The 2024 Tales of the Cocktail is almost upon us, and it looks like it is going to be another interesting year full of educational seminars and fun events. Whether this is your first time attending or you are a seasoned veteran, here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for and attend the conference.
Before the conference:
Packing is key. New Orleans is hot and humid, and it is going to rain sometime during the week. Make sure to pack at least two pairs of shoes, extra shirts, underwear, and socks. Staying comfortable is important while experiencing the conference.
Make sure you have a roomy shoulder bag. During the conference, there will be swag from the brands; you will need to stash it somewhere until you can drop it off at your room. Speaking of swag, ponder whether or not you need to pack a collapsable duffle to help you get your treasures home.
Connect with your network; this is a tough event to do solo. Make plans to attend things with friends, especially the nighttime events.
If you can, stay close to the Ritz so you can take breaks as needed, freshen up, drop stuff off, and take a hydration break if you need to.
You cannot attend everything. Study the schedule and prioritize the learning experiences that will give you the best return on investment. If you are attending something and discover it is not for you, move on and find something that is a better fit for you.
If you are planning on attending a seminar or hosted event, familiarize yourself with the speakers. Having a rough idea of what they do and their area of specialization can be helpful when attending an event.
Once your schedule is firmed up, for anything outside of the Ritz, check your routes and paths in advance. The amount of time it takes to get serious varies, and not everything is close to the host hotel. Proper preparedness prevents bad experiences.
Make sure you have the Rideshare apps loaded on your phone. Between the heat and the desire for personal safety, these become more important the later it gets.
Pack ibuprofen, heartburn medicine, blister protection, and sunscreen. Body glide, Gold Bond, and a good deodorant are a must.
Prepare for all sorts of weather. Pack hats, umbrellas, hair bands, and extra shoes.
During the conference:
When you arrive, pick up water and snacks for your room.
Hydration is key. Whether you are sampling cocktails or not, the New Orleans environment will dehydrate you quickly if you do not stay ahead of it. Pacing yourself with hydration breaks can make the difference between a good and a bad day.
Master the sip and drop. Tales of the Cocktail provides the opportunity to sample new flavor experiences. You should not finish every one of them. Sip, savor, and drop will help you get through the day without falling out.
Safety first. Use the buddy system as much as possible. Be aware of your environment at all times, and try not to travel alone, especially at night. I love New Orleans, but it has a high crime rate, so avoid getting too comfortable. This is when those rideshare apps come in handy.
Keep a notebook or note pad with you. Capture your thoughts as you go—impressions, people you meet, things you want to dig deeper into later.
Eat! When you are attending the event, it is easy to forget to eat, especially if you are consuming a lot of calories by sampling drinks. Start with a good foundation meal, and make sure to take food breaks as needed. There are so many great restaurants in the area; do not pass up on the gastronomic opportunities. If all else fails, keep snack bars, Bevita biscuits, or something else that will not melt in your bag in case you need it.
Swag; there will be a lot of it. Think before you take what is offered. Some items are harder to get home than others, or they can kill your luggage weight limit. If you find you have too much stuff, there is usually a swag exchange on Friday.
Support the local hospitality industry as much as possible. They are working hard to ensure we have a good experience, and Tales can be as overwhelming for them as it is for everyone else. Good manners and politeness go a long way.
If you RSVP for something, attend it. If you realize you have conflicting events, please cancel your RSVP for one of them. The brands pay a lot of money to provide these events and experiences for us, and if an event is underattended, it is unlikely they will not sponsor an event in the future.
Have a good time, make connections, and remember that most of the attendees are colleagues who could be future coworkers or employers. It is unlikely you will get hired at Tales, but I am aware of poor behavior leading to people losing their jobs because of poor choices made during the week.
Hopefully this guide will help you have a good time, leaving the event with great memories and a headful of new information that will help you in the future!Happy Tales!