Getting the most out of a professional conference

What should I do to get the most out of the conference?

Dress professionally

Bring a friend or colleague

Read all you can about the presenters and sessions.  Go to their websites and blogs

Choose one session that you would not normally be interested in

Sit with people you do not know

Sit in a front seat for each session and be there early

Have a 30 second introduction of yourself.  Focus on two important things you do in your job.

Introduce yourself to anyone sitting next to you behind you and in front of you and ask them planned questions:

What brought you to the conference?

(and/or) What made you choose this session?

What have you enjoyed the most so far?

What do you do? (followed by) What is the most interesting part of your job?

Then and only then ask if you can connect with them on Linkedin (ask for a card or have them write their name on the back of yours) and give them a card.