Like many of the thousands of eCommerce marketers you will be finding your way through the bustling New York airports, down the expansive New York streets and straight into one of the largest networking opportunities in our industry. What should you have in your hands, in your head, and on your laptop? A Survival Guide!

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail" - Confucius

#1 - Who do you want to meet and what do you expect from them?

Really think about whom you want to meet and what you expect to get out of the meeting. Do you need to prearrange coffee with this person or perhaps dinner? Or are you expecting to bump into them on the show floor? Start networking early and creating a list of contacts that you can prearrange meeting times with. You can't expect to meet everyone there right? After all there are over 300 booths! Focus in on what you want to achieve who are the key players that you would like to spend time and think about what you are trying to gain from the meeting.

I highly recommend you start networking early and get your contact list together by signing up for the introNetworks adtech connect. Click here. This is an excellent opportunity to gather information on not only the attendees but also the sponsors as well as the speakers.

"Don't be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of. One man gets only a week's value out of a year while another man gets a full year's value out of a week". - Charles Richards

#2 - Organize your itinerary to the minutest detail!

Task management and organization is an important part of any successful venture. One of my friends looked at my itinerary and was shocked that I organized my meal and sleeping schedule within my itinerary. What does it take to make every moment useful, what does it take to be successful and get what you desire out of this world? It takes planning, organizing, and the smallest details are an extremely important part of how you will "perform" at adTech New York or at any convention. Your time is valuable, make the most of it and I highly recommend your have your itinerary in your hand on paper with you at all times.

#3 - Let the world know you will be there!

Internal and external communication channels should all include a message concerning your eminent departure for adTech New York. Hit your blog, client list, previous networking persons you could meet up with and also ensure your email auto responder is on before you leave! Your company should also be announcing your being at adtech through their newsletter, as well as perhaps including a convention itinerary on their website.

#4 - Devise a business card collection system!

From experience I have learned that precariously shoveling business cards into this or that pocket rarely works. Bring a box with at least 300 business cards for yourself and an empty box or plastic bag that you can easily add business cards to when you have a moment. If you choose to use some other method of business card collection and storage fill me in on it, I am still struggling with this one myself! You really should come up with a plan on this or you will get overwhelmed quickly.

#5 - Bring comfortable shoes!

I feel so sorry for the newbie's who wear heels or new loafers. I can always spot them walking barefoot after traipsing around on the show floor for hours and walking back and forth to this or that. Really bring comfortable shows.

#6 - Follow through with contacts when you return!

This is the step many fail to entertain upon returning from a convention. It is imperative that your contacts are put at the front of the list of all your tasks and are contacted immediately. I can tell a lot about a company based on their response time. Efficiency and service are bread from activities that prove them to be viable. Have emails ready to go upon your return.

I am very excited to be at adtech New York and hope that your time is productive, fruitful, and really a lot of fun! See you there!