Prepping For Your First Content Marketing World

In Cleveland, we know a thing or two about rookie seasons. From Jim Brown to LeBron James, we have a long history of investing in the potential and hope of rookies. Even when things go sour, we still believe. With this in mind, it’s my pleasure to welcome the rookie attendees for Content Marketing World 2017 and offer a few updated tips.

1.  Wear Orange- First rule of Content Marketing World (CMWorld) is that the color orange rules. As the official color of Content Marketing Institute, think of it like the team mascot. Each year it seems that the event team seems to out do themselves with the creative use of Joe Pulizzi’s favorite color. You can express your-orange-self in many ways but if you want to show your team spirit you should plan on wearing an orange accessory or two.

2.  Download the CMWorld App. This year the mobile app is a must-have tool and guide to everything from session reservations to attendee profiles. Download the app now, log in, complete your profile, register for sessions, check out the feed and start networking!

3.  Study Your Plays –Before the conference, take some time to read about the sessions you have chosen to attend. Write down the top three things you want to take away from CMWorld this year whether it is meeting a speaker IRL or learning more about a new video marketing tool. Staying focused on your intentions will help you choose your sessions and ensure you will pace yourself throughout the information-packed conference and evening events. You will also want to make sure you plan and allocate time for the Expo Hall. Yes, the chotskies are amazing. More importantly, you will have a chance to discuss your specific challenge with several vendors before committing to a meeting or a demo.

4.  Learn from the Pros- CMWorld attendees are "All-Stars" from the marketing league. It’s a great opportunity to connect with these seasoned players from Ann Handley, Andy Crestodina to Jay Baer and Lee Odden. Check out their speaker profiles in advance to help you connect in conversation. Be considerate of their time, but do make sure you say hello and show your appreciation for their contributions.

5.  Attend the Orientation Session- Every CMWorld rookie should attend the special September 5th session. You’ll learn how to navigate the sessions, how to best network with other attendees, be privy to CMWorld secrets from the CMI staff, and answer all your questions.

6.  Tune into the Official Hashtag- Join the pre-event chats and real-time conversations by following the hashtag #CMWorld on Twitter. Find the complete list of upcoming Tuesday 12noon-1pm EST chats here.

7.  Bring Your 80’s Game- Pack your acid-wash jeans, scrunchies and neon crop tops. Back by popular demand, Mega 80s, “The Ultimate 80s Retro Band” will perform for the CMWorld crowd from the House of Blues Cleveland main stage on Wednesday night. You may be tempted to skip the party to rest your brain but sleeping is for losers, right? No doubt, you will leave CMWorld with a list of action items and must-have tools but please have fun too. 

8.  Explore CLE dining and nightlife-  On Thursday you have a free night. You can take advantage of the badge discounts arranged by the CMI team but you may want to consider a few other options. around Downtown as well. You may even find Robert Rose at one his favorite Cleveland haunts or you can try your luck to score a table during the first week opening of the Marble Room. If you want to keep it casual, check out duck pin bowling at the Hi and Dry. Kitchy treats like a booze snow cone await you at newly opened 2nd & High. Find a list of more quintessential Cleveland suggestions at the Destination Cleveland visitor site or explore new openings at Cleveland.com/food.

Bonus tip for Hometown Attendees: Even though CMW is in your hometown, do your best to participate in all of the activities scheduled for the evenings during the week. Many locals book a hotel room or stay at a downtown Airbnb to make sure they do not miss out on the “out of town for a conference” opportunities. These events are where you have the time to network with marketers from all over the world and feel the pride as these new connections boast about how much they love discovering our city.

This year, I will be celebrating my sixth year with Content Marketing World. I can honestly say that the friendships and knowledge gained over the years have been priceless. Hopefully, these tips will make you feel a little less like a rookie and more like a returning pro player. The CMI event team, wearing orange t-shirts, are super friendly and always willing to guide you every step of the way. Please do feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or send me a tweet @JacquieChak or @PlatformFM if I can help guide you during your visit to Cleveland and CMWorld. In case you have not registered yet (Seriously?) you still have time to register, use the code JC100 for $100 discount. 

What questions or tips would you add to the playbook?

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