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Will you be at Pulse this year? This will be my fifth time attending the Gainsight Pulse conference, and it is an event I look forward to all year. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, I put together a few tips to help you get the most out of the experience.
Define your Objective
It might sound basic, but I like to take a moment before the conference begins to ask myself this question:
What do I want to get out of Pulse this year?
Let your answer guide how you spend your time. What sessions will you attend? Which social events should you prioritize? If you want to learn more about specific topics, attend related sessions and talk to others about those topics. If you want to build your network, maybe you will spend less time in sessions and more time talking with others.
Be Flexible
It’s smart to review the agenda ahead of time and add sessions that look interesting to your schedule. If you're not sure where to begin, start by going to https://gainsightpulse.com/us/agenda and picking a track and following those sessions. The site also has a helpful attendee guide that breaks everything down.
That being said, stay flexible! If there aren't any sessions that align with your goals at one point, it’s totally okay to skip in favor of chatting with others, taking a break, or exploring the expo hall. Some of my absolute favorite times at Pulse have been impromptu conversations while most people are in sessions.
Make Connections
I don't know about you, but I'm generally a pretty introverted person. It's not always easy to put yourself out there with a lot of people you don't know. That being said, my FAVORITE thing about Pulse is the opportunity to be around so many other admins that understand my language. These connections have been invaluable to me personally and professionally.
A few ideas to make connecting easier:
- Find the CS Ops Lounge and hang out! This is a space specifically for admins
- If you enjoy a session, talk with the presenters and ask followup questions
- Come to the Admin Happy Hour!
Visit the Expo Hall
I personally really enjoy walking around the expo hall and talking with the sponsors. These are usually a variety of companies for related softwares, professional services, etc. You can get some good ideas from talking with them! And you never know - I have made connections here that have led to job opportunities. And if nothing else, free swag! I got a stuffed animal from the Gainsight booth a couple years ago, and it is still my daughter's favorite toy.
