Networking speakers at an event
Being a speaker is a privilege. You get to share your experience and expertise, motivate your audience, and share the wisdom you’ve imparted while keeping their attention. For me, there’s nothing quite like it.
But it’s not all about big screens, crowded seats, and bright lights. It takes a lot of work to make your presentations both original and engaging. It takes a lot of focus and energy to not just fall flat and disappoint. And when your life is a series of lectures, cities, and faces, that pleasant gift can become exhausting.
As a conference speaker, you’re always on the go. To make your conferences run smoothly, you need to take control of them. Here are three travel tips you can use to make the most of your trip.
1. Take care of yourself
Self-care is so important, but it can be difficult when you’re on the go. Constant presentations, networking, and traveling take a toll on your physical and mental health. Meals and snacks eaten between flights aren’t the healthiest. Plus, it’s easy to fall into bad habits like not exercising, drinking too little water, consuming too much caffeine, and losing sleep due to stress, time zone changes, and excessive screen time.
Being a successful speaker requires a lot of energy and a healthy work-life balance. This means being well rested and getting reliable health care to stay healthy. Finding a doctor or health care team that offers timely appointments is important, especially when you have specific health issues that require special attention.
Accessing healthcare can be complicated, especially when options seem limited. If you frequently attend conferences for work, it can be even harder to find time for medical appointments, making convenient access to healthcare crucial. This year, I faced a serious health issue that could have been avoided if I had sought medical attention sooner.
This experience inspired me to explore better healthcare options for myself, my family, and my team. I wanted to find alternatives that could better meet our needs, and the research was worth it. We changed a few options, and everyone seems happy and healthy, including me. No matter how demanding your schedule is, always put your health first.
2. Invest in the right equipment, travel kits and gadgets
Technological advancements have given rise to a wide range of equipment and gadgets that can make frequent business travel easier than ever. If you’re always lugging around a heavy laptop and searching for the airport power outlet to charge it, you’re making your life more complicated than it needs to be.
Start by choosing the right luggage and learn to travel light. Traveling light can save you from having to check a bag. Opt for a well-designed carry-on that keeps your clothes wrinkle-free, your shoes separated, and everything else organizedThe goal is to arrive at your destination and have everything ready to go without unnecessary stress.
Frequent traveling can also lead to issues like jet lag, which I’ve been dealing with for years. After trying to deal with it on my own, I realized I needed a better solution. I started using Fount’s jet lag recovery kitsand they made a noticeable difference. The kits include personalized supplement packs and other helpful items designed to help reset your internal clock and improve your overall recovery after long flights. It’s a smart way to support your body during the stress of travel.
It’s important to take advantage of tools designed to make traveling easier, whether it’s to manage jet lag or other inconveniences. Apps are great travel tools that save time and space. Download and install maps and bookings, circadian resets, sounds, and other helpful apps. Make sure your airline, hotel, car rental, rideshare, and similar apps are always up to date. I always make sure they’re added to my calendar.
The best luggage, gear, and gadgets can be expensive. But they’re all professional investments that will make your life easier and help you focus on why you’re taking this trip. Those noise-canceling headphones or that AI-powered neck pillow might be worth the investment.
3. Take charge of your travel arrangements
Most of my speaking travel is paid for by the sponsoring organization as part of my compensation. This is a good thing from a financial perspective, but it can be problematic if the sponsor takes care of all the travel arrangements. If you can, pay for your own.
Direct flights are always more advantageous. They save you time and energy and are also more environmentally friendly. By booking with your preferred airline, you benefit from your frequent flyer status and enjoy perks. You can also ensure that you get the right boarding class, seat selection and other preferences that will reduce the stress of traveling these days.
Since you'll likely be spending a lot of time in airports, make sure you have access to lounges. They're a much better place to spend your layover time than hanging out with the crowds. And since arriving at the airport earlier before departure will also reduce your anxiety, you'll have a quiet, more private place to wait for your flight.
If you haven't filled out a TSA Precheck, CLEAR, or other such forms, do so. If you're traveling abroad for business, check out the global entry process that includes TSA pre-check. You'll be surprised how much time you'll save by avoiding long lines and relaxing in the airport lounge.
Leaving your travel arrangements in the hands of a sponsoring organization can be frustrating. You may insist on making your own travel arrangements, even if it means getting reimbursed later. As a frequent traveler, you know what you want. Make sure you get it.
Get better. Do better.
Good speakers are always in high demand, which means they are always on the go. If this is where you want to be, take care of yourself, equip yourself, and take charge of your travel. You will have the energy to get up and speak.
