7 Survival Tips for a Las Vegas Conference

Every time I come to the Affiliate Summit West conference I inevitably hear “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Well, it turns out the person who came up with that cliché wasn’t speaking to me or you. A more appropriate slogan for a Vegas conference would be “What happens in Vegas, will live in infamy with all your peers forever.” This doesn’t have to be you.

There is free booze around every corner, which inevitably leads to overdrinking. Before you start drinking like the world is going to end, here are a few tips on how you can avoid embarrassing yourself or your company.

Stay Focused

The affiliate world is known for the “work hard, play hard” mindset. But playing too hard will affect your performance in creating business deals. When you are out gambling and drinking until 3am, no amount of caffeine will bring your mind back to full capacity. Go have fun after work is done, but make sure you are on time for your meeting in the morning. Don’t be that person who forgets you are there for work.

Know Your Limits

Free alcohol is not an excuse to act a fool. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the phrase “Did you hear what Joe did last night?” This story has the same equation every time: got too drunk > acted a fool > was reprimanded, ruined a reputation, or even got fired. If you know you are a lightweight, don’t go drink for drink with the alcoholics in this space (seasoned veterans are all around you). If you can drink like a fish, keep in mind that you are probably drunker than you think. Don’t be that person who licks the ice sculpture.

Hang Out With People You Trust

Good friends and coworkers will keep you safe. Listen when they cut you off. Act cool and get back to your hotel room ASAP. There is no shame in asking for help back to your hotel room to sleep it off. Don’t be that person who wanders off and throws up on the dance floor.

Avoid Situations

If you have passionate feelings for someone, whether it be disgust or lust, it’s probably best to stay away from them while you are drinking. The same goes with clients or partners. Things can get REAL AWKWARD, real quick. Don’t be that person who is too embarrassed to go to the meeting the next morning.

One Beer, One Water

Conferences can have long periods of standing time and it’s easy to forget how much energy you expel. When Happy Hour rolls around, make sure to take down water between cocktails. Don’t be that person too hungover to think.

Carry Mints, Gum, and Eye Drops

When you ignore all the other tips above, this tip is your best chance to mask your humility. Your dragon breath the day after boozing isn’t going to close deals. Your bloodshot eyes will exude immaturity to your potential partners.

If you lack the self-discipline to keep the beast at bay and you want instant relief, book yourself an IV appointment on the last day of the event. You'll be back to fresh and networking instantly.

Go Home Exhausted

Networking like an animal is hard work. With 3 days of talking to people for 12 hours, mixing in booze & casino smoke, you are likely to be a train wreck when it comes time to fly home. GOOD! You should be networking hard AF and leave nothing on the table. Be a savage and return home knowing you networked your butt off for the good of the business.

Don’t be that person who ignores all of these tips.