How to Prepare for a Skift Live Event? A Quick Checklist

Skift Live events are where the future of travel is revealed, debated, and celebrated. A bit of planning ensures you’ll be able to maximize all opportunities.

When you attend a Skift Live event, you’re stepping into the thick of the industry’s most pressing challenges, breakthrough ideas, and forward-thinking insights.

Skift Live is where big-picture thinking meets actionable insight, giving you access to travel’s top leaders and innovators, the minds reimagining what the future of travel will look like.

So how do you prepare to make the most of a Skift Live event? From agenda insights to networking strategies and essentials for the day, here’s how to step in fully prepared, and eager to connect with some of the industry’s brightest minds.

1. Get to Know the Skift Live Agenda and Key Speakers

Skift Live sessions follow a single-track agenda, a deliberate choice to keep every attendee on the same page and in the same room. It’s an experience that builds, so knowing what’s ahead will let you focus on the themes that matter most to you.

Skift Live is known for its focus on the major forces redefining travel. Whether the event dives into sustainability, digital transformation, or shifts in consumer expectations, understanding these themes before you arrive can help you relate them directly to your own role or industry challenges.

Skift curates a lineup of top industry voices and thought leaders including CEOs, tech innovators, and sustainability advocates to name a few. A quick review of their backgrounds gives you context for each session and may even inspire questions you can bring up during live Q&As.

2. Set Clear Objectives to Maximize Your Experience

To get the most out of your Skift Live experience, take a few moments to outline what you want to achieve. 

• Do you want fresh strategies for your business? 
• Inspiration for future projects? 
• Connections with like-minded industry players?

Check out the different types of people you meet at Skift events. Write down your goals before arriving and keep them in mind during each session. This small step can add focus and help you prioritize the people and ideas that matter most to you.

3. Pack Thoughtfully for a Smooth, Energized Day

Preparing for Skift Live means getting ready for a day of deep focus, new connections, and note-taking. 

Here’s a quick packing checklist for a Skift Live experience:

• Business Cards: They’re a classic for a reason, and Skift Live events bring together an impressive lineup of industry professionals, business cards remain one of the best ways to make a lasting impression.
• Tablet or Laptop: Skift events cover a range of topics, from tech trends to market analysis. Having a device on hand allows you to take notes, pull up relevant research, or even look up background info on speakers using the Skift Live App.
• Chargers and a Power Bank: With so much content to capture and connections to make, you’ll want a backup power source for your devices. Charging stations are also available at major Skift events to keep you powered up throughout the day, but having your own can be an advantage.
• Notebook and Pen: Digital devices are great, but a physical notebook can also be useful for quickly capturing spontaneous ideas or sketching out your thoughts.

If you think you may be eligible for our awards, leave a little room in your bag for a few take-home keepsakes. 

4. Dress to Impress and Feel Comfortable

While a Skift event is a professional setting, it’s also a gathering of the industry’s most creative and forward-thinking individuals. Opt for business-casual attire that allows you to move around comfortably, as the day will include seated sessions as well as standing networking opportunities.

• Go for Layered Outfits: Event venues often have fluctuating temperatures, so bringing a jacket or blazer can make you more comfortable.
• Polished, Comfortable Footwear: Expect to be on your feet throughout the day, so wear shoes that won’t slow you down.
• Smart Casual with Personality: Whether it’s a signature scarf or a sleek watch, small details help you make a memorable impression and reinforce your personal brand.

5. Travel Plans for a Seamless Arrival

Skift events draw attendees from all corners of the globe, so flights, hotels, and reservations can fill up quickly. Early planning allows you to focus on the event itself.

Travel Tips:

• Book Early for Better Rates: Skift occasionally partners with local hotels to offer discounted rates for attendees. Keep an eye on the event page or email confirmation for these deals.
• Arrive the Day Before: Flying in the night before gives you time to acclimate and kick off the event refreshed. It also gives you a chance to explore the city’s travel scene or even meet fellow attendees.
• Plan for Extra Time: If possible, set aside time after the event to reflect or connect with new contacts. Many attendees find it helpful to extend their stay by a day to process insights or network with peers in a more relaxed setting.

Many of our flagship events like Skift Global Forum have opening receptions a day before for attendees to network in an informal setting before the main event day.

6. Download the Event App and Resources

Skift Events offer a mobile app or online portal that lets you track the schedule, find session details, and even connect with other attendees in real-time. Having this resource at your fingertips ensures you won’t miss a beat and allows you to be more flexible if the event pace picks up.

Why the Skift Event App Matters:

• Session Reminders: Get notified before each session, so you’re always prepared for what’s coming next.
• Networking Capabilities: The app often includes features to help you connect with attendees, whether through chat options or session-specific group discussions.
• Event Announcements: Any last-minute changes or updates come straight to your phone, so you can focus on the event.

Bookmark the Skift event page and use the social media hashtag #SkiftLive to engage with live posts and updates from fellow attendees.

7. Create a Networking Plan for Meaningful Connections

Skift Live is designed to help people connect and collaborate, so consider networking in a way that prioritizes meaningful connections. Each attendee brings a unique perspective and passion for the industry.

• Have a Conversation Starter: Share why you’re at Skift Live and what excites you about the future of travel. Asking genuine questions can help you connect with others who share your interests.
• Engage Online as Well as Offline: Following the event on social media lets you stay connected even before and after the event wraps up. Engaging with speakers and attendees on social platforms can help keep conversations going.
• Follow Up Thoughtfully: After the event, send a quick note to anyone you connected with. Reference something specific from your conversation.

Aim to connect with a mix of people; some who align closely with your work and others from outside your field. You never know where a new idea or partnership may come from.

8. Reflect and Act on Key Takeaways After the Event

A Skift Live event doesn’t end when you walk out the door. Each session, each connection, and each conversation holds the potential to transform your work. Set aside time afterward to reflect on what you learned and make a plan to apply these insights.

• Review Your Notes: Capture key insights or actions to focus on in the coming weeks.
• Share with Your Team: For those who attend with colleagues, sharing notes and key takeaways can be a great way to ensure everyone benefits from the insights you gained together.
• Reconnect with New Contacts: Send LinkedIn invitations or emails to the people you met at Skift Live, making sure to mention something specific from your conversation.

Schedule a debrief with yourself to outline one or two concrete steps inspired by Skift Live that you can implement. It’s a great way to keep the momentum going and make the event impactful.

Looking Ahead to Skift Live

Skift Live is all about connecting professionals, driving innovation, and celebrating the business of travel. With a little planning, you are ready to immerse yourself in the experience, collaborate, and take away insights to fuel your strategies. 

Check out what’s next on the Skift Live calendar.