Planning Your Trip to Denver for #IJTC2012

A conference typically involves a lot of planning, both on the part of the organizers and the attendees. Below are some tips you can use to start getting ready for #IJTC2012.

Preparing

• What to pack in your suitcase: try this list to make sure you remember everything!
• Scoping out the weather: typically, in October, the average high is in the mid-60s, and the average low is in the mid-30s, so it will be a little chilly. Bear in mind that the first snowfall happens sometime in October. Plus, you have to remember you're in a hotel - you should always have a sweater/cardigan on hand, or dress in layers.
• Traveling: This travel guide via WikiTravel lists a great number of options, and this post via Visit Denver are a great help for getting around once you've arrived. If you're flying, you'll be flying into DEN (Denver, Colorado). This airport has lots of options on flight times and destinations. If you're driving, be sure to map out your trip with directions right to the Westin Downtown (1672 Lawrence St., Denver, CO 80202). You can also look up driving directions from Visit Denver.
• What to wear: generally, we want you to feel comfortable while attending. You may feel more comfortable wearing business casual or business professional attire when you are presenting or for meetings with other attendees, but the typical dress code is casual or business casual.
• Creating your conference plan-of-attack: check out the Preliminary Program Guide and find sessions of interest. Then, create a spreadsheet or itinerary that maps out where you'll be each day and when (include the room numbers, floor and all other details you may need). It helps you get a handle on all the events that happen at the conference.
• Connecting with other attendees: check the attendee list once it's posted, and reach out to all those you think might be interested in similar topics. Also, consider becoming a featured member, and take a look at those already posted and compare to the attendee list, so you can get to know them before you meet.
• What to pack in your bag for sessions (i.e. your conference kit): business cards; your phone (on silent, of course), gum, granola bars, water bottle, laptop/iPad and charger, writing pad/folio and pen/pencil.
• Updates: be sure to follow the conference hashtag on Twitter #IJTC2012 for any news, room changes, meeting notices, and more. It's a great way to get accurate, updated information quickly! Plus, you can use it as a way of taking notes while you're on site and share great sessions with others, so they can pop in to the presentation or discuss after it's concluded.
• First time attending a conference? Check out our list of tips.   

What are your tips for getting ready for a conference? What are you looking forward to at this year's IJTC?