It’s that time again! Social Media Week is here. Over 500 events in ten cities around the world – and 224 of them (including parties) in NYC alone, all in five days.  The real question is: how do you keep up with it all and tweet at the same time, when event planning, pacing and power bars aren’t enough? This is a marathon and calls for a twelve-step program:

1. Do your homework before you go. Figure out which events you want to attend – they’re all listed online.  (Yes, some of them are already full.)
2. Network, network, network.
3. Bring lots of business cards. If you run out or are running low, use the cardmunch app from LinkedIn. You don’t even have to collect business cards: take a snap shot with your phone.
4. Go to the parties, stay out way past your bedtime – and sleep in the next morning. You’d be surprised how much business gets done at night, and over drinks, so take advantage of it and …
5. Pace yourself – don’t get drunk. Nurse your drink. Singular. If you’re having a second, make sure it’s a nightcap, then leave.
6. Drink lots of water. Go easy on the 5-hour energy drink. Instead…
7. Power naps. Waaay underrated. You’re not running on empty: you’re recharged. Especially helpful if there’s an early session you want to attend the next day. You might actually make it! Seriously: nap for ½ an hour, before or after dinner.
8. Don’t skip meals – and never eat alone. Make plans to meet up with people, either before you go, or once you’re there.
9. Be social. Start conversations. ‘Hello,’ usually works. Do not launch into our pitch, should you run into an investor or potential mentor. Give it at least a little while. Have a conversation first. If you do launch into your pitch and see that it’s falling on deaf ears, give it a rest. If that person you’ve been waiting to talk to looks like they’re in a hurry to get somewhere, Do not launch into your pitch.  Introduce yourself, tell him/her you’d like to follow up at a later date, ask for their contact information – and follow up.
10. Have a wingman; don’t move in a pack. Divide and conquer is one thing, and with two, you cover more ground. In a pack? What if everyone wants to talk to the same investor/mentor/whatever? Instead of having that conversation, you may well find yourself gasping for air.
11. Follow up.

Good luck, be productive and above all – remember to have some fun while you’re at it – and have a great week!

Check out our helpful guide of some notable Social Media Week events in #TooManyGoodEvents – Social Media Week Guide.