Have you used #CNX16 on one or more social networks in the last 48 hours? Do you ever fantasize about DJing a party from your wrist or appearing in a video with Joel Book? Do you hyperventilate when you think about how you're going to make it to "Getting Started with Cross-Channel Journeys" AND "How Salesforce Uses Marketing Cloud to Power our Business?" (They're both on Tuesday from 1-1:40! It's impossible, you're only one person!)
You, my friend, are suffering from Connections Fever. It's an annual affliction, impacting thousands of the best marketers in the world. The primary symptoms include an overwhelmingly giddy sense of anticipation, lack of sleep and a tendency to occasionally spiral into a full-on geek out.
Calm down. Connections is almost here.
If you want to make the most out of your time in Atlanta, follow these 10 easy steps...and thank us later.
- Take control of your schedule and leave the worry behind with Agenda Builder. This tool makes sure you won't be locked out of sessions. Let's be honest, the sessions are how you sold your boss on attending anyway. Make the most of the opportunity and learn from some of the best marketers in the business. There are more than 150 educational sessions available with brands including American Express, L'Oreal, Facebook, Twitter, theSkimm, Weight Watchers, Room and Board, Rue LaLa, Warner Music, Papa John's and more! Plus, there are a host of expert sessions you don't want to miss.
- Download the app. There aren't printed guides, so if you don't download the app you're going to be aimlessly wandering the halls wondering how to find Scott Kelly.
- Speaking of Scott Kelly, there are some crazy, bananas amazing keynotes. Scott McCorkle kicks us off on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Later in the day, at 5:15, Robin Roberts drops some inspirational wisdom. Just as you're shaking off your knowledge hangover, Wednesday hits you with Bryan Wade in the morning at 10 a.m. and Pardot at 3:00. The keynotes keep kicking into Thursday with Scott Kelly (a.k.a. the dude you wanted to be when you were 8) at 9:30 and the women of theSkimm at 11:00.
- Connections Fever is best experienced in the company of friends. So, make sure to network with your peers in the Customer Success Expo, during the Tuesday night welcome reception and at a variety of other events. You might even want to check out Circles of Success and the Genius Bar where you can wow each other with your vast Marketing Cloud knowledge. If you're looking for a can't-miss party, swing by OutFierce, a celebration of equality, hosted by Outforce Atlanta. Rainbow leis, premium open bar, a DJ, balloons, something called macaroon mountain, and a real, live UNICORN!
- Two words: STEVIE. WONDER.
- Want to go home a hero? Stop by the customer marketing booth where you can find out how to be a featured brand at next year's event. The customer marketing team can hook you up with cookies, prizes and free publicity for your brand. Have a great story to tell? They want to hear it.
- Hang with your new BFFs, American Experess and L'Oreal in an all new marketing leader fireside chat.
- #CNX16 #useit #sharethelove #winprizes #didsomeonesay$200
- Did you march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? No? Then you don't want to miss the conversation on equality with John Lewis immediately before Scott McCorkle's keynote on Tuesday. This is legit once-in-a-lifetime kind of stuff.
- Finally, here's a word of advice from a veteran: Connections isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. Hydrate, sleep, wear flats, and schedule a massage for next week. Recovery from an epic event like this can take a while.
Can't attend Connections this year in Atlanta? Enjoy the digital marketing event of the year from the comfort of your own desk! Watch the Livestream.
