The digital marketing event of the year, ExactTarget Connections, is right around the corner. Next week, thousands of digital marketing professionals will converge in Indianapolis for three days of learning, networking, and insights from the ExactTarget Marketing Cloud team.

Ultimately, attendees need to put themselves in a position where they can return to the office and justify the investment of attending this premier event. Capitalize on all #CNX14 offerings by getting involved in training, breakout sessions, and networking. Here are some suggestions on how you can make the most of Connections 2014:

Training

Pre-Conference Training is the perfect opportunity to kick-off your experience at Connections this year. Oftentimes, our schedules are filled with client meetings, deadlines and firm building activities. This leaves little time for continuing education that is critical to our growth in the field. Two sessions I highly recommend:

1. Getting started with ExactTarget Marketing Cloud Mobile
   Few will disagree that as digital marketing strategy and tactics continue to evolve, mobile is emerging as the next bright and shiny object. Participating in this session will give you the knowledge you need to stay ahead of the curve.
2. Getting started with ExactTarget Marketing Cloud Data Extensions
   ExactTarget Marketing Cloud was built on the foundation of Data Extensions. If you are a beginner in the platform, this session is a must. Understanding the differences between the list model and the data extension model is critical to understanding the full power of the platform.

Breakout Sessions

Stay on top of trending topics in digital marketing by attending the following sessions: 

1. The Future of Mobile Acquisition and Engagement
   Learn how the best mobile marketers engage their mobile app users and improve brand loyalty through the digital experience. See more mobile sessions.
2. The Journey Builder Product Keynote
   Understanding the roadmap for the crown jewel of ExactTarget is a priority action item for me in in Indianapolis. See more customer journey sessions.
3. Personalization and Predictive Intelligence: Driving Optimal Engagement from Email Marketing
   ​Learn how a popular fashion brand is leveraging Predictive Intelligence to personalize every single message they send to drive conversions on marketing campaigns and drive revenue. See more email sessions.

These subjects are unique points of differentiation for the ExactTarget Marketing Cloud. I’m looking forward to engaging in thought-provoking conversations that give rise to disruptive ideas.

Also note that ExactTarget has made it easy for you to build your three perfect days at #CNX14 by organizing your schedule based on your area of interest, including customized agendas with focus on email, mobile, social, B2B, executives and the customer journey. 

Networking

There are a number of opportunities this year to network with your peers. Here are a few moments you won’t want to miss next week:

1. CMO Conversations with Beth Comstock, Gabriel Stricker, Lynn Vojvodich, and Nick Besbeas
   Here is your chance to engage with CMO’s from Twitter, GE, Salesforce and LinkedIn, and they will all be in the same room! See all speakers.
2. Live Music Festival
   will.i.am will be headlining the music menu this year. This is the perfect opportunity to entertain your clients and/or team. See full entertainment list.

If you are unable to make the trip to Indianapolis this year, you can get in on the action by following the event on livestream. If you are attending Connections, make sure to keep an eye out for free Bluewolf pedicabs to take you around the event.

Engage with me on Twitter, and connect with myself and the Bluewolf team next week on the ground. Good luck in planning your agenda, and see you there!