October is approaching and now comes the slightly difficult part - deciding how to fit everything into two days. 

A little preparation will make a difference but perhaps don't plan every minute. Here are eight things worth considering before you arrive. 

1. Download the event app before you arrive 

Do this one at home. Thousands of people trying to use mobile data inside a busy venue is rarely the moment you want to be downloading anything. Having the app ready means you can check sessions, speakers and timings as you move around the show.

Download the app

2. Choose your non-negotiables 

Pick the sessions you do not want to miss and build your day around them. Trying to attend everything will only leave you sprinting between theatres. A few priorities give your day structure without locking you into it. 

3. Then leave some gaps 

Give yourself time to follow a recommendation, stay behind after a good session or walk into a theatre because the content catches your eye. Your agenda can change once you're there. 

4. Turn a challenge from practice into a conversation 

Rather than walking the exhibition floor without a particular aim, arrive with something you are trying to solve. It might be access, workforce, workflow, digital systems or another challenge entirely. Ask exhibitors what they would do about it, compare answers and see what is relevant to your setting. 

5. Talk to the person next to you 

Networking does not need to mean formal introductions and business cards. Ask somebody what they thought of the session. Find out what their practice is doing differently. Compare notes over coffee. Our delegate feedback repeatedly reminds us that conversations with peers are one of the most valuable parts of the event. 

6. Chat to the speakers while they're in the room 

A 30 or 45-minute session cannot cover everything. If something is particularly relevant to your practice, ask the question. Speakers are joining us because they want to share their expertise and experiences. 

7. Venture beyond your usual subject area 

If you spend most of your day in clinical theatres, try Smart Practice or Neighbourhood Delivery. If management and operations are your usual territory, sit in on something clinical or practical. The session furthest from your original plan may give you an idea you can use elsewhere. 

8. Decide what is coming home with you 

Before leaving each day, take five minutes to note the ideas worth remembering. Better still, share them with somebody from your team when you return. Two days of notes are considerably less useful if they never make it beyond your inbox. 

Most importantly, enjoy being away from the day-to-day for a little while. Come with questions, leave some room for curiosity and make the two days count.