With more than 80 ASUG sessions and hundreds more hosted by SAP, it can be a little intimidating for a first-timer at SAP TechEd Las Vegas (October 2-5). What should you do? What should you absolutely not miss?

ASUG member and volunteer, Tammy Powlas, has some tips to help you get the most from this event.

First of all, SAP TechEd is where developers, technologists, and a variety of other SAP professionals can learn about what’s new and strategic at SAP.

If you’re not a first-timer, perhaps you haven’t attended the conference for several years? I thought I would share some suggestions that both veterans and first-timers would appreciate.

Tip 1: Start planning your agenda.

There are so many sessions that I recommend starting to plan your week now. Search the session catalog by keyword or filter by technology, session type, or technical level to find what’s just right for you. Have some backup sessions in mind, in case your first-choice session is full.

I always make time for the ASUG Pre-Conference Seminars, which will take place on October 1 this year, as ASUG always offers customer-driven content.

Tip 2: So, I actually haven’t registered yet. Is it too late?

SAP has a convince your boss letter you can download today. It might help to explain that you will be a greater asset to your organization by attending SAP’s largest user conference.

Tip 3: Pack a sweater.

Yes, I know. Las Vegas can be warm outside. It may be 100+ degrees in the desert. But inside the convention center, it is always cold. So pack an extra sweater and carry it with you.

Tip 4: Bring a reusable water container.

This tip came to me years ago from fellow ASUG volunteer/SAP Mentor Jim Spath. In case SAP doesn’t offer bottled water, you will be able to find water to fill up your container at various stops on the show floor and outside ASUG sessions.

Tip 5: Wear comfortable shoes.

Depending on where you are going, it can be a long walk. One year, an attendee told me they got 17,000 steps in just by walking around the conference floor and to and from their hotel.

Tip 6: Keep a SAP TechEd report along the way.

After each session, write down a few things you learned and want to follow up on afterward, once you get back home.

Tip 7: Complete the feedback survey immediately after attending a session.

Speakers depend on your feedback to improve and value what you have to say. Help them get better next time as a way to thank them for sharing their knowledge with you.

Tip 8: Consider attending an October 1 ASUG Pre-Conference Seminar.

Time is running out to register for these full-day and half-day seminars that will happen onsite the day before the event kicks off. I am most familiar with this hands-on workshop, which relates to my day-to-day work: Data Visualization and Dashboards with SAP Analytics Cloud and App Design with SAP Analytics Cloud. In this particular session, participants will work directly with SAP Analytics Cloud and its app-building features, in combination with SAP Business Warehouse and SAP HANA, to create a variety of dashboards using on-premise and cloud-based data sources. And there are plenty more sessions that could help you learn some new things to bring back to work.

Tip 9: Power? Where can I find it?

Sometimes it is hard to find power to keep your devices charged, so I recommend packing a portable power strip.

Tip 10: Get in on the conversation in social media.

You can follow the hashtags #SAPTechEd, as well as @ASUG365 and @SAPTechEd.

Tip 11: Don’t forget to fit in some exercise.

Yes, you will be walking a lot. But you will thank yourself later if you wake up early and head outside to walk the Las Vegas Strip or join your SAP peers for the Wednesday 5K Fun Run/Walk.

Tip 12: When you return home, don’t forget to report your professional development units (PDUs) to your appropriate professional organization.

Depending on your certifications, you may be able to count your time at SAP TechEd toward earning PDUs or continuing professional education (CPE) credits. It’s worked for me.

I hope these tips are helpful for you and that you decide not to miss this year’s SAP TechEd. I’ll see you there.

Don't forget to register for SAP TechEd today. You can also join us for hands-on training and a deep dive into topics such as  data security, cloud strategies, and SAP S/4HANA at an ASUG pre-conference seminar.