Before you go to VMworld
You’ve got flights & accommodation, VMworld ticket, and sessions picked. There’s a few more of the boring, but important tasks that you should take care of before you leave for VMworld. Spoken like a true dad.
Notify your bank – banks are pretty good with detecting fraud, but they might be over zealous and block your credit/debit card if they suddenly detect transactions in San Francisco.
Emergency numbers – make a list of important numbers, like:
- Health insurance policy and local phone number,
- Bank hotline for lost/stolen credit cards
- Hotel phone number & address
Keep these in an email/electronic doc AND a copy in your wallet.
Mobile phone plan – will your phone work overseas? Is it locked to a particular network? Check local mobile providers for plans such as T-Mobile’s $2 a day plan. Trust me, you will want NEED data.
Set your out of office response – don’t get caught up in what’s going on back in the office, there’s enough going on at VMworld. Plus it’s invigorating writing that you’ll be away and not contactable!
Pack light – you’re away for a week, it’s not a fashion show. Wear the same tshirt twice. Pick up tshirts from vendors. Leave room for swag, or bring an extra bag for the trip home.
Tools – Bring a tablet, not a laptop. If you need a USA power adapter, bring a powerboard for it so you can charge multiple things at once. The extra metre of cord on the powerboard helps in some hotel rooms.
Get social – get on twitter, search for #VMworld, follow people and see what events the crowds are going to. Meet up and say hi.
