Who better to share tips for your first time at the IRLA Congress, than Richard Burrows, director and YPG Chairman.

As we get ever closer to this year's packed event - which takes place in Brighton - Richard has been reflecting on his memories of attending as a 'Congress Newbie', and offers these timely suggestions.

• Look at the full Congress Programme in advance and identify which sessions you would most like to attend. Get an awareness of what is happening and when. This will really help you make the most of all of the days, rather than looking back and recognising you missed out on something which might have been valuable to you.
• Don’t be afraid about going to any of the sessions or any invite only events to which you are invited, on your own. There will likely be others in the same position as you, and everyone is there to network so will want to chat to you if they see you are alone. Indeed, go so far as to get someone to make introductions for you. It's something the IRLA organising team are only too happy to do.
• Get out and enjoy the Brighton sea air at some point during the day – this will break your day up and make sure that you are nice and alert during the sessions which you do attend. 
• Keep an eye on LinkedIn during the three days so that you can see what others are up to, and who else is set to be at Congress that you might not have expected. There's nothing worse than realising afterwards that someone was there who you would have appreciated a conversation with, but you just didn't know they were present at the time.
• If you are on your own, come and say hello to one of the IRLA hosts. They'll be wearing badges and will be keen to get to know more about you, and to understand what you're hoping to gain from the event.
• Relax and enjoy yourself – yes it is a “work” event, but it is also a celebration of the market in which we work and a chance to learn more about the different elements of legacy in which you might not directly operate. 

If you're set to attend later this month, please do reach out to a member of Board in advance, if it helps you prepare with confidence.

And whatever you do after your first time - be sure to feedback what you felt about the event. It really helps us plan for next year!