There are many conferences in our niche, but few that attract as many people as Traffic and Conversion Summit (T&C for short).

 

Launched in 2009, T&C has grown into the largest digital marketing event in North America. It’s a three-day event attended by over 6,000 people from over 50 countries.

 

To someone new, this might sound overwhelming. Which is why we created 10 tips on how to best navigate T&C.

 

Not an extrovert? Check out our video on The Shy Person’s Guide to Networking.

 

Reading this a bit late and you’re already back from T&C? Watch Turn Relationships into Dollars: How to Follow Up After a Conference.

 

Let’s jump right in:

 You’re welcome to get a ticket, but you don’t need one.

 

You’ll get much more out of meeting new people. I encourage you to go out to dinner, attend parties, etc. Mingling will be more rewarding than sitting in a big, air conditioned convention center.

 

If there is a speaker you want to see, or a particular topic you want to learn more about, you can always buy the recordings after the event.

 

I’m going to say this louder for the people in the back…

 

 

You will be on your feet most of the day. Don’t be surprised if you’re walking 3-5 miles a day!

 

I also recommend dressing in layers as San Diego can be cooler in the mornings and hot in the afternoon.

 

 Write down the people you already do business with that you want to meet. Then, write down the people you haven't met yet that will be attending.

 

Set aside time to meet with everyone 1:1 and follow up with them after the event (see tip #3).

 

 This is a relationship business. You will spend most of your time asking people about their lives, their families, and what they like to do for fun. The business talk comes last — and that’s a good thing!

 

Hanging out in the lobby of the event hotel is a great way to meet new people and to run into people you already know.

 

Some of my best T&C memories have happened “on the fly” because I’ve bumped into someone in the hotel lobby!

 

Side note: The Marriott hotel bar is always packed. Whether you drink or not it will be the place to be (at all hours, but mainly 3-6pm!).

 

Don’t skip out on the events! They are the best part. The last few years companies have gotten really creative as well — with parties on boats, rooftop restaurants, etc.

 

Most are cheap (less than $100 if you get the early bird pricing) or free!

 

For a full list of this year’s events at T&C click here.

 

T&C is three very grueling days. Remember to hydrate (bring gatorade or liquid IV) and keep snacks handy for running between meetings.

A lot of people come in a day early or stay a day late just to relax before the chaos or to go to the beach before they head back home.

 

We always recommend blocking off an hour of your day, usually in the afternoon, to lay flat and in peace of quiet so you can recharge for the evening.

 

Everyone is exhausted after T&C. And some spend another 24+ hours traveling back home. Once back home they spend time with their families, catch up on sleep, and dig out of their inbox.

 

The absolute best way to elicit a response after meeting someone at T&C, is to wait to follow up with them until about 5-7 days after the conference.

 

This is a rule I have for every conference, not just this one. A bathing suit takes up no space and it’s always great to have in case you need it.

 

Most of the larger hotels at T&C have a pool or jacuzzi hot tub. I’ve spent many nights surrounded by awesome people talkin’ shop in a hot tub and it’s so much fun!

 

Everyone is there for the same reason: to meet new people, have a great time, and learn something new. There’s no reason to be shy or nervous.

 

Will you be at T&C? If so, we’d love to meet with you. You can schedule time with us by emailing hello@affiliate-moguls.com.

 

We look forward to seeing old faces and meeting new ones in a few short weeks!