TRAFFIC 2012 in Ft. Lauderdale is already underway, with the official launch commencing on Sunday.
Let’s cut to the chase: if you haven’t been to TRAFFIC before, prepare to be star-eyed, especially when you are greeted by the lovely ladies present at the reception and registration desk.
Rick Schwartz will be nearby, or lounging at the cabanas, depending on how good the weather is. From what we saw at the weather reports for the entire length of the TRAFFIC conference, the weather will be warm with some isolated rain showers.
Ritz-Carlton where TRAFFIC takes place.
Here’s what you need to bring with you to TRAFFIC, a non-exhaustive, expert guide for domainers. 😀
- Proper attire: shorts and shirts are acceptable, you’re in Florida, after all! Jeans or slacks and a jacket for those more cosmopolitan sessions, such as the parties. Comfy shoes that you can wear for hours.
- While lounging at the pool, bring your bathing suit/trunks, flip-flops and sunscreen and be careful not to drop your cellphone in the water.
- Smelling good is an essential part of mingling with other domain investors, developers and VIP guests. Gentlemen, use cologne sparingly; invest in a good aftershave instead. Ladies, humidity in Florida doesn’t go well with certain types of make-up, so be inventive: bite your lips and pinch your cheeks more often.
- Stay hydrated: water is your friend, and while a bit of alcohol is great to loosen up, don’t drink beer as if you’re at a frat house.
- Snacks are essential to get you going: power bars are great through the day, but don’t miss the energizing breakfasts at the hotel. They will keep you going almost until dinner time.
- Your computer gear: fine-tune your laptop, notebook or other device; update it and ensure you can connect to wireless networks. Internet connectivity will be available, but for security reasons you might want to bring your own phone tethering.
- Your id: you need that not only to travel, but also in order to register with the conference itself!
- Business cards: the essential part of the networking session, domainer business cards will allow you to leave behind a lasting impression. Click here, here and here for samples of various domainer business cards from past TRAFFIC conferences.
- Your list of domains or other services: prepare a document outlining what you do, what you offer, and other information that you can copy over and share with the TRAFFIC participants. If possible, print several copies of it and bring it with you to share, along with your business cards.
- Your camera: while Ron Jackson, Morgan Linton and other domainers will haul along professional photography gear to document the conference, your camera phone is usually perfect for those moments you’d like to capture throughout the TRAFFIC sessions. Use the flash sparingly, and when in doubt about a particular situation ask for your subject’s permission first. You might break the ice this way.
- Take notes: while typing stuff in a laptop or smart phone is cool, you will still need a notepad and pen to write stuff down. Use a dossier to file brochures and business cards that you receive from others. Be organized, it will pay off after the conference is over.
- Money: tip the person who serves you drinks at the party or luncheon! Have cash for lunch outside of the hotel and try to use your business credit cards; these are valid expenses when tax time arrives. Avoid ATM’s like the plague, don’t trust them in public places unless they are inside a bank’s locked lounge area.
- Personal items: bring along the usual list of personal hygiene items, and remember – the Ritz Carlton is a 5 star hotel, they can get you anything you want – except for strippers.
See you at TRAFFIC! 😀
