Hello, #AVtweeps. Nothing says crunch time like a trade show in exactly! one! week! If you’re like me and feel like you’re running around like a crazy person, never fear. Here is the list of what you should be working to finish and accomplish before ISE begins in Barcelona next week. Relax. Take a deep breath. Try not to be overwhelmed and work to knock out that checklist thing by thing.

• Start packing. I really never take my own advice on this one, but the earlier you start packing, the better. At least start creating your packing list (or you can borrow ours) and pull out your suitcase from wherever it is. I always pack my biggest and clunkiest suitcase to check on the way to Europe. This is also a good time to make sure you know where all your necessary documents are. Passports, vaccine card (even though you do not technically need this to get into Europe, it’s still a good idea to bring it), etc.
• Speaking of which, have you gotten your flight in order? Do you know what time your flight, your airport transportation and how much it’ll cost to check your bag? Sometimes I go ahead and pay the checked bag fee ahead of time to save the headache!
• Familiarize yourself with the show floor map. ISE may be easier to navigate at its new home in the Fira, but I still like to familiarize myself with all the halls, tech zones, where all the bathrooms are, etc. This is also a crucial time to go through your calendar and check where your meetings are. Do you have a meeting in Hall 2 at 3 and one in Hall 6 at 3:15? Now’s a good time to make any necessary changes. You can also download the app!
• Any manufacturers throwing a party or gathering you’re looking forward to attending? Now is the time to get that figured out and make sure your calendar is cleared in the evening that you want to go.
• Your restaurant checklist. Sometimes Europe can be a little bit confusing (Yes, this is a very American thing to say. I am sorry)! I always like to just have a few restaurants noted in my Notes app that are near my hotel — if I’m hungry in a pinch, I don’t want to have to spend a ton of time figuring out where to go.
• Speaking of which, are you familiar with your hotel? What neighborhood in Barcelona it’s in? How you’ll get to the Fira each day? A great thing about Barcelona is its transit system. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the different transit lines if you’re utilizing them as show transportation. ISE provides a free four-day transit card with your show floor pass, so I would use it if I were you!

That’s all for your one-week check-in. Will I see you on the show floor? Let me know! Also, if you’re looking to truly live on the edge and get a last-minute show floor pass, I’ve got you. Register here and use code “raveeurope” for your free ticket to the show.

See you in Barcelona!