Africa’s biggest Social Media event, SMW Lagos 2018 already kicked off yesterday, February 26 and we’re so excited that you are attending! SMW can be overwhelming even for people who’ve been there a few times. We gathered some tips from SMW veterans that will prepare you to have the best SMW experience possible!
How to manage the overload
A good day at SMW isn’t going to turn out how you first planned, but it is a good idea to have an outline of what you want to accomplish: a few panels, a few parties, a few people you want to meet with. Start with your plan, but embrace serendipity.
Do check out the Interactive pavillion. Use it to take a break between sessions. You’ll discover all kinds of upstart innovations and cool people.
If there is a session you really want to attend you might have to arrive extra early to secure your place in line. Even confirmed RSVPs become void at 15 minutes before a session’s scheduled start time.
Kindly remember that SMW staff are not permitted to grant entry permission to anyone for closed or full capacity sessions.
Always have a back-up plan in case you can’t get into your Plan A Sessom. You can easily waste an entire day if you don’t have a couple of options.
What to bring, carry and wear
SMW is about what you can do, not what you wear. Don’t feel the need to overdress. Wear what makes you comfortable. Personal style and swagger is what makes you authentic and memorable.
You don’t need massive print outs of your schedule or tickets — all this information is available via the app and there are information kiosks and volunteers to help you everywhere.
Personal Wi-Fi devices are nice to bring if you have one, as there typically are a lot of people on the free Wi-Fi and it can slow down.
Don’t bring everything you own to the sessions. It’s crowded. Take notes on your phone or tablet and leave your laptop at home if possible. Also remember to pack at least one phone battery that you keep
Where to eat
Start the day with a big meal at home. While some days we offer complementary light breakfast, the food can finish quicker than we can serve.
Pack lunch or snacks. While there are a few restaurants close by they can be somewhat pricey… But hey if that’s your thing carry on! (If you must chop fancy lunch every day you might want to upgrade and invest in the SMW Executive VIP badge!)
Water and soft drinks are available at the venue
Final word of advice – With so much going on, you’re going to miss out on stuff. Get OK with that, put your happy face on and live and learn in the moment… and above all HAVE FUN!
The Venue: Landmark Event Center
Plot 2&3, Water Corporation Road, Victoria Island Annex, Eti-Osa, Oniru
Lagos, Nigeria
