Tickets bought, hotel booked. Now what?
For years now, I have attended the annual conference in Banff, Alberta that is part industry conference, part business bootcamp and fully packed with learnings, networking and experiences, spread over three days in October.
The first year I attended, I was overwhelmed by the volume of sessions, the diversity in topics and access to leaders. Inner sanctum, what? I remember being blown away by the keynote speaker and the plethora of ideas sparked. I took notes inconsistently, scrambled at meal times and wished that I had worn different shoes so my feet didn’t ache by 3PM. I attended alone. Then, I returned to work from The Gathering, alive with the energy and inspiration of the conference. And, promptly forgot most of what I had learned, only sharing a few half communicated tidbits to my team.
Since then, I have advanced my technique through trial and error to make the most of the three days in the mountains. Here are my top tips for how to Gather with Intention and get the most out of your ticket to The Gathering.
1. Download the app and pre-scout the sessions: There are so many speakers that if you leave it until you arrive you’ll find sessions fully booked or you’ll skip past a topic that would have been perfect. Take time to download the Swapcard app, fill out your profile and review the schedule. When you see a session you’d like, mark it.
2. Prebook what you can: There are suppers, additional activities and of course the gala. One year there was an early morning nature walk. Last year there were a series of organized dinners that booked up before the conference started.
3. Dress the part: The Gathering is not a typical business conference. Forgo the finery and opt for comfortable clothes with style. I like patterned pants or jeans, graphic tees, casual blazers or creative sweaters. Bring some of your personality to life in your outfit, wear the bright colours and stand out. Pair with sneakers or comfortable boots. Be sure to pack a dressy outfit for the gala evening.
4. Stay at The Springs: I know The Banff Springs is pricey but it is worth it to stay there if you want the full experience. Need a quick change? Forgot something in your room? Want to decompress before the next session? Nothing beats being able to pop back to your room in 30 seconds, rather than driving or bussing to another hotel.
5. Bring your kit: Your needed supplies are a notebook and pen, refillable water bottle or travel mug (shout out to Yeti), smartphone and snacks. The breaks are fairly short and food venues fill up fast. I like to bring a muffin or piece of fruit for in between sessions as the options are minimal. There are water refill areas and a coffee/tea spot but make sure you have your own mug to take to go. A notebook or note taking device is essential.
6. Compare notes: If you go with someone, compare session notes, discuss your take aways. Go to different sessions and share your learnings.
7. Connect: There are so many good people who attend The Gathering. I have a rule to talk to at least one person in each session. I’m not aiming to sell or make a lifelong friend, just to share a moment with a fellow attendee. When the conversation is good, connect with the person on the Swapcard app, in LinkedIn or trade cards. Being a friendly person always goes a long way.
8. Prepare to present: Key insights? Moments of clarity? Powerful case studies? Don’t let all your inspiration go to waste. Once you get back, revisit your notes, organize them along with any photos or video you took. Get ready to share with team members who didn’t attend in the form of a presentation.
9. Implement: Each year I gain at least one new idea that I bring home to implement. Sometimes this is a direct learning from one of the sessions but often it is simply thought that is sparked by conversation. When it happens, take note of it and start planning how you are going to bring it into your work.
That’s it! Now go gather!
