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Inspiration

Easing your way to tradeshows

he wealth of tradeshows the payments industry Also, check your flight's status via your airline's
offers means we have plenty of opportunities website before you leave for the airport.
to become informed about the latest develop- • Sign up for T.S.A. PreCheck, which will get you into
T ments in payments, hear from the industry's an expedited lane for security check. Also, double
leading innovators, connect with peers, discover new check in advance to make sure your clothing and
products, and find new business opportunities. For those everything you plan to bring aboard conform to
benefits, many of us travel – sometimes thousands of current requirements. Current details are provided
miles – several times a year. by the Transportation Security Administration at
www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening.
The logistics of air travel, in particular, can be vexing. The
aggravations associated with airline travel can test the • If you can't book a nonstop flight, allow extra time
resolve and dampen the enthusiasm of even the hardiest for your layover. Some airlines leave only an hour
ISO or merchant level salesperson (MLS). between connecting flights. Pick flights with at least
twice that amount of time for your connections, and
Air travel headaches you'll eliminate a major source of anxiety.
Common complaints include mishandled baggage, • If your trip will be only a few days, select and
cancelled and delayed flights, overbooking, difficulty organize your wardrobe to fit into a carry-on bag
making reservations, congestion, cramped seating, and to eliminate hassles associated with checking and
rude or unhelpful customer service representatives. claiming baggage. If your stay will be longer and
Business travel is demanding enough without these you need more than a carry-on will hold, consider
added stressors. shipping your bags to your destination ahead of
time.
Excessive stress can cause professionals to become • Remember to pack your earbuds, and load your
irritated and distracted before even reaching their phone or tablet with your favorite playlists,
destinations. Sometimes a traveler can rest and regroup meditation tracks and other uplifting content to
briefly before the show's opening. Other times, especially increase the odds you'll have an enjoyable trip.
for those responsible for setting up and manning booths, Consider bringing aboard a compact travel pillow,
this isn't an option. so you can nap, too.

Tips for happy air travel • Take the train on short routes, such as Los Angeles
to San Diego or New York to Boston. You might
So, how do you evade the obstacle course that has become reach your destination faster and arrive feeling
air travel? Here are some ways to avoid the downside of more relaxed.
commercial aviation.
• Leave early in the day, and get on the first available Reaching your destination in a disgruntled state won't
flight, preferably on a plane that spent the night enhance your chances of attaining your goals for the
at the airport from which you are departing. The trip. Plan your transportation wisely, and you'll not only
main factor causing delays is not your destination; breathe easier, you'll also be more productive, too.
its the location the aircraft assigned to your flight is
originating from.
• Sign up for text or e-mail alerts. Most airlines offer
this service, as do several online travel websites.

Kate Gillespie, President and CEO
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