We already downloaded the app—have you? Don't wait until you're about to get on the plane before you download the IMEX America 2017 app. Take some time while you still have it to develop your personalized schedule, figure out where everything is, map out your appointments, and check out all the educational offerings.

Between the travel, the dry desert air, and the dry air-conditioned air, you will need water. While bottled water tends to be plentiful, we still like to pack our own refillables—it's the green thing to do. 

Those heels may look lovely on those who spend their days sitting at a desk, but when we're hoofing around a show the size of IMEX America, we're packing flats.

OK, so maybe we won't always be wearing flats, especially to some of the more glamorous receptions. To prevent blisters, we like to apply moleskin patches on potential trouble areas. And we'll be packing our adhesive bandages and antibiotic ointment too, just in case. 

Whatever your energy drink of choice may be, stock up—you'll need that caffeine/sugar/wheatgrass extract/whatever keeps you going when you find yourself galloping down the aisle to make your next appointment.

You will shake hands—a lot of hands! We plan to lay in a good stock of hand sanitizer, and to make good use of the hand-sanitizer stations scattered around the Sands Convention Center.

While we have spent altogether too much time scheduling a gazillion appointments and know we'll be running hard for the duration of the show, we also are packing our curiosity and are looking forward to meeting new people and encountering new, potentially game-changing ideas.