Must-Know Tips for First-Time Attendees: Sitecore Symposium 2024

Countdown to Sitecore Symposium 2024: Let’s Do This!

The biggest Sitecore event of the year is almost here, and I couldn’t be more excited! In just a few days, I’ll head to Nashville, Tennessee for my first Sitecore Symposium. The event is just a week away and the anticipation is real.

As a first-time Sitecore MVP and a digital marketing strategist at Fishtank Consulting, this feels like a huge win. For a non-technical person who works with Sitecore every day, this event is like hitting the jackpot—a chance to immerse myself in the latest trends, meet the incredible Sitecore community, and get the inside scoop on what’s next for digital experiences.

And then there’s Nashville—home to legendary music, unbeatable culture, and seriously good eats. I just got back from a girl’s trip a couple of weeks ago, and I can’t wait to go back! Whether I’m taking in a must-see keynote or grabbing some delicious Southern comfort food after a jam-packed day, I know this trip will be one for the books.

Sitecore + Nashville = an unforgettable combination!

Are You a Sitecore Symposium First-Timer Too?

If this is your first time heading to the Sitecore Symposium, welcome to the club! I’m here to share all the tips and tricks my team has shared with me and everything I’ve learned from my experience so far. From can’t-miss sessions to packing hacks, you’ll be ready to rock your first Symposium with confidence.

Sitecore Symposium is the biggest event in the Sitecore community. The two things I’m most excited about are: learning at the breakout sessions at the MVP summit and the endless chances to meet the wonderful Sitecore community. It’s going to be a long week and it might feel a little intense at first, but trust me, with a solid game plan, you’ll make the most of every moment.

This year is extra special for me and the Fishtank team as we debut as a Gold Sponsor for the first time! We’re ready to make waves and show the Sitecore community what we’re all about. So, if you’re there, swing by our booth—we’d love to meet you. We promise you’ll be in for an extra special treat!

Pro Tips for Attending Your First Sitecore Symposium

The theme for Sitecore Symposium 2024 is "The Power to Build," celebrating how Sitecore empowers brands, marketers, and technologists to craft exceptional digital experiences. This year promises an inspiring lineup of sessions, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning that will leave you fired up and ready to implement new ideas.

To make the most of your Sitecore Symposium experience, here are some must-follow tips from the pros at Fishtank. I want to give a particular shoutout to Jason St-Cyr, our VP of Engagement and former Director of Developer Relations at Sitecore, and Jeff L'Heureux, our Director of Technology and former Senior Sitecore Developer, for all the tips they’ve shared with me. Both of them have plenty of Sitecore Symposium experience so they let me in on their best trade secrets. Jason even wrote his own blog called “Tips for Sitecore Symposium 2024,” give it a read!

So, soak in the keynotes, grab that swag, and remember: the people around you are your best resource. Keep your mind open, stay comfortable, and you’ll be ready to crush your first Symposium!

1. Start with the Official Schedule

The Sitecore Symposium Attendee Portal will be your best friend when it comes to building your perfect Symposium experience. Inside the portal, you’ll find a handy scheduling tool that lets you curate your agenda, making sure you don’t miss a beat at the event.

Make sure to bookmark sessions that catch your eye and add them to your schedule. It’s all about prioritizing the content you’re most interested in! And if you’re still figuring out your game plan, be sure to check out my other blog—Planning Your Schedule for Sitecore Symposium 2024 (coming soon)—on my guide for getting the most out of the Attendee Portal.

One of the best parts? The tool comes with a range of filters and a search bar to help you easily navigate through all the available sessions. You can filter by session track, session industry, Sitecore products, session audience type, and even Dev/IT experience level—so no matter your interest or expertise, there’s something for you! You can also filter by day to help structure each day at a glance. It’s like having your own custom conference roadmap.

Another time-saver is that all the conference-wide events—meals, breaks, happy hours, and of course, the legendary Sitecore Symposium party—are already pre-loaded into your schedule. This means you can focus on handpicking the keynotes, workshops, and breakout sessions that excite you most, without worrying about overlapping with the main events.

2. Set Your Goals & Stay Flexible

It's always good to have a game plan—whether you're here to pick up new Sitecore skills, network with peers, or explore fresh ideas. Take a moment to map out your goals and use the Attendee Portal to build a schedule that suits them.

But remember, some of the best moments happen when you’re flexible. You might stumble into an unexpected session or strike up a great conversation during a coffee break. So, while it’s great to plan, don’t be afraid to go with the flow and enjoy those surprise opportunities that pop up.

3. Maximize Downtime & Treat Yo’ Self

Between sessions, take full advantage of your downtime by swinging by the Solutions Pavilion—it’s the ultimate stop for swag (yes, the good kind!), product demos, and expert advice from the partners who know Sitecore best.

Whether you’re grabbing swag, chatting with exhibitors, or just taking a break to recharge, make the most of those in-between moments. You’ll walk away with cool gear, new connections, and a little extra energy for the rest of your day.

In the Attendee Portal schedule builder, there’s an option to Add personal time to your schedule. So you know when to expect your downtime and take full advantage of it.

