Headed to INBOUND this year? Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, this quick episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline is packed with practical tips to help you make the most of HubSpot’s annual conference (now in a brand-new location: San Francisco)!
Emily and Maryanne share everything they’ve learned from past INBOUND experiences, including:
If you're attending INBOUND, this episode is your go-to prep guide. And if you're not? Tune in anyway, because, chances are, a big industry event is in your future, and these tips still apply.
If you’ve never been, think of INBOUND as part conference, part spectacle. It's a massive gathering of sales and marketing professionals with sessions led by thought leaders, major product announcements, comedian keynotes, and more. This year marks a special twist: the event is moving from Boston to San Francisco for the first time.
Emily and Maryanne attended last year and were so impressed, they’re returning this time with their whole team. Whether you’re going solo or bringing colleagues, the key to success is preparation.
Before you get swept up in sessions and swag, ask yourself: What’s my goal for attending INBOUND?
Are you there to network?
Learn the latest about HubSpot?
Explore partnerships or sales opportunities?
Being clear on your goals can help you make decisions about how to spend your time (and how to divide and conquer if you’re attending with a team).
Use the INBOUND app. The app lets you:
Register for sessions
Book brain dates (more on that below)
Access the full agenda and speaker info
Sessions fill up quickly, so the sooner you build your schedule, the better.
Book meetings ahead of time. If there are people you want to connect with (clients, partners, vendors) reach out now and get something on the calendar. INBOUND is busy, and spontaneity is not your friend.
Yes, there will be some teams wearing costumes and making a statement, but you don’t have to.
Comfort is key:
Dress in layers: The conference center can be chilly.
Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll rack up serious steps.
Bring your best “casual professional” outfit: INBOUND often offers professional headshots (perfect for freshening up your LinkedIn profile).
Some of the best value at INBOUND happens between the sessions:
Stick around after a keynote. Many speakers linger after they present. It’s the perfect chance to introduce yourself, ask a question, or thank them for their insight.
Explore the Expo Hall. Learn about new tools, watch product demos, and scoop up giveaways. It’s also a great place to discover new app integrations and ideas you hadn’t considered.
Two networking goldmines at INBOUND:
Brain Dates: These are topic-based meetups you can schedule in advance or join on the fly. Whether you're a HubSpot power user or a first-time marketer, there's a brain date for you.
Tap-to-Connect Badges: Every attendee wears a smart badge that allows you to share contact info with a simple tap. It makes swapping business cards easier than ever.
Pro tip: Don’t let the packed schedule keep you from connecting with your own team. Plan to regroup over lunch or dinner to compare notes.
INBOUND is huge. It can be overwhelming (even for experienced attendees). Emily and Maryanne suggest going in with the mindset that you won’t do it all, and that’s okay. Prioritize what matters most to your goals, build in time to recharge, and stay open to spontaneous moments.
The LeadG2 team will be there, and we’d love to meet you! Reach out on LinkedIn to connect with Emily and Maryanne in advance, or keep an eye out for our team on site.
And if you’re planning your first trip to INBOUND, we hope these tips help you turn what could be a whirlwind into a meaningful, memorable experience.