Pro Tips for First-Time .conf Attendees: Advice from SplunkTrust

[iamryan]

Heading to your first .Conf? You’re in for an unforgettable ride — learning, networking, swag collecting, maybe even a little partying. To help you make the most of the experience, we asked seasoned .Conf alumni from  SplunkTrust to share their top tips.

Their advice is smart, practical, and sometimes funny — but most importantly, it comes from real experience. So read on, take notes, and get ready to make your first .conf one to remember.

@kearaspoor: Pack Smart, Pace Yourself, and Network Like a Pro

• Leave room in your suitcase. You’ll pick up more swag than you expect — and it adds up quickly.

• Hydrate like a champion. If you're planning to partake in after-hours socializing (read: drinking), hydration packs or even “banana bags” are clutch to avoid the dreaded day-two hangover.

• Don’t over-schedule. It’s tempting to stack your agenda with back-to-back sessions, but burnout is real. Most sessions are recorded, and you’ll want energy for the equally valuable networking time. Prioritize the talks that excite you most, and leave space to breathe.

• Comfort is key. You’ll walk a lot. Wear comfy shoes — compression socks don’t hurt either.

Bonus from Keara (on making connections):
The best icebreakers when meeting new people:

• How long have you been using Splunk?

• What’s your Splunk architecture or use case?

• What’s the coolest thing you’ve done with Splunk?

• What are your biggest challenges?

• Are you part of the Splunk Community? (Slack, Answers, etc.)

• What are you most looking forward to at .conf?

Vraptor: Beat the Burnout, Inside and Out

• Stay hydrated with purpose. Hotels are notoriously dry, and alcohol doesn’t help. Electrolyte mixes like LMNT, LiquidIV, or BodyArmor Flash IV (this one includes caffeine) can be a game changer.

• No caffeine? If you want electrolytes and BCAAs without the buzz, try something like Xtend BCAAs.

• Introvert energy-saving tip: Don’t feel bad taking a break. If the crowds or noise are overwhelming, retreat to your room mid-day and recharge.

@jeffland: Connect with the SplunkTrust

• Join the Slack Channel #conf-happy-hours; it’s a great way to find informal meetups.

• See a Fez hat? Say hi! That’s a SplunkTrust member and we love talking Splunk and helping others. They’re great people to strike up a conversation with.

@chris_barrett: Sit Somewhere New

• Break your routine at mealtime. Instead of sticking with coworkers or friends, sit at a random table during breakfast or lunch. You’ll be surprised by who you meet — and it’s one of the easiest ways to network.

@tkopchak: Be Strategic, Be Kind

• Don’t miss interactive workshops. Unlike other sessions, they’re not recorded — so if one catches your eye, make sure you attend live.

• Prepare for party volume. The indoor search parties can be loud. If you're sensitive to sound or looking for meaningful conversation, these might not be the best fit.

• Say yes to random seating. Like Chris, Tom has met amazing people by simply sitting at a table with strangers.

• Be kind to the crew. The hospitality staff are often working long hours to keep things running smoothly. A little kindness goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re there for the tech, the community, the swag, or the all-the-above, these tips will help you make the most of your first (or second, or fifth!) .Conf.

Have a tip of your own? Drop it in the #Conf25 Slack Channel or comment below — we’d love to hear what’s worked for you.

Register for .conf25 today

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• 4 Ways the Splunk Community Helps You Prepare for .conf25

[efavreau]

I've learned so much and had fun along the way. The best of both worlds!

• Bring foam earplugs everywhere you go, it makes things much nicer for the loud events like the keynote openers, the search party, etc.
• Bring your curiosity and talk to a LOT of people. The biggest Splunk nerds taught me the "hallway conf" is sometimes more valuable than the sessions. Make time to mix it with the Splunk community at large - even in the hallways!
• In addition to the Fez's look for capes, scarves, and at people's badges... these are other ways to locate Splunk Champions, returning .conf Alumni, and maybe more details. These are not Splunk employees, but part of the community who enjoy helping others!
• If you're in Splunk University, it's a great place to talk to people too. Yes you're there to learn, but talk it up before, after and on your breaks. I met some great people without really trying while I was in Splunk University! Keara's talking points above are a great start!
• Do everything, even if you feel it's not a fit. You're there to grow and learn, right? Make the most of your .conf time, it goes by fast!
• It's been said before, but it bears repeating. Join the community in slack and here at community.splunk.com! But don't just join, contribute! Being a regular in these places will elevate your game.
• In the community and at .conf, don't be insecure. We all start somewhere. I've found the culture in our Splunk community to be quite welcoming! 

Enjoy and Keep Splunking!

[iamryan]

Hi @efavreau  thanks for sharing your tip! Love to see it.  Will you be there this year?

[efavreau]

I've attended 4 physical and 2 virtual .conf's, and have upped my game as I took more advantage of everything .conf and the community has to offer. Even co-presented at .conf19; a solution that is still in use! However, due to financial pressures, I will not likely be there this year. Wishing everyone a great .conf!

[kearaspoor]

A couple more tips ported over from the Slack channel:

1) Don't forget to bring extended battery packs and charging cables/adapters.

2) Wear something Splunky while you're traveling.  It's always great when you can chat with someone in the airport or on a plane.  And you may uncover companies in your local area that use Splunk, that you can remember the next time you're looking to change jobs.

3) If you haven't booked your flights yet, or if you're reading this for .conf 2026, give yourself some breathing room on arrival.  For most people Tuesday is when things get REALLY busy.  Getting in later in the afternoon on Monday can make Tuesday a lot harder.  So book those earlier flights, or even consider getting in the day ahead, so you can orient yourself, check in before the crowds, and recharge in your hotel.