CES 2017 Survival Tips

So you’re going to CES? Great! Me too. And I couldn’t be more excited about it. Thousands of tech enthusiasts crowded together in Vegas drooling over the latest and greatest that the tech community has to offer? Awards, speakers, parties … what’s not to love? I’ve been to CES my fair share of times and over the years I feel I’ve perfected my experience by following a few simple rules.

Here are my 6 must-follow rules for getting the most out of your week in the desert. If you have anything to add, please comment below! I’m all ears. Er. Eyes.

1. Moisturize

Underneath the glitz and the glam, Vegas is still a desert and if you don’t come prepared, she’ll suck you dry of all bodily moisture before you’ve even left the airport. If you plan to be anything other than a moving pile of dry skin and static hair, you better come prepared. Conditioner. ChapStick. Lotion. Eye drops. Whatever. Bring it all.

2. Hydrate

When I’m at CES, I like to be able to say “D-Link” without my tongue sticking to the roof of my mouth like it’s been dipped in peanut butter. Again, it’s dry in the desert. I know the days are crazy and the cocktails are delicious, but be sure to swallow some water every now and then too.

3. Sanitize

CES is a whirlwind of gadgets, yes. But also, CES is a whirlwind of germs. While you’re packed on the strip with 150,000 other germ vessels people, coughing, shaking hands, wiping noses and touching gadgets, it’s important to fight those germs with a little weapon I call hand sanitizer. Ok. Everyone calls it that. But, seriously. Wash your hands. A lot.  Getting sick at CES is a big old bummer.

4. Eat Something Green

When you’re running from meeting to meeting and event to event, you’re usually forced to eat on-the-go, which pretty much guarantees you’ll be scarfing pizza, hot dogs and other fast food for nearly a week straight. When I go to CES, I like to keep fresh fruit and/or something green on hand to give my stomach a break. If that’s not an option, might I suggest Tums?

5. Take Care of Your Feet

Wear comfortable shoes. Just do it. (See what I did there?) And add insoles. You’ll be walking a lot every day and perhaps dancing a lot (or at least something you hope resembles dancing) every night. There’s nothing worse than miserable feet. Repeat after me: I will wear comfortable shoes to CES. I will wear comfortable shoes to CES.

And because it’s the holidays and the holidays are about giving, here’s one extra tip that’s not so much for you as it is for everyone around you.

6. Freshen Your Breath

When you attend CES, you check your personal space bubble at the door. 150,000 people packed onto the Las Vegas strip is a recipe for close conversations. Also, people are tired at CES. Tired people means coffee. Coffee means coffee breath. Close conversations plus coffee breath means coffee breath in your face. Nobody likes a coffee-breathed close talker. Bring mints.

And that sums it up! We’ll see you there!