At our office, we have a countdown till the start of INBOUND 2016. Next to the countdown is a box of Kleenex for the people who can’t go.

You may be asking, “What is INBOUND?” It’s basically a humongous conference centered around digital marketing.

Wondering how humongous it is? The likes of Anna Kendrick, Alec Baldwin, and Gary Vaynerchuk will be speaking to 14,000 of their closest friends.

The marketing conference is hosted by HubSpot, and its purpose is to “fuel the passion that drives the most innovative and successful business leaders of our time.” There is something for everyone at this conference.

The count’s at more than 220 educational sessions already listed — meaning you definitely won’t get to all of the sessions (or even a quarter, for Pete’s sake). But take it from us, you’ll want to be proactive with your time in the City on the Hill.

So, how can you win during INBOUND 2016? Check out our simple tips to making the most of your time at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

1. Whittle Down the Sessions List

It would be amazing to go to every session and learn a lot of stuff. But you don’t need to come back knowing so much that you don’t get anything out of your time at INBOUND.

Take some time, and cut down your sessions list to the top 20. With 14 breakout times, some of your favorites might overlap or be full already, so it’s important to have backups. Don’t forget to plug them into your schedule before you arrive. Once a session runs out of seats, you can’t get in!

We’re especially excited about our very own Scott Meyer hosting a breakout session called “King of the Hill: Master a Niche Like HubSpot.” You’ll learn that you don’t have to be an expert in the field to try something new, like inbound marketing. In this session, Scott will teach you his personal secrets to mastering the art of inbound.

Sign up to hear Scott Meyer!  »

2. Steal Some Great Agendas

If you aren’t quite sure where to start because of the mountain of sessions at INBOUND 2016, check out HubSpot’s recommended agendas. Each agenda is carefully designed for every profession in the marketing community — from content strategists to CEOs. 

With 28 thoughtful agendas to help inspire you, you’re sure to find the perfect coverage of speakers right for your industry and job role.

3. Collaborate with Strangers

Set down your security blanket — er, um, your phone — and mingle at any of the available happy hours, breaks, or Club INBOUND.

(What’s that, you ask? Club INBOUND is a networking space at HubSpot HQ. You can grab a snack, enjoy entertainment, share ideas, and lounge with your peers in this inspiring and creative space.)

Often, social gatherings like these are prime opportunities to get the inside scoop on innovations and exchange ideas with your fellow marketing peeps. Even if they are technically your competition, it’s important to advance the industry you represent — and INBOUND is the place to do it! 

Have some hesitation about talking with strangers IRL? Start with Twitter, and follow #inbound16. You never know who you’ll meet!

4. Take Oodles of Notes

Grab a pen and paper (or your computer), and take notes at every session you attend.

Even if you’re not a great note-taker, take more notes than you think you need, and review them at the end of the day. This will keep the information fresh in your mind, and you can edit anything that doesn’t make sense before you go to more sessions (or go home).

We recommend taking notes in Evernote. It syncs with multiple devices, helping you take less technology with you.

5. Bring Your Biz Cards and Comfortable Shoes

Don’t forget to bring business cards to INBOUND. It’s great to have your cards in case you want to talk further with a speaker or fellow attendee but don’t have the time.

Also, the conference spans a good walking distance. So slap on your fitness tracker and some comfortable shoes — you’ll be getting a few step badges by the end of the day!

With these tips, you can win at INBOUND 2016.

Above all else, have fun, get out, and enjoy your time hearing from fabulous speakers invested in driving potential, inspiring others, and sharing ideas.

If you see us there, we love a good handshake and a warm welcome.

Still haven’t registered? You have time!

When the conference is done, feel free to shout out to us with any questions you have. Inbound marketing is a pretty cool way to find the right customers at the right time and place — and you’re talking with masters.