How to Survive a Retail Conference

The Cloudscape, fondly known as "the bean"

Last weekend I ventured to Chicago, Illinois to attend the shop.org summit, sponsored by the National Retail Federation. The excitement of meeting merchandising students from around the country, visiting a new city, and meeting industry leaders made for an exhilarating three days in "the second city." Industry conferences could seem overwhelming and hectic, but it's essential to capitalize on the experience and keep your calm. Here are my top five tips for surviving (and enjoying) a conference:

1) Have a unique business card. Exchanging contact information with the people you meet will make you memorable, but you don't want to be just another piece of paper in their stack of cards. If your business card is a different shape or is an interesting material, you'll be more memorable.

2) Enjoy your downtime. During one of our lunch breaks, I was able to catch a breath of fresh air down by the banks of Lake Michigan. Recharging and energizing is crucial when you're attending back-to-back keynotes and panels.

3) Hydrate and snack. Tea, coffee, and water will be readily available wherever the conference is being hosted. Take advantage of the free meals to give you an energy boost. Power bars will also become your best friend to get you through the day, because nobody wants to hear your stomach growling through a long lecture.

4) Be yourself. I know it sounds cliché, but it's so important that you remain true to yourself, whether you're conversing with a fellow undergrad or you're pitching yourself to a corporate recruiter. Be an active listener, know when to speak up, and ask questions.

5) Experience the local culture. When you find yourself networking, you'll want to have something interesting to contribute to the conversation aside from your laundry list of past internships. For example, I visited the Art Institute of Chicago and was able to recommend an exhibit to several peers and recruiters. Not only did I have fun ideas to suggest to my new contacts, but it proved that I had passions outside the retail industry.

Panelists from Sheplers Western Wear, UncommonGoods,
ANN INC., Walgreen Co., & HSNi

Splashing around in Millennium Park

Words by Danielle Brief. Photography by Danielle Brief and Kristen Ainscoe.