The Orange Conference is a terrific opportunity for big next steps in your ministry, but few consider preparation a fundamental step for a successful experience. Here are five tips to help you squeeze every drop out of the Orange Conference this year!

Prepare Physically 

Registration for The Orange Conference 2017 opens October 13.  If you purchase your ticket opening day, you save money and get Insider First Access to Breakouts. We all love saving money, but what you may not realize is that breakouts fill up fast and with First Access, you get the best deal!

After you purchase your ticket, you’ll want to figure out transportation and which hotel or AirBnB you will use. To continue preparing physically, you may want to consider the purchase of an external battery for your phone, trying on some new orange shoes, and drinking a Crush Soda.

Prepare Mentally  

You will most likely be taking off work to attend this midweek conference, so prepare to be away. Complete your work for the days you’ll be gone as well as get ahead a few days so that once you return you can process what you learned and plan for the future. You need to build in mental margin so that you are ready to both receive and digest new information. If you have a large project you’re working on or a application-heavy book you’re reading, get to a stopping point before you head to Atlanta so your mind can set that aside and focus on why you’re there. Read through the brochures and breakout descriptions now so that you can prepare yourself for the content that will be coming your way.

Prepare Emotionally 

To squeeze every drop out of the Orange Conference you need to be fully present. Schedule quality and quantity time with your family before your departure, even if they will be attending with you. If separated from your family, let your spouse know when you will be available to FaceTime and set those appointments into your calendar. If you find yourself going into the conference emotionally drained then you may want to schedule some down time for yourself and quiet time with God. At the conference you will laugh, cry, and worship, so prepare yourself emotionally for these times.

Prepare Socially

Begin today by following #OC17 on your favorite social media. This will be a great way to connect with speakers, bloggers, and the Orange community! Consider updating your profile and snapping a recent photo so that people will recognize you when they bump into you in the coffee line. Schedule a meal or two with your online community and make sure you prepare quality questions to make the most of these opportunities. You will be surprised at how much you can learn and grow when you prepare socially for the conference.

Prepare Spiritually

One of the most important questions you can ask in preparation is, “Father, what do you want to teach me?” Ask the Spirit to guide your breakout selection and for Him to open your heart to what you need to hear. Know that the conference schedule is packed, but this does not mean that you need to be at everything. Even Jesus withdrew from the crowds to be with His Father.

Whether this is your first Orange Conference or if you’ve been there since the beginning, take some time to fully prepare so that you can squeeze every drop from this year’s Orange Conference!