Are you heading to Inman Connect 2018 in New York? With thousands of the brightest professionals in the business and hundreds of opportunities to learn the latest, it can be challenging to create a game plan to get the most out of each day.

If you are new to ICNY this year, you might benefit from a few easy-to-remember tips and tricks. If you’re a seasoned ICNY veteran, you are probably trying to “up your game.”

So, how can you make the most of ICNY? Here are seven steps to ensure a great ICNY 2018 experience:

Before you head for the airport, install the ICNY 18 app on your smart phone. Inman provides the best app of any conference.

The app includes a directory of attendees, a list of speakers, social media connections and a seemingly endless list of all sessions and events.

You need the app.

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Once you download the app, make sure you include all of the sessions you want to attend before you go. Inman Connect has so many great sessions, it can be hard to choose — but choose you must.

Nothing in real estate is harder than taking time off. Your buyers and sellers come to rely on you and don’t always understand when you are not available, or heaven forbid, out of town.

It’s not easy, but look for ways to inform those around you that you need this time to “sharpen the saw.”

Set your out of office message on email and your outgoing message on voice mail. Your goal should be to be present — not handling business from a different city.

I have seen some of the most outgoing people “turn introvert” when they get with a big crowd. Having attended multiple Inman Connect events, I can assure you that these are some of the nicest people in the country.

Make it a point to sit next to people you have never met. Introduce yourself, have fun, exchange business cards and make a lasting connection with that person sitting next to you who is also committed to this great business.

Exchange ideas today and maybe referrals tomorrow.

When you actively participate by asking questions and offering ideas, you impart information that can help others improve or even imagine a better future.

I have personally benefitted from the insights of others in the audience many times.

Two years ago, I was inspired by a real estate professional who had great success with social media, specifically Twitter. Your voice matters, and you never know what spark you will ignite in others.

Are you an influencer? Well, thanks to the ICNY 18 app and multiple social media channels, you can be. Share your thoughts (and photos) about that great session you just attended.

Use the #ICNY hashtag on Twitter to share that sage advice or memorable quote.

Bonus: Twitter recently expanded from 140 to 280 characters, so there is even more reason to share your latest insights.

When most people think of innovating, they think of technology. No doubt, there is plenty of tech to be seen in the Partner Showcase and Startup Alley.

Set aside time to see the latest in marketing and tech. Meet the partners and get a wealth of ideas about how you can leverage today’s tech to tune-up your business.

Do you ever pick up great ideas at events only to go back to your daily routine without implementing them?

You can easily leave ICNY with pages of notes and action items. Make sure you pick your top three or five to focus on — then incorporate them into your business and see results.

One last thing — insulate. Having lived only in Southern California and Houston, Texas, I don’t always remember to bring heavy winter clothes.

Be sure to pack for cold weather just in case you want to explore what New York City has to offer.

Do you have more tips? Share them in the comments section below or on Twitter at #ICNY.

Marvin Stone serves as senior vice president, business integration for Stewart Title Guaranty Company. Connect with him on Twitter.

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