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What would you say to someone who's considering attending ENGAGE for the first time?

I look forward to attending ENGAGE every year because it is the best opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by other like-minded users of Smartsheet, so here's what I would say to first time attenders.

Get out of your shell and talk to and connect with as many other attenders and employees as you can. Coming from a fellow introvert, it can be uncomfortable, but networking and sharing ideas with others is one of the main highlights of ENGAGE for me every year. I still have many connections that I got from my first ENGAGE experience.

Following up on that, don't feel like you have to fill up your calendar all day long with breakout sessions. While I do highly recommend going to breakout sessions that interest you, prioritize going to all the booths on the main floor talk to as many booths as possible, ask questions, complain (they actually really love honest feedback), and just learn and take in as much as you can.

Last but certainly not least, wear good shoes! If you're not from the area, you'll likely want to do a little sight seeing as well. But even if you don't you'll be on your feet a lot going to and from sessions, keynotes, meetups, etc. I get more steps in the few days that I'm there than most days throughout the year, so being comfortable is really important, so don't neglect it.

If you're on the fence, just do it. Honestly, it's the best conference I've been to and there are so many great people there eager to assist and guide you in discovering ways to problem solve that you may have never even thought of.

What would you say to someone who's considering attending ENGAGE for the first time?

Engage is the Beyoncé concert of my calendar – a highlight that leaves me wondering, "Can life get any better than this?" Whether you're Smartsheet's new best friend or a seasoned user like me, this conference is like a buffet of brain food.

For the rookies, brace yourself. There are more educational sessions than you can shake a spreadsheet at. It's like trying to choose your favorite ice cream flavor – impossible. As for us veterans, we're like kids in a candy store on the exhibition floor. Picture me sidling up to Smartsheet wizards, asking them the most arcane questions just to test their magical lore.

But let's get real, this isn't just a conference – it's a love affair with a product. Engage is my once-a-year chance to truly geek out about Smartsheet, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts who understand the joy of a perfectly executed formula. It's the Woodstock of project management, minus the mud and with a lot more Wi-Fi.

So, whether you're a spreadsheet novice or a cell-reference whisperer, Engage is the place to be. Come for the knowledge, stay for the community, and leave with a brain buzzing like it just attended a rock concert – because, in the world of project management, Smartsheet Engage is the headliner.

The ENGAGE conference is a center for energy, creativity, and curiosity like no other. Be prepared to learn and be inspired by problem solvers from all over the world and across industries. Attending ENGAGE and connecting with users and product specialists gave me the confidence, tools, and community to tackle what seemed like insurmountable process challenges.

After attending 2 ENGAGE conferences, here's my advice. Make sure to:

Start a 'Smartsheet Optimization Projects' grid for yourself BEFORE the conference.

Fill the grid out throughout the conference, note any presenters or contacts that inspired this optimization. This way, when you get back you can jump right to prioritize and apply all that you've learned.

Bring your favorite Smartsheet outfit, grid patterns encouraged. Sneakers a must.

Throwback to my first ENGAGE grid-fit:

Bring your whole self.

The Smartsheet community is a strong and supportive one. I've found the community to be super welcoming and inclusive. Make sure to setup your Smartsheet Community profile ahead of time to help stay connected afterwards. Along the same lines, screenshot your Linkedin profile QR code connecting on the fly. Folks are so excited to meet you and hear how Smartsheet gives your team more time to do meaningful work. I love checking in with my fellow Smartsheet fans. ENGAGE will be a great place to meet.

What would I say? GO! Don't even consider not attending because it's the very best conference you will ever attend!

Seriously - I've attended my fair share of conferences, and ENGAGE is by far the biggest bang for your buck. You not only have very informative keynote sessions but also individual breakouts that are full of interactive learning without the talking heads you normally find. Add the Hub, where you can engage (see what I did there?) with the Smartsheet team to ask questions, learn how to find solutions for your projects and see what is in the works for enhancements. Oh, and the best part? SWAG!!

No, that's not the best part. You will make friends for life! Who doesn't want to be in a room full of Smartnerds like yourself?! It is truly the best!

What would you say to someone who's considering attending ENGAGE for the first time?

1. GO! Don't think about it, just Go!
2. You will judge all other conferences against the Engage Conference from now on.
3. Bring Comfortable Shoes - you'll be standing and talking to EVERYONE.... a LOT
4. Bring a bigger suitcase than you think you need.... You'll be bringing home swag
5. Bring your laptop, notebook, etc. You will LEARN a TON of new tips and tricks.
6. Plan to be so energized that you spend the evenings updating your sheets with all the new tips and tricks that you learned.... but....
7. don't miss the parties - they're awesome :-)