Packing Tips for MME15

The marketing event of the year is just around the corner, and I’m pumped. I can’t wait to dig into all the great sessions, meet a bunch of new people, celebrate marketing excellence, and party it up Vegas style.

I’ve been to Modern Marketing Experience (used to be called Eloqua Experience) several times, so I know what to expect. But, if this is your first time attending, you might be unsure of what you will need. For those who will be packing over the weekend like me, here is what you need to bring:

1) Extra space in your luggage
The partner hall is where you’re going to learn about all the exciting services and product add-ons that can help maximize your marketing efforts. Of course, most of the booths will have some sort of swag for you to grab. This is in addition to all the great materials they have to offer and general conference give-aways. Don’t max out your suitcase. You will need some extra room!

2) Business cards
One of the best parts of MME is meeting like-minded people. I am always inspired by the knowledge, creativity, and experience of the folks I meet. These are truly the best marketers in the world. You will want to bring lots of business cards so you can connect with as many people as possible.

3) Laptop
Get ready for an entire day of in-depth training from the experts on topics you’ve probably not had any experience with. What’s not to love about that?!?! For most of the classes, you are actually in the application doing some practice work, so you will want to have your computer ready. Don’t miss the chance to learn some amazing new skills while at MME15. Decide how you will capture all of your notes and ideas. I’m an electronic note-taking kind of person. I use OneNote, which allows me to easily organize my notes by session to share with my team.

4) Shorts
I just checked the forecast, and it’s supposed to be in the upper 80’s next week. For this northerner, that sounds like heaven. Make sure to throw in at least one pair of shorts and let your legs collect some much needed Vitamin D. Just maybe skip the shorts during the Markie Awards, unless you want to rock the Pharrell look from the Grammys.

5) Fancy clothes for the Markies
The Markie Awards are a big deal. It’s when our industry gets to recognize the best of the best…the people who are pushing the envelope in digital marketing. Think of it as the Oscars for marketers. You wouldn’t see George Clooney or Halle Berry showing up to walk the red carpet in flip flops and ripped jeans, right? This is the perfect opportunity to dress up a little and have some fun. Some people go as far as tuxes and formal gowns for the night. If formal wear isn’t your thing, make sure you at least throw on a tie or fancy necklace to spice up your normal work wear.

6) Cell phone charger
Your cell phone will get extra use at MME15. You’ll use it for the conference app to keep tabs on the tracks, sessions and events. Keep tabs on work with check-ins on your email inbox via your phone. You will be texting your team members frequently with inspirational ideas. And, you will be snapping photos and videos of the One Republic concert at the Customer Appreciation Party. Oracle knows your mobile will need an occasional boost during the day, so they will have re-charging stations throughout the expo hall for attendees to use.

7) Plenty of flair
Every year at MME there are tons of buttons given out to adorn your badge, backpack, or to display in your house to friends and family. Lot’s of people like to bring flair from previous years to show off their legacy attendance. “But isn’t that a little obnoxious?” you might be thinking. Sure it is. But it’s just a little harmless bragging that’s in good spirit. So go for it. Peacock a little bit. Bring that Markie Award winner pin from 3 years ago and strut your well-deserved stuff.

8) Red Bull
After all the great sessions during the day, there are several parties that will go into the wee hours of the morning. If you’re going to take them all in, you will need some extra go juice in the morning. So, make like you’re still 23, hit the parties, and rally in the morning to do it all over again. After all, it’s only one week out of 52.

9) Aspirin
After all that late-night partying, you are going to need something to stave off a hangover headache.

10) Questions
Between the Oracle team, the people you meet as you’re networking, and the partners in the exhibit hall, there will be a wealth of knowledge assembled for MME. Bring all those stumper questions you’ve been wanting to ask. I guarantee there will be someone there who can answer them for you.

Those are the 10 things I’m bringing to MME15. Looking forward to seeing you next week. Stop by the Relationship One booth to say hi, grab some swag, and see what we’re up to. You are going to dig our reporting and AppCloud stuff. It’s pretty sweet.