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Whether you attend the CSIA Executive Conference annually or are making your first appearance this year, we want to make sure your experience surpasses your expectations. The key, we’ve found, to a successful meeting, is in the preparation. Here are a few tips that will ensure you get the most out of your attendance at the 2017 CSIA Executive Conference in Fort Lauderdale and help make your business the best it can be.

1. Download the mobile app. The app is really your “bible” for the three-plus days you’ll be at the conference. It gives you a full line-up of programs and a list of everyone who is coming, including integrators, partners, speakers and exhibitors. Be sure to update your profile on the app well before you get to the conference and start using it in anticipation of the meeting, on-route and when you arrive. Build some excitement! More information about accessing the app will come your way at least a week before the meeting.
2. Review the program. As our attendees have come to expect, the program options offered at the CSIA Executive Conference are many: main sessions, breakout sessions, social events, and tours. Plus there’s the Best Practices Training Workshop held just before the conference (space is still available for that one). You’ll want to make a plan so that you don’t miss the good stuff!
3. Connect with the media. Representatives from major industry publications will be joining us at the conference to cover news about the association and trends in the industry. They are always interested in interviewing integrators or receiving prepared case studies for article ideas. Stop by the registration booth to express your interest and CSIA staff will connect you onsite.
4. Schedule meetings. The Executive Conference is the perfect time and place to arrange face-to-face meetings with industry partners and your peers. Learn from one another! Also, if you’re interested in meeting with Paul Barnard, the insurance program manager, or Mark Voigtmann, CSIA’s counsel, consider making appointments with them ahead of time. Lastly, engage with media representatives. The media are a key connection to the marketplace — for CSIA and you!
5. Come early. Stay late. Get to the resort early and settle in before the fun begins Tuesday night. Say hello to new friends and catch up with old ones at the Opening Toast and then head out to enjoy dinner on your own. Stick with it to the end when we’ll be closing down the conference with a reception on the beach Friday night. Not to be missed!
6. Attend an Unconference. Unconferences are unconventional, for sure, but highly interactive and valuable. They take place Thursday afternoon. Pick one and participate!
7. Bring your running shoes. After a successful launch last year, CSIA is bringing back the 5K Fun Run and 2.5K Walk on Thursday morning, May 4. This is for serious and casual runners, alike. Have fun with it! Be sure you register ahead of time so we can save a shirt for you.
8. Stay the full two hours at the Expo. Here’s where relationships between partners and integrators are built. There are a lot of new partners exhibiting this year with great products and services to share. Network and find technical solutions for your clients.
9. Participate in the business meeting. Want to get a real flavor for CSIA’s mission and vision? This is the place. We’ll showcases new CSIA initiatives and report on the news from the past year. Bring your questions for the Q&A portion, too.
10. Hear Alan Beaulieau. Time and again, this is our highest-rated and most requested session. Alan’s annual message about economics and its impact on the automation and SI industry is entertaining and highly informative. Don’t miss it!
11. Fully engage! Attend everything. Save emails and phone calls for after hours. Bring your business cards. Sit in different places for each session. Don’t buddy up with your colleagues — split up!
12. Have three questions to ask every partner and every integrator you meet. The conference is THE place to build relationships, find solutions and help others overcome their challenges, as well. At CSIA, we like to say, “Give away one piece of information, get 10 back!” There is no other event in the SI world with such a concentration of suppliers and integrators as the CSIA Executive Conference. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by!