The Payroll Conference is a great opportunity to learn new things and connect with others, but like any conference experience, it can be overwhelming – especially for those of us feeling a little out of sorts post-pandemic.
Conferences, in general, take us out of our routines – from eating, sleeping, and fitness routines, to constant interaction with people. It can be emotionally and mentally draining.
To help you get the most out of your conference experience while supporting your wellness, we put together some tips and event reminders to help keep you organized and feeling good.
Tip #1 Arrive early
This year’s Payroll Conference in-person events are taking place at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre from June 8-10. To avoid pre-conference stress, give yourself some extra time to get checked in and pick up your conference badge.
Tip #2 Plan ahead
Planning out your conference experience will help you to stay organized and stress-free. Don’t wait until you’re at the conference to plan your activities – start early. If you have key events and sessions you want to be sure you make it to, it’s best to prioritize them first.
If there is anyone you want to network with, try to get in touch with them before the conference to make plans ahead of time.
If you'd like to catch any of Avanti's presentations, here's a list of our events:
Wednesday, June 8th, 11:35 am
Product Demo: Avanti Reporting
Product Demo Theatre, Tradeshow Floor
Join Avanti’s Sales Manager, Karman Gill for an in-depth product demonstration covering reporting workflows in the Avanti experience.
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Thursday, June 9th, 8:10 am
Executive Panel Discussion & Breakfast
In this panel discussion, Avanti’s co-CEO, Amin Lalani will join executives from ADP, APA, and CIPP, to discuss policies facing remote and cross-border employment trends and how remote work has become the new normal.
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Friday, June 10th, 11:15 am
”The Missing Middle”
Presented by: Amin Lalani & David Owen Cord, Co-CEOs, Avanti
Payroll practices, technology, and trends are often focused on small businesses or large enterprises. But what about middle-market companies? Join Amin Lalani and Dave Owen-Cord, Avanti’s co-CEOs as they explore the unique payroll needs and challenges of mid-market Canadian businesses and share insight on how the right technology can help.
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Friday, June 10th, 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
Keynote Speaker, Susan Aglukark
Sponsored by Avanti
Susan will share about her path from growing up in small-town Nunavut to becoming a household name across Canada. She speaks of empowerment and the importance of self-respect, respecting others, and how this can lead to a much healthier, happier life.
Tip #3 Eat well
This is not the time to throw healthy eating habits out the window. You don’t need to overplan, but plotting out a few meal options in advance will help you avoid the frustration that can come out of trying to find somewhere and something to eat. Find out where food will be served. Scope out a few options near your hotel. Pack a few snacks, just in case.
If you need a health pick-me-up on June 9th and 10th, visit the Wellness Lounge sponsored by Avanti. There will be smoothies.
Tip #4 Carve out time to move
Without a doubt, you’ll be getting your steps in over the course of the conference, but if you’re used to doing more or in need of more energy, take a moment to fit in physical activity.
- Check out a local gym
- Go for a swim at your hotel
- Take a walk around the Falls
- Visit the Wellness Lounge for private meditation or stretching
- Stream a workout in your room
Any of these activities will be sure to help boost your energy levels, reduce stress, and elevate your mood.
Tip #5 Recharge your batteries
For some people, “being on” for extended periods of time is exhausting. It’s totally normal to lose steam at busy events. To avoid fatigue, be sure to plan small windows of time to be alone or to have a breather.
If you’re on-site at the conference on June 9th and 10th, be sure to visit the Wellness Lounge sponsored by Avanti. We will have massage chairs and private, curtained-off meditation spots for you to unwind and relax.
And definitely plan on doing a little sightseeing. Conferences are a great way to see different cities, and exploring is a good way to fit in a little bit of downtime.
Tip #6 Stay hydrated
This one’s pretty obvious, but staying hydrated is key. Dehydration depletes your energy levels and can cause headaches. When in doubt (or running around at a busy conference), practice the 8X8 rule. Eight ounces of water, eight times per day. Keep a water bottle with you and keep refilling. Your body and brain will thank you.
Tip #7 Get some ZZZs
Your typical sleep schedule will most certainly be disrupted while you’re at the conference, but there are ways you can make your sleep as restful as possible.
- Drift off with a meditation or sleep app
- Keep your room cool and dark
- Try using a relaxing eye mask (you can get one at the Avanti booth on June 8!)
- Breathe in a relaxing essential oil like Lavender
Be sure to scan your badge at the Avanti booth to be automatically entered into a draw to win a Saje essential oil diffuser.
Additional Reading:
Meet you at the conference!
We’re so looking forward to reconnecting with everyone and excited about all the great speakers and topics being explored at this year’s event. In the meantime, we’ve created a list of curated content just for you.
