My First International Astronautical Congress (IAC2024) in Milan, atteneded by over 11,000 space enthusiasts, was an amazing experience. The positive experience was partly because I did proper preparation:

1. I arrived two days before the conference started to catch up with my Team Tumbleweed and International Space University (ISU) SSP23 family.
2. I contacted authors of papers and presentations I was interested in before IAC started.
3. Over the weekend before the event started, I selected the sessions I was most interested in and had my calendar populated with rooms and times I would attend for every day of the conference.
4. I left time for networking. Every day I reserved at least 2 hours for networking during the lunch break.
5. I followed advice and carried energy bars with me every day. I also brought a non-plastic water bottle to stay hydrated.
6. I attended the free evening activities, from ISU reception to crashing the YP networking events.

Although this was the largest conference I’ve ever attended, it was also the most enjoyable one. Many could get overwhelmed, but proper planning and accepting that I had to let some sessions and events go made the whole week enjoyable.

However, the real credit goes to all the people who were so positive and helpful. From the presenters answering my questions patiently, to all those who met with me exchanging information, the International Space University family, and all of those who strive to make the world a better place in our large space family.