sessions you want to attend guarantees you will miss something and if you have questions no one will notice. Sit smack in the front row, take notes, and stay engaged. And put away your phone just this once.
8. Not the Dating Game: Yes, you will be in Vegas, but Imagine is not the dating game, Playing hard to get leads to missed opportunities. The best time to follow up is within 24 hours after the event ends, so seize your chance while you can! Plus, you can use those notes of yours to remember who to follow-up with.

Bonus Advice: Put Away the Smartphone: I know you are thinking what the heck? Aren’t you the girl who obsessed with MOBILE MOBILE MOBILE? Yes, I am obsessed with the power of mobile, and my hope is that I don’t miss any valuable information about mobile if I am distracted by my phone. You may be thinking: “I have so many emails waiting!” or “They told me to tweet about the event!” But here’s the thing: You’re at a Imagine to have in-person interaction, and you don’t want your electronic devices to be a barrier to making those connections. So, while you don’t have to disconnect completely, put the phone away when you’re waiting for a workshop to begin or taking a break at the coffee bar, and give yourself a chance to strike up conversations with the other attendees around you.