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Conferences and Kids: How to Survive Both

Your alarm goes off a little earlier than usual because you’re leaving for a conference in a few hours.

Your kid is also up earlier than usual, standing at your door asking to play.

You can’t, but you do anyway because… guilt.

Conferences are weird in a sense.

You’re supposed to network, learn new things, get business cards, and drink hotel coffee without making a face to show how bad it is.

Meanwhile, you’re getting pictures of the chaos that’s going on at home.

Here's how to survive both without losing your mind (or your marriage).

I’m breaking my tips down into three stages:

• Before you leave

• While you’re there

• When you get home

Before You Leave

Hide Notes For Your Family

Think lunchbox, pillow, shoe, snack drawer. Pick the places you know your kids will see.

The notes can be simple. A little drawing on one and a “Have a good day!” message on another.

And, don’t forget notes for your spouse who’s holding it down at home. They need encouragement and acknowledgment, too.

Spend Real Time Together Before You Go

The days leading up to a conference are extra chaotic. You’re working, packing, and prepping.

But that’s not an excuse to spend some quality time with your kids.

Put your phone down and give them your full attention.

Play the game they want. Read the book they pick, even if it's the same one you've read 47 times. Build the Lego thing.

Even if it’s just 30 minutes, that’s 30 minutes well spent.

AT THE CONFERENCE

The Healthy Cigarette

You’ve probably seen those social media videos, where people go outside to take the edge off, but they don’t smoke. So instead, they’ll bring out a loaf of freshly made bread and butter, or something else random to enjoy in place of a cigarette.

That’s what I call the “healthy cigarette.”

It’s something you can enjoy between panels, events, and meetings to unwind and reset.

For me, it’s a cold Dr. Pepper.

Nothing hits harder than the first sips of carbonation.

It's the difference between making it to the evening event and faking a migraine at 3 p.m.

Stay Hydrated (Your Body Will Thank You)

You need to drink water. I could probably move on to the next point because what more is there to say?

But, seriously. Conferences are long days of talking and walking.  

Bring a water bottle, drink it, and refill it often.

You'll feel better.

Document Your Time

Get more mileage out of your time at the conference by sharing it online.

Here’s a short shot list from Maria Marchewka:

• Photos of event signage and branding.

• Picture of you in front of the signage.

• Behind-the-scenes moments with your team.

• If you explore the city, capture that.

• Candid shots from sessions, panels, and keynotes.

• Pictures with people you meet and your team

Send the Kids Picture Updates

Document your day, but this time, share it with your kids.

Show them something cool in the lobby, your lunch, the cool gifts you’re collecting.

This is an easy way to show your kids you’re thinking of them while you’re away.

WHEN YOU GET BACK

Show Up For Your Kids

You’ve been gone for a few days, so your kids will have a mountain of stories and things to show you.

Let them. You’ll go from zero to overstimulated in 30 seconds, but that’s what it’s about.

They’re excited to see you, so they need you to show up and engage.

Bring Back Something Weird

They don’t need another stuffed animal or generic airport candy.

Find them something obscure. The weird keychain. The hotel pens. The tiny bottles of ketchup from the breakfast buffet.

If you go to multiple conferences a year, this can be something you and your kids look forward to.

The weirder the better.

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