BrainShare Tips & Tricks

Tips for First-Timers and Old Pros

• Arrive on Saturday, it will eliminate headaches with hotel rooms and flight delays
• If you're taking a hotel shuttle from the airport bring the hotel number with you; just in case the shuttle passes you full a couple of times
• If your hotel doesn't provide a free shuttle, check out this shuttle service:  Xpress Shuttle Transport  I've used them enough times to be willing to say they're really great.
• Don't rent a car if you're in a BrainShare hotel - shuttles are available and most everything is within walking distance
• The Trax light-rail system is free of charge around downtown and is another avenue of free transportation
• Connect with a local NUI or become a "virtual" member of another group to gain additional insights and perhaps a tour of the Salt Palace
• Ask the vendors NICELY for spiffs...they're people too!
• Don't bring extra suitcases for hauling your spiffs home - it's far easier and may be less expensive to use the shipping service that is at the Salt Palace
• Go through your materials thoroughly before Monday - lots of coupons and spiff alerts are in there
• Give yourself plenty of breaks in your schedule and have a couple of "back up" classes identified in case the one you're in isn't what you thought it was or is too full
• Don't forget to schedule time for lunch and breakfast
• Carry a light jacket or sweater with you...it's hard to keep the temperature ideal for everyone
• Thank the BrainShare crew and vendors when you have a chance - this event takes a lot more work than you realize!
• Give yourself plenty of time to hit the vendor area, the Novell labs are there all week, the vendors may not be
• Don't worry about food, there's plenty of it around, even with the change in evening events there's usually something going on where you can score some free chow
• If you're certified, hit the certification lounge, it's quiet and has computers available - there's usually ice cream, candy and special prize drawings
• Become familiar with where the bathrooms and first aid station are...never know when you'll need either one
• Bring something to put on your new bag to easily identify it - there are mix-ups every year
• Visit the Novell Forums experts - they're a good resource for help with "cranky" servers and are deserving of a thank you for all of their free guidance and support
• And most important: Have fun and make some new friends!

What Mary usually does:

• Creates at least 3 schedules, the first one is my "Dream" schedule and the sessions I am registered for, then there's "The Next Best" for my first option back up classes, and the third is my "Last Ditch" list because these are the last sessions I'll try before giving up and hitting the vendor showcase.
• Get in the day before, catch up with the NCCI crowd and get some rest
• Brings along extra "first aid" items like: Excedrin Migraine, Bag Balm, Theraflu, tissues, antacids and band aids. There is no easy to get to drug store in the downtown area.
• Don't be afraid to talk to the Novell Execs. They're there for us, be friendly, say hello, you never know what may happen.

Remember: If you are there on your employer's dime, you are their Representative, try to remember that. And keep an eye on how much it's costing them...the more you save them the more likely they are to let you return.