The ABC’s of a Business Trip

Greetings from Florida! I am on my first official business trip at a two-day conference in Orlando, Florida. I’ve gotten to meet both the professionals who hired me in addition to many other employees and external facilitators. In only 24 hours, I’ve learned quite a bit and have been kept on my toes throughout the day. There are so many aspects that go into making a business trip successful. Based off of my first experience, here are a few of my ABC’s of a business trip.

Arrive on time: Being on time for your flight and then all of your sessions is extremely important. There will be lines at the airport and prep time needed before sessions. Getting to your destination on time also shows that you’re dedicated to your role during the trip.

Bring your patience: Something will go wrong. Actually, seven million things will go wrong. It’s inevitable and usually out of your control. Just remember to take a deep breath, put on a smile and figure out a solution before having a heart attack.

Comfortable everything: More than likely, you will be on your feet for a solid 12 hours while working a conference or event. You must ditch being fashionable and aim for being comfortable yet professional. Steer clear of tight pants, itchy fabrics and super high heels.

Dive in: All hands are on deck during a conference. You need to keep an open mind and volunteer to help in any way you can. Sometimes that might mean picking up printed materials or giving an impromptu welcome greeting. Either way, be ready for anything.

Friendliness goes a long way: People will remember how polite you were or how you always had a smile on your face. Even if you are exhausted, be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet. It makes their experience more positive and you don’t know if you’ll interact with these people again. If you make a positive first impression, people are likely to remember you in the future.

I’m really enjoying my first business trip and am learning new things every minute of the day. I’ve notice that paying close attention to detail is crucial when working a conference. In just one day, so many little things had to be adjusted for an overall better experience. The little details are what sets certain conferences apart from the rest.

What other tips do you have for traveling on business trips? Share them with me!

Tagged: Business Trips, Conferences, Florida, Travel