Going to eBay Open 2018? Read and save this handy checklist!
So you’re getting ready to head for Las Vegas to attend eBay Open 2018, July 24-26 at Mandalay Bay. It’s the seller event of the year. Three chock-full days of nonstop eBay education, information, and inspiration. The event features:
- General sessions keynoted by eBay executives.
- Workshops by eBay team leaders.
- Panels led by top sellers.
- Networking with your peers.
- Food, festivities, and eBay fellowship!
Plan ahead NOW, in order to make the most of this annual seller celebration.
Plan Ahead To Get The Most From Attending eBay OPEN!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED MOST!
◊ Comfortable walking shoes
You’ll cover a lot of ground during this conference — in more ways than one — including Mandalay Bay’s miles of marble-floored corridors.
◊ Sweater, shawl, or hoodie
Convention meeting rooms get chilly!
◊ Water Bottle
You’re in the Mojave Desert; stay hydrated.
◊ Chargers for all your devices
There won’t always be wall plugs available, so bring plenty of portable juice.
◊ Business cards
Get cards free from VistaPrint, or use your eBay Store Subscriber Discount. Don’t forget a case to hold them, along with those you’ll collect from other sellers, eBay peeps, and third-party providers. You can also use apps like CamCard to scan business cards. Read about ir in my Tips For Attending Networking Events.
◊ Notebook and pens or pencils
You’ll want to take notes, jot down questions, etc.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU GO!
◊ Review the agenda and workshops, and plan a tentative schedule
Don’t worry if you can’t catch them all. You’ll be able to watch videos of the sessions later (although you’ll miss out on the Q&A). This year’s three tracks are:
- Modern Marketplace (eBay’s new product-based shopping experience; shipping; returns; photography; buyer insights; and seller panels)
- Profitable Growth (Google SEO; pricing; merchandising; social media; and shipping)
- Purpose (how to run a million-dollar business on eBay; managing your financials; sales tax; community; and eBay for Charity)
◊ Check out the sponsors
Click on “Learn more” for a snapshot of what each provider has to offer. For example, BULQ makes product sourcing easy. They sell liquidation goods by the pallet or case, shipped right to your doorstep, complete with an itemized and guaranteed manifest.
◊ Sign up for a 15-minute Biz Boost (formerly known as Customer Care Center)
These one-on-one sessions will give you the tools and guidance you need to optimize your business. Check the emails you received from eBay OPEN.
◊ Got questions? This is your chance to get answers directly from eBay executives and team leaders. Make a list of what you’d like to ask!
GET SOCIAL!
◊ Join the Going to eBay Open 2018 Facebook Group
Chat with other attendees and get tips about the event and Vegas. By the time you get there, you’ll have made new friends!
◊ Get your eBay spirit on with eBay-branded apparel and/or tech gadgets
Shop The eBay Merchandise Shop for the latest eBay-branded gear; check out the eBayana category for more.
◊ As soon as the eBay OPEN app is released, put it on your devices.
◊ Visit the Mandalay Bay website
Find out what’s movin’ and shakin’:
- restaurants and bars
- entertainment
- other amenities include shops, a spa, and Mandalay Bay’s world-famous beach (bring sunscreen!)
Join their M Life Rewards Program to earn points for every dollar you spend. You’ll also score discounts at shops, special ticket offers, and casino comps. Active military and veterans are eligible for discounts as well.
WHAT NOT TO MISS!
With planning you don;t miss out at eBay OPEN!
◊ Monday’s unofficial meet and greet, hosted by the Dallas eBaybes & eMales
6pm-10pm PT at Mandalay Bay’s Skyfall Lounge; venue dress code “upscale casual”, eBay colors encouraged
◊ eBay Radio’s live broadcasts from the eBay Open Studio:
- Tuesday, July 24 — 4:30pm-5: 30 pm PT
- Wednesday, July 25 — 8:30am-9: 30 am PT (Best eBay Outfits Contest)
- Thursday, July 26 — 12:30pm-1: 30 pm PT
◊ eBay Open Studio seller videos and live streams — tell your eBay story!
◊ Happy Hour: Wednesday, 5:15pm-6: 30 pm PT, in the Expo Hall
Meet and mingle with eBay bigwigs and employees!
◊ Thursday’s closing party, 7pm-11pm PT at the Brooklyn Bowl
◊ eBay Canada’s Seller Social (for Canadian sellers)
Wednesday, 6:30pm-8: 30 pm PT, at Mandalay Bay’s Border Grill
NOW YOU’RE READY TO GET THE MOST OUT OF EBAY OPEN 2018!
Be prepared to get caught up in the excitement. If it’s your first eBay conference, you may even feel a little overwhelmed. You can’t be everywhere at once, so keep an eye on social media to stay up to speed on everything that’s happening. (Hashtag: #eBayOpen2018.) Above all, enjoy this once-a-year opportunity to spend time with your tribe. You’ll come home re-energized and armed with new strategies for making your business even more successful!
