A First Timer's Guide to Attending INBOUND

Inbound

September 5, 2024

A First Timer's Guide to Attending INBOUND

Welcome to your first INBOUND! Get ready for three days of high-energy sessions, game-changing insights, unique networking opportunities and so much more. Whether you’re focused on building out your expertise in marketing, sales, customer success, RevOps, or AI, INBOUND has something for everyone and we’re here to help you navigate your first time at INBOUND like a seasoned pro.

BUILD YOUR GAME PLAN

To make the most out of INBOUND, start by setting yourself up for success before the event even begins. Here’s how to lay the groundwork.

Pack with Purpose: Not sure what to bring with you? From comfortable shoes to protein-rich snacks and tech accessories, check out our INBOUND Starter Pack for some ideas and tips before you head to Boston.
Customize Your Agenda: Consider the INBOUND app your trusty event sidekick. Use it to craft your ideal schedule, navigate the venue, and connect with other attendees. As you plan out your days, make sure you’re mixing things up—leave space for those unstructured and spontaneous moments.
Join the Conversation Early: You don’t have to wait until you’re onsite to start making connections. Jump into pre-event chats on social media, start connecting 1:1 with other attendees in the mobile app, and join the Connect.com INBOUND Attendee community. You’ll hit the ground running with a few friendly faces already in your network.
Plan for a Smooth Start: Your first mission when you arrive onsite? Badge pickup. In order to enjoy all things INBOUND you’ll need to grab your badge at the North Lobby of the BCEC. Our tip? Head over early to beat the lines so you can jump right into the action. View the badge pick-up hours here.

Pro tip: as tempting as it will be to grab a coffee on your way into the BCEC, avoid the morning rush and get your coffee at INBOUND! There will be plenty of coffee stations throughout the BCEC to keep you caffeinated throughout the day.

NAVIGATING THE EVENT

Once you walk onto the event floor, it’s all about making the most of your experience. From sessions and Meetups to networking and beyond, here are our top tips.

Balance Out Your Sessions: INBOUND’s schedule is packed and there’s no way to see it all (trust us). Prioritize your must-attend sessions but remember to mix up the formats—Main Stage sessions, Deep Dives and breakouts, Spotlight Product Demos, and more—to get a holistic experience and keep your energy levels up.

Don’t pack your schedule too tightly, you’ll need time to process all those insights and learnings!

Build Impactful Relationships: INBOUND isn’t just about what you learn, but who you meet. Our mobile app’s networking tools make it easy to set up 1:1’s and if you create a Connect.com profile, you’ll have easy access to all your new contact information after the event is over. During INBOUND, make sure to pop into a few Meetups where you’ll connect with other attendees who share similar backgrounds or interests—there’s even one for INBOUND First Timers.

Recharge and Refuel: Schedule time to take a breather from the action. Need a break? Stop by one of the Power-Up Lounges to chill between sessions, skim your work emails, and charge your electronics. For a little vitamin D break, pop outside to Lawn on D for lunch and soak in some sunshine and fresh air before diving back in.

SOAK UP THE VIBES

You’re here to learn, grow, and connect…but you’re also here to have some fun! From onsite activations to after hours events, make sure you experience everything INBOUND has to offer.

Interact with Sponsors and Speakers
Don’t miss the chance to chat with sponsors—they’re not just vendors, but industry experts. And if a speaker has really inspired you or shared amazing insights, stick around after their session to introduce yourself. Those conversions can be just as impactful as the sessions themselves.

Enjoy the After Hours Events
When the sessions wrap, the evening festivities begin. From happy hours and dinners to receptions and more, check out the full lineup of extra events beyond the BCEC. These are perfect opportunities to network in a more relaxed setting.

Capture and Share Your Experience
There will be plenty of photo ops throughout the event spaces. Document your experience and share on social with #INBOUND24. It’s a great way to connect with other attendees and keep the conversation going after each day ends.

WHAT TO DO POST-INBOUND

The event might be over, but now it’s time to make the most of your learnings. Keep the momentum going and make sure your experience continues to pay off long after you’ve left Boston.

Review and Reflect: Take time to go through your notes and session takeaways while they’re still fresh in your mind. Think about how these new insights can be applied to your role and make a plan of action to share these with your team.

Follow Up with Connections: You’ve likely met a ton of new people—now keep the conversations going! Send personalized follow-ups to your new contacts. If you klik-ed badges and made a Connect.com profile, you can conveniently find all of that info directly in the platform.

DAY IN THE LIFE

Want a sneak peek at what to expect when you attend INBOUND? Watch below for what a day in the life at INBOUND looks like and get ready for an epic time in Boston.