tl;dr – How to survive a Las Vegas conference without embarrassing yourself or your company.
· Issue 33 · January 2016
6 Survival Tips
to a Vegas Conference by Dustin Howes the alcoholics you work with. If you can drink like a fish, keep Dustin Howes
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in mind that you are probably drunker than you think. Don’t be that person who licks the ice sculpture.
very time I come to an Affiliate Summit West conference I inevitably hear “what happens in Vegas, stays in
Hang Out With People You Trust
Vegas.” Well, it turns out the person that came up with
Good friends and coworkers will keep you safe. Listen
that cliché wasn’t speaking to me or you. A more appropri-
when they cut you off. Act cool and get back to your hotel
ate slogan for a Vegas conference would be “what happens
room ASAP. There is no shame in asking for help back to your
in Vegas, will live in infamy with all your coworkers back at the
hotel room to sleep it off. Don’t be that person who wanders
office.” This doesn’t have to be you.
off and throws up on the dance floor.
There is free booze around every corner, which inevitably leads to overdrinking. Before you start drinking like the world is going to end, here are a few tips on how you can avoid embarrassing yourself or your company.
Avoid Situations If you have passionate feelings for someone, whether it be disgust or lust, it’s probably best to stay away from them while you are drinking. Same goes with clients or partners.
Stay Focused
Things can get real awkward, real quick. Don’t be that person
The affiliate world is known for the “work hard, play hard”
who slurs “I’m kind of a big deal.”
mindset. But playing too hard will affect your performance to create business deals. When you are out gambling and drink-
One Beer, One Water
ing until 3am, no amount of caffeine will bring your mind back
Conferences can have long periods of standing time and
to full capacity. Go have fun after work is done, but make sure
it’s easy to forget how much energy you expel. When Happy
you are on time for your meeting in the morning. Don’t be that
Hour rolls around, make sure to take down water between
person who forgets you are there for work.
cocktails. Don’t be that person sitting in the booth on day two.
Know Your Limits
Carry Mints, Gum and Eye Drops
Free alcohol is not an excuse to act a fool. I can’t tell you
When you ignore all the other tips above, this tip is your
how many times I’ve heard the phrase “did you hear what Pat
best chance to mask your humility. Your dragon breath the
did last night?” This story has the same equation every time:
day after boozing isn’t going to close deals. Your bloodshot
got too drunk > acted a fool > was reprimanded or even fired.
eyes will exude immaturity to your potential partners.
If you know you are a light weight, don’t go drink for drink with
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Don’t be that person who ignores all of these tips.
Dustin manages the affiliate program at WP Engine, the leader in WordPress Hosting.