Going to a day-long seminar or even a week-long conference? You need to be prepared to be away from your home base over a period of time, function appropriately within the conference environment, and stay healthy, well-fed, and alert throughout your experience. You also have to make sure you have the tools you need to access the instruction or information you will receive.

Well before you attend, you need to gather basic information about the event. Don't wait until the day before; you may find you need materials and supplies that you can't get at the last moment. Find out exactly where the seminar or conference is being held make sure you have specific, up-to-date directions to the facility. If you're coming in from out of town, either by plane or by car, consider renting a hotel or motel room for the night before, as close to the facility as possible, even if you're attending a single-day seminar. This way you'll be able to avoid a stressful, time-consuming commute the morning of the event.

Gather as much information as you can about the seminars, workshops, and speeches you will be attending. Make sure you have notebooks, pens, an audio recorder (if it's allowed; some seminar presenters don't allow their lectures to be taped) and audiotape, and any other appropriate supplies. Some seminars may allow you to take notes on your laptop, a great idea, but one that means you'll end up carrying your laptop all day long.

Maybe the seminar requires you to have special tools, like drafting tools or a business calculator. Ask ahead, and come prepared.

Will you need to communicate with your company during the day while you're attending a conference? You probably have a cell phone, but if not, or if for some odd reason you find yourself in a place where you can't get a signal, make sure you have a phone card on you. You may also need to access your email or voice mail, or connect with your company's website. Many conference and seminar facilities have both dial-up and broadband Internet access for its conference participants; check with the conference sponsor or the facility if you can. If they don't have this capability, chances are your hotel or motel will, especially if it caters to business clientele.

Try to find out what the food arrangements are. Some venues will offer lots of choices for lunch and for snacks, and some will not. If you're not sure of the meal arrangements, or if you have special dietary needs, bring some items of your own which can get you through the day. Also, make sure you've got enough cash on you to be able to go for lunch with fellow participants, if that's what is expected. Don't forget to pack a couple bottles of spring water; you need to keep hydrated to stay alert.

The day of the conference or seminar, get to the facility a little early so you can take time to orient yourself. Get a map of the facility and a schedule of events, if available, and check out the locations of classrooms and lecture halls, the rest rooms, any lunch facilities, phones, Internet connections, etc. Don't hesitate to ask questions or directions if you need to, and don't be afraid to ask what sorts of amenities and services the conference facility offers its participants. The conference facility is in business to serve your needs; take advantage of that fact.

Armed with the right supplies and some knowledge of how your day or week will unfold, you should be able to have a productive, enjoyable and comfortable experience at your seminar or conference.

Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for local and regional newspapers and for a number of Internet websites, including Tips and Topics. She expresses her opinions periodically on her blog, http://beyondagendas.blogspot.com She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com