Tips to survive long work day to a conference...as an introvert

[MaybeItsTimeForMeNow]

Any suggestions please. Upcoming long journey 2hrs min each direction via train to an all day conference I don't want to go to. Means missing my kids (3 under 7) get up and go to bed 😞 travelling across the country solo, when I'm a home bird that doesn't like being thrown into crowds. It's been advertised as a brilliant opportunity with hours of networking time. I hate it already. Luckily I'm not presenting but will be part of huddle type groups.

How to kill the journey, speed up the day and survive?. And please pray for me the train connections work 😬

I don't think most introverts would say they hate most other people ... or would they?

I think I'm introvert because I HATE being the centre of attention. I shun activity that basically involves public performance: omg, ParkRun.... never!! I am very comfortable with my own company. My thoughts keep me busy. I recently moved into an office where I am usually the only person there...omg, bliss. I live alone, too, and that is increasingly seductive. Some days I barely speak to anyone (not counting online where I talk loads like making this post is talking a lot).

All the things that I think make me introverted are about me, not about the other people, I suppose.

I like most people, am very curious about them, I enjoy people watching and listening to many conversations. Being a watcher in a busy place is fun. My kind of introvert can enjoy most other people in many ways.

I don’t think being an introvert means you don’t like people, I love going into the office and enjoy hanging out with more outgoing people, but I need alone time to recharge. I also enjoy spending time with one or two close friends, more than that and I struggle a bit.
I think I am an outgoing introvert.

OK thanks for that...

Anyway. I've invested in some decent headphones and will make sure I get everything ready the night before so no major flapping when I'm set to go.

Fingers crossed all the train connections work out!

Thanks all

Could you get the train the night before and stay the night in a hotel? That reduces the risk of train delays/peak hour travel/no seat and the additional stress of doing it all in 1 day.

Train:
-Crochet, read a book/magazine/newspaper, do puzzles, games online
-Sometimes I just like looking at the view. Seeing animals in fields, how people have their gardens set out etc

Conference:
-As others have said, on your breaks, take a walk outside and get some fresh air
-Write 'notes' if you don't want to engage in chit chat
-If there are optional sessions or say drinks afterwards, then you don't NEED to attend unless you want to

I am confident in giving presentations even in person, however a day conference is something I wished was consigned to history. Think of the energy and time wasting that most are.

Oh dear something I have eaten has disagreed with me, there is no way I could sit on a train for two hours, better wfh or be in the office instead. Something like that if conferences are a one-off would be very tempting for me.

I hate days like this. Too much peopling! I take every single opportunity to leave the event and walk outside. I don’t take part in any break or lunch time chatter. No one ever seems to notice and it makes it much more bearable.

Oh thank you! Team days and conferences are my idea of hell. Small events and the odd quiz night are fine though.

I’m off to a 3 day conference tomorrow, I’m equal parts excited and tired already. I actually love seeing all the suppliers and product demos, listening to the experts, having discussions with like minded people, but I find the sheer volume of people, hubbub and noise exhausting.

i have my laptop and headphones for the train, I have a hotel very close by to the event venue so if I need to I can pop back to my room for 20 minutes of quiet time, I have deliberately made no evening plans and will probably get takeout and eat it on my hotel bed or a meal deal from Tesco and find a green space somewhere if it’s dry enough.