Thread by @GoGinaMarie

Went to my first #WordCamp earlier this year and with #WCUS around the corner, I wanted to share 8 tips that may help another first-timer🧵👇🏾.
1/11

First off, pack light & casual my friends. Although this can be considered a work conference it's still very casual. Pull out your fav gym shoes & sandals, I over-packed & can be fashionably extra 💅🏾 but t'was a waste. There were many outfits & shoes that didn't come out. 2/11

2. Check the #WCUS site prior & SIGN UP for those classes! Check the site early to see what classes they are offering & who is speaking, use that to build an itinerary for each day. They are dropping gems💎, honey. From amateur to experience there's something for everyone. 3/11

3. SWAAAGGGG! Do you want the best free swag? Come the 1st day as early as possible. Typically the best items are gone by late afternoon. Vendors do not want to deal with shipping anything back they will either have low inventory or give away a lot very fast. 4/11

4. RSVP to as many events as you can. Not only is it fun & most time drinks are FREE it's also the best time to meet & connect with ppl in a comfortable setting. So many of my relationships were made at these networking parties. 5/11

5. Network and Follow up! Wherever you are, at the conference venue or an event introduce yourself & spark up conversations. Exchange socials, business cards, Slack UN, etc., & when you get back home reach out & say hi 👋🏾and have a short conversation.. 6/11

Some people become lifelong business contacts & friends. I’ve learned this is an “each one teach one” community, someone is always open to helping & lending a hand. 7/11

6. It’s ok to step away & take a break. I am an introvert but can be extremely social & talkative in comfortable settings but my social meter drops low especially after working the conference all day. It’s ok to step away & sit alone or cancel plans. Go ahead & recharge🔋8/11

7. Sleep who?? At WordCamp I don’t expect to sleep more than 3-5 hours, You can sleep when you get home. I take advantage of as many invites & as much fun as I can. Now you do not have to listen to this tip but MEMORIES WERE MADE!! No Regrets! 9/11

8. Have Fun & Be Yourself. This is a no-judgment community. Bring on the dad jokes, the corny costumes, the awkward laugh. I met other first-timers as well so come on baby, let those worries go & come grow. Lets Gooo!! 10/11

If you want to know more about my first WordCamp and follow my journey as a newbie check out my blog at GoGinaMarie.com 11/11