Pro Tip: You’ll want a bag (or two) to carry all the water bottles, phone chargers, and snacks from all the different vendors. Come see us at the Fishtank booth if you’re looking for a sweet treat wink.

Also—don’t wait to grab your Sitecore Symposium gift or you’ll run the risk of them running out of your size.

4. Network Like a Sitecore Pro

Networking at Sitecore Symposium is a breeze, especially during meals and receptions. These are great chances to meet people in a relaxed setting. Don’t be shy—start a conversation at breakfast or during the Tuesday Welcome Reception. It’s a casual way to connect before things kick off, and it won’t interfere with your dinner plans.

Make sure to use the networking directory in the Attendee Portal, too. You can find attendees open to networking and even message them to set up plans during the conference. It’s an easy way to start building connections before you even get there.

There’s also the #sitecoresym channel in the Sitecore community Slack. Here, I learned about a Whatsapp group chat for all Sitecore Symposium attendees. If you’d like to join this chat, shoot me a message and I’ll send you the link.

5. Stay Comfortable & Hydrated

Symposium days can be long, so comfort is key! Wear comfy shoes that can handle a full day of walking, and opt for breathable clothes to keep you cool. Don’t forget a warm layer—conference rooms can get chilly!

Staying hydrated is just as important. Bring a water bottle (bonus points if it has some electrolytes to help you bounce back from any nights before spent having some drinks) and refill it throughout the day. You’ll feel more energized and ready to tackle the busy schedule.

With the right mix of comfort and hydration, you’ll be set to enjoy every moment of the conference—from sessions to networking to snagging all that swag!

6. Explore Music City

Nashville is known for its vibrant food, culture, and of course, live music, so don’t spend all your time cooped up in the hotel! After a full day of sessions, take a break to explore the local scene—it’s the perfect way to recharge and experience what Music City has to offer.

Whether you’re in the mood for some classic Southern comfort food, hot chicken, or BBQ, Nashville’s got you covered. And when it comes to live music, there’s no shortage of options—head to Broadway, where honky-tonks and live performances spill into the streets, or catch a show at a more intimate venue. There’s something for every music lover here.

Even if you just want to wander around and soak in the atmosphere, Nashville’s energy is contagious. It’s the perfect balance to the busy days at Symposium—grab a bite, catch some tunes, and enjoy a little taste of the city. After all, you’re in one of the world’s greatest music hubs, so make the most of it!

7. Know Your Limits

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and want to party all night, but it’s important to know how you recharge. If late-night fun is your thing, by all means, enjoy! But if you’re someone who needs sleep to keep going, there’s no shame in calling it an early night. Remember, Symposium is more of a marathon than a sprint, so pace yourself.

I’m flying into Nashville on Sunday, October 13th to settle in and get a good night’s sleep before the MVP Summit kicks off Monday morning. With a week packed full of events—starting early and running late—it’s going to be crucial for me to squeeze in some rest whenever I can. Prioritizing sleep will help me stay energized and ready for everything Symposium has to offer.

If you’re arriving early too, feel free to drop me a line—I’d love to connect before the whirlwind begins or even during!

8. Thank the Speakers

If a session really resonated with you, don’t hesitate to thank the speaker! They put a lot of work into making it valuable, and a quick “thank you” can mean a lot. Plus, it’s a great way to connect and maybe even keep the conversation going.

And if you catch me after my presentation, I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback—assuming the presentation goes well, of course! But hey, either way, I’ll give it my best shot!

9. Find Tamas Varga

Take it from Jason—if there’s one person you need to meet at the Sitecore Symposium, it’s Tamas Varga. He’s one of the friendliest people in the community and always has a good story or two up his sleeve. If you spot him, definitely say hi—he’s the real deal!

I’ve only had the chance to meet Tamas over video calls, but I’m looking forward to finally catching up with him in person. If you haven’t met him yet, don’t miss out—Jason’s advice is spot on!

10. Bring the Essentials But Leave Room for Swag

When packing for the Symposium, stick to the essentials but don’t forget to leave some space for swag. Bring something to take notes with—whether it’s a notebook, tablet, or laptop—so you can capture all the great insights from the sessions. And make sure you’ve got business cards handy for networking.

Most importantly, leave room in your suitcase for the swag! From water bottles to unique items like the famous Sitecore pillow, you’ll definitely want to bring some goodies home. Sponsors love giving out cool stuff, and you’ll be glad you saved some extra space for it.

Ready for an Unforgettable Week!

With just days to go until Sitecore Symposium 2024, I hope these tips have you feeling ready to take on an incredible week in Nashville. Whether you're a first-timer like me or a seasoned Symposium pro, this event is bound to be an unforgettable experience. It will be a week filled with learning, networking, and of course, a little fun along the way. From exploring Music City’s vibrant scene to snagging that last bit of swag, there’s something for everyone.

I can’t wait to dive into all that Symposium has to offer—sessions, connections, and even those spontaneous moments that make it truly special. So, pack smart, stay flexible, and get ready to make the most of your time at Sitecore’s biggest event of the year. And hey, if you see me there, don’t hesitate to say hi!

Here’s to an amazing Symposium—see you in Nashville!