eWomenNetwork’s Annual Conference, ICON, is less than 30 days away. This article will help you begin your preparation now with clarity and intention. And best of all, the tips that we’re sharing today are universal and apply to any conference you might have on your horizon.

There are several reasons why we love preparing at the 30-day mark, but the most important is that it gives you plenty of lead time, allowing you to walk in feeling ready, clear, and energized. Remember, you don’t need to have everything perfectly planned; you just need to have a plan! .

Here is a list of what to do to get ready for a business conference around 30 days before you attend. We’ll have a follow-up blog post in a few weeks with last-minute prep ideas. 

Set Your Intention and Conference Goals

Before you fill in your calendar, pause and ask: What do I want this experience to do for me or my business?

Do you want to:

• Grow your network? 

• Gain clarity on a specific part of your brand? 

• Feel inspired to level up in Q4? 

• Make a bold ask or pitch? 

You don’t need to have it all figured out. But setting one or two clear intentions will help you filter the noise and focus on what matters to you. 

Try It Out: Write down your top two conference goals and keep them visible either on your phone screen, in your journal, or pinned to your mirror.

This is the perfect time to refresh, not reinvent. Review your current brand assets and make sure they reflect who you are today. 

• Business cards (yes, they still matter) 

• About section of your website 

• Social media bios that clearly communicate who you serve 

• A simple, natural intro that feels like how you’d talk in person 

Try It Out: Schedule a 90-minute “brand check-in” this week. Get your business cards re-ordered, update your bio, and polish your intro so it feels clear and confident. 

Reach Out to People You Want to Connect With

Now is the time to start making soft connections. If there are speakers, peers, or fellow members you want to meet, reach out before the event.

Making these pre-connections helps the room feel smaller and gives you a few familiar faces to look forward to. 

Try It Out: Make a list of five people you’d love to meet or reconnect with. Reach out to one or two each week leading up to the event. If you’re attending ICON, don’t forget to download the ICON App! 

Start Gathering What You’ll Need to Bring

Now is the time to start your packing list. Doing it in chunks over the next few weeks helps avoid last-minute stress. 

Essentials to consider:

• Business cards 

• Comfortable shoes 

• Notebook and pens 

• Cell phone chargers and portable battery packs 

• A few easy-to-layer outfits 

• Water bottle, mints, snacks for the hotel fridge, and anything that helps you feel at ease 

Try It Out: Create a checklist in your notes app or planner and start laying things out now. You’ll thank yourself later.

Prepare Your Clients, Team, and Calendar

Showing up fully present at a conference starts with knowing your business is supported while you're away. 

It doesn’t matter how large or small your team is; this step is key. 

Let clients know early. A quick heads-up via email or at your next meeting gives them time to plan around your schedule. 

Lighten your calendar. Avoid overbooking the days right before and after the conference. Block buffer time for rest, follow-ups, or unpacking your takeaways.

Communicate with your team or support system. Share your travel schedule, what’s truly urgent, and what can wait until you return. If you’re solo, set up an out-of-office autoresponder or plan one day for quick check-ins. 

Try It Out: Choose one day this week to communicate your plans to clients or your team. You’ll walk into the event with far more ease. 

Prime Your Energy, Not Just Your Outfit

It’s easy to get caught up in what to wear or what to say, but your energy is what people remember most. 

In these final weeks before ICON:

• Prioritize rest 

• Move your body 

• Block off a day to reset before you travel 

Take a moment to journal about how you want to feel at the conference, not just what you want to achieve

Try It Out: Each week, do one small thing to support your nervous system. You’re investing in the version of you that will walk confidently into the room. 

Consider Scheduling Any Pre-Conference Self-Care

While it’s absolutely not required, many women feel more confident when they take a little time to freshen up before a big event. If that’s you, now’s the time to think ahead. 

Confidence is often about energy, not appearance. But if there are simple things you like to do to help you feel more like your most prepared self, make the space for them. 

Consider if a hair appointment, a manicure, or a quick facial will help you feel more polished. If so, make your appointments now before schedules fill up. 

Try It Out: Don’t wait until the last minute! Take a look at your calendar and book anything now that you’ll wish you’d scheduled the week before the event. 

Remember, The Best Way to Prepare Is to Be Present

You don’t have to do everything perfectly to be ready. You just need to show up present, open, and clear about why you’re there. 

This 30-day window is your opportunity to build momentum, not just to “check all the boxes,” but to walk into a conference grounded, confident, and ready to connect, collaborate, and celebrate. 

Want more advice on how to grow your business?  Join eWomenNetwork, the #1 Business Community for Women Entrepreneurs, and learn how to grow your business with the support of like-minded women!