10 tips to get ready for FabCon + SQLCon Europe

10 tips to get ready for FabCon + SQLCon Europe

The European Microsoft Fabric + SQL Community Conference is nearly here, so we’ve pulled together a few things worth knowing before you head to Barcelona. From getting your agenda sorted to making sure you have enough room for all that conference swag, here are our 10 recommendations to ensure you’re ready for a great week!

But first things first: let everyone know you’re coming! Use the FabCon + SQLCon Europe social badge creator to make your own personalised badge, then show your excitement by sharing it with your network.

Download the conference app 📱

If you haven’t already, get the conference app downloaded before you arrive. It’s the best way to stay up to date with session schedules and conference updates, but there’s plenty more going on in there too.

How? Download the “Cvent Event” from your app store and search for European Microsoft Fabric + SQL Community Conference.

Introduce yourself, see what other attendees are talking about and drop the organisers a question if there’s anything you need to know. You’ll also find exclusive Barcelona deals in the app, which might come in handy once you escape the conference centre.

Get your agenda ready 📅

There’s a lot happening across FabCon + SQLCon Europe, so have a look through the sessions before you arrive and start building your agenda. Pick out the ones you really don’t want to miss and keep a few backups in mind too.

Just remember that adding a session to your agenda doesn’t guarantee you a seat. All sessions are first come, first served, so make sure you arrive early for your top picks.

It’s also worth leaving a few gaps in your schedule. You’ll want some time to wander around the expo hall, grab a coffee and see where the day takes you.

Pack an adapter and a portable charger ⚡

Not the most exciting items on the packing list, but we think they are potentially two of the most useful!

If you’re travelling from somewhere that doesn’t use Type C European Plugs, make sure you bring an adapter. A portable charger is a good shout too, especially when your phone is handling the conference app, messages, photos, maps and everything else all day.

Don’t forget the sunscreen ☀️

We know, sunscreen probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you’re packing for a Microsoft conference.

But we’re heading to Barcelona, the conference centre is right by the beach, and we’re hoping for plenty of sunshine. Pack the sunscreen, and let’s manifest a sun-filled week!

Wear comfortable shoes 👟

Anyone who’s been to a big conference before will know that getting your 10,000 steps a day goal is pretty easy! Between sessions, the expo hall and whatever you get up to afterwards, your step count can climb pretty quickly.

Bring shoes you already know you can comfortably spend all day in (and maybe pack some plasters, just in case!).

Leave some room for swag 👕

It’s a familiar story… you arrive with a neatly packed suitcase, spend a few days collecting swag and then realise you somehow have to get it all home.

Do yourself a favour and leave a little extra room. When you are packing for your return flight, you will appreciate it.

Plan your journey before you travel ✈️

If you’re flying into Barcelona, have a quick look at how you’re getting from the airport to your hotel before you leave home. Whether you’re using public transport, taking a taxi or arranging something else, it’s much easier to know the plan before you land with a suitcase in tow.

Check your route from the hotel to the conference centre at the same time. You don’t need a minute-by-minute itinerary, just an idea of where you’re going and how long it’s likely to take.

Pick up your badge early 🎟️

Here’s an easy way to make Day 1 a little smoother: take advantage of early registration and pick up your badge the night before.

You’ll get one job ticked off the list, avoid the registration queues the next morning and have a chance to get your bearings before everything gets busy. Then on Day 1, you can just turn up and get going.

Make some time for Barcelona 😍

We have a packed few days planned for you, but try not to spend your entire trip inside the conference centre. You’ve come all the way to Barcelona, after all.

If you’ve got a free evening, you’re arriving early or you’ve added an extra day onto your trip, get out and explore. Not sure where to start? Have a read of our Top Attractions in Barcelona guide for some ideas.

Come ready to meet people 🤝

There’s more to FabCon + SQLCon Europe than sessions. With thousands of people from across the Fabric and SQL communities in one place, it’s a pretty good opportunity to meet people you might normally only see online.

Chat to the person sitting next to you, spend time meeting our sponsors, attend Expo Drinks at the end of Day 1, join the conversations in the conference app and get involved in the networking activities happening throughout the week.

If you really want to make the most of it, join us for Party Night. It’s a chance to switch off after a busy day of sessions, have some fun and get to know fellow attendees away from the conference rooms.

See you in Barcelona! 💪

If you tick off these 10 things in advance, you will be ready to go as soon as Day 1 comes around in Barcelona. Get the app downloaded, have a look through the sessions, work out how you’re getting around and find that European adapter that you’re sure is in a drawer somewhere.

See you in Barcelona!