The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the world’s gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies.  It is the world’s largest trade show and it’s approaching very quickly. Planning booth design, logistics, etc. are all key components for your exhibit’s success, but do you have a game plan on how to survive the extended stay in Sin City?

At CES the exhibiting days are long and the nights can be even longer. For veterans of the show, many will attest to the fact that it is a long, hard grind—almost like a death march. Schmoozing on your feet all day and schmoozing over drinks at night followed by a brutal hangover and repeating that for four days takes a toll on your body.

Consider following these survival tips so you can make it out alive:

Tip # 1: Minimize Drinking

Yes, boozing it up is inevitable, but if you booze it up in moderation, and alternate with glasses of water. You’ll sleep much better and avoid the massive hangover.

Tip # 2: Hydrate

You’re in the middle of the desert. It’s dry out there. On top of that, you probably didn’t follow tip # 1 and you’ve overdone it on the booze. Replenish your body with some good ole H2O.

Tip # 3: Bring Hand Sanitizer

You’re likely meeting tons of people and shaking lots of hands. Since you didn’t listen to tip # 1, your immune system is weakened, you’re tired, and you’re right in the middle of cold/flu season. Kill those germs before you get sick from them!

Tip # 4: Wear Comfy Shoes

You’re Fitbit has likely tracked five times your daily goal for steps. CES is spread over two convention centers and you’re probably visiting countless hotels along the strip. You’re feet need to last the entire event.

Females: don’t break in new shoes at the show because your shoes will break you. Also, if you do start to blister, Band-Aids provide adequate cushion to help you make it through.

Tip # 5: Bring a USB Battery Pack

You’re probably coordinating with co-workers, emailing clients, using Google Maps, and posting updates on social media. Bottom line, the battery on your smartphone is hanging on at 5%. Don’t let your phone die. Give it the jump it needs to survive the day with a portable charger. Also, make sure your USB battery pack is fully charged before you hit the floor.

Tip # 6: Get Some Rest

Yes, CES is in the City that Never Sleeps…but the reality is, you are there for work. You’re going to need some rest to function at your best. Trade shows in general are a great place to generate leads. Sleepy, sloppy schmoozing won’t get you any closer to a sale. Which brings us back to tip #1: minimize drinking. Drink too much and your sleep quality plummets because you’re not hitting your REM cycles. Plus, too much boozing makes you sloppy and sleepy.

Tip # 7: Bring Breath Mints

Don’t scare away a potential lead. You’re schmoozing all day long and your breath will surely need a refresh. Plus, assuming you didn’t listen to tip #1, you’ll likely suffer from bad booze breath at some point during the evening. Your hotel room with toothbrush is likely too far away. Don’t be that person with bad breath—just don’t! Pop a breath mint!

Tip # 8: Go to an After Party or Two

Amazing consumer tech companies are going to be hosting some even more amazing parties. It’s okay to overcommit to party invites. The key is to overcommit and not attend all of them. Just pick the best party from the list as you near the date. When attending after parties, keep in mind tip # 1 and tip # 6. Drink moderately and don’t stay out too late so you can still get an adequate amount of sleep.

…and there you have it! Follow these tips and you should make it out of CES alive.

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