<h3>A Noob's "Cliffnotes" for Surviving a Tech-Conference</h3>
   
When I decided to go all-in on my first code conference,   I  had some thoughts...
   
![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmV2PGRvWRogi3JKKj79kDPzSZBpf9pV2AVays2XfyVHwg/image.png)

and maybe it's just me...but they went something like this: 

* Will I meet anyone interesting?
* Am I going to learn anything useful?
* Am I "good enough" to attend an event like this?
* Does this conference fit my interests?
* Am I going to feel out of place when I get there? 
* Aren't all the startups there just partying it up with the nightlife?

oh and of course...
<img src="http://www.joboysbrewpub.com/img/password-image.jpg" alt="Image result for speakeasy password"/>![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmNjvrXDw9iDpPsf7E5NemKKHdrTJ6jqUonX222do94DT4/image.png)
Is there some secret code I need to whisper to a doorman when I get there? 
(No Seriously? Is there...)


<i>Well, here comes the good news!</i>
 <b>It looks like there are only a few things to keep in mind while attending your first code conference, so pay attention!</b>

<hr>

<h3>Good Vibes, Bad Vibes</h3>
Focus on the positives.
 https://media.giphy.com/media/26ufg0PzQM4OVJADm/giphy.gif

 Everyone has their own agenda, so just because not everyone finds you as interesting as you find yourself...doesn't mean you won't leave without making a couple new friends (or foes).

https://media.giphy.com/media/By8ExgGMSUSVW/giphy.gif



<h3> Your Badge Matters!</h3>

https://i.gifer.com/18aw.gif

 If you are going as just an "attendee" you may get treated like a small fish the pond. This one actually stopped me in my tracks, but of course, makes total sense when you think about #1. 


<h3> What you know VS Who you know</h3>
Networking is key! Be prepared to network with peers even before you attend.

https://media.giphy.com/media/4YYatchN9SrZoa7DOR/giphy.gif
<i>After all, it's not just what you know, its who you know!</i>


<h3>Set your own boundaries</h3>
  You don't have to just "go with the flow". Know your limits and pursue the things that make sense to you as an individual. If you don't have a great time at the day summit... that doesn't necessarily mean you won't enjoy the night summit. 

https://media.giphy.com/media/xT9KVuLkcy9A8YVVUk/giphy.gif
<i>(and vice versa - for that nightly routine which consists of Netflix or reading. No need to fret!)</i>

<h3> Keep it cool!</h3>

Follow the rules, dress appropriately, and don't lose yourself negatively in all of the excitement.

https://steemitimages.com/DQmQygqPcSyzUtwbY1NdGH3puoTN6uUcQ6hsgCAaayCEDqk/image.png
<i> In other words "don't make an ass out of yourself"!</i>

<h3> Respect your peers</h3>

Remember that everyone is attending for their own reasons & stay respectful even if you don't consider yourself much of a "people-person".

https://steemitimages.com/DQmQbhRkDG8shXgnhAYyE6S78HfbJK11fs3YV5wUqrgDJyx/image.png


<h3>Do some planning!</h3>
(https://steemitimages.com/DQmQ2PojmBMSNRvZq2Qdo76SmD7tm6N7ahYgyvDFZWZp5Ax/image.png)

Don't just familiarize yourself with the content of the event; familiarize yourself with the floorplan, sites of interest, and other things that fit your agenda to keep things simple. Be prepared (just not TOO prepared)!


<b>That just about wraps it up! </b>
https://media.giphy.com/media/6IPNUgkpCsDRK/giphy.gif
<i>Have some fun! This is sure to be a night that you'll never forget!</i>

https://steemitimages.com/DQmXMe2JSZbjiwtEL6wsKzfpSTLJiRRWQqXL2rVwVQEKUTs/image.png


Remember to chime in the comments with how your first tech-conference went or any other advice seasoned goers might have for the newbies out there!