1. Approach the show with a Beginner's Mind
Imagine this fair is your very first. Before arriving, ask yourself: When I'm heading home, what needs to have happened for my time at BWW to feel like a success? Make a list of clients or colleagues to see, wines to taste, topics to explore, and speakers to learn from. Plan ahead with excitement! This will reduce unnecessary stress and get you pumped for Barcelona. Connect, discover, and learn!
2. Own Your Mornings
The morning is yours before heading to the fair! Enjoy a calm breakfast, review your plan, do a bit of exercise, jot down what went well the day before, and get some fresh air. If possible, walk to Plaça d’Espanya to start your day off right.
3. Guard Your Sleep Like Gold
It’s easy to get swept up with friends and colleagues, but sometimes heading out early is the real win. Good sleep will have your mood and energy soaring the next day. Bring an engaging book and avoid phones or Netflix before bed—make this trip a mini sleep retreat!
4. Hello darkness my Old Friend
Choose your hotel room wisely: interior rooms, away from elevators and on higher floors, are generally quietest. Also, bring earplugs—I recommend the Loop brand, which allows you to sleep on your side comfortably. For any light that sneaks in from emergency signs, mini-fridges, or curtains that don’t close completely, bring a small roll of tape or a soft sleep mask for a solid night’s rest.
5. Lighten Up at Dinner
This is no easy feat in the wine world, but here are some tips: Befriend the waiter early and request no bread or dessert and half portions, if possible. It’s a surefire way to guarantee a good night’s sleep! To pace your wine intake, ask the server not to refill your glass—this way, you can keep track of how much you’re drinking.
6. Prepare “Emergency Fuel”
If you won’t have time to step out for lunch, bring along long-lasting energy foods. Skip the sandwiches—they’ll only keep you full for an hour. Instead, go for nuts, animal or plant protein, fruit, and healthy fats: think raw veggies with hummus, guacamole, yogurt, boiled eggs (ask for these at your hotel), cheese, apple slices with almond butter, or another nut butter. If you eat bread, go for whole grain with protein and olive oil!
7. Power Up at Breakfast
Make the most of breakfast with eggs, cheese, yogurt, nuts, olive oil, fruit, turkey, chia pudding, oatmeal, and whole grains. Prioritize protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to fuel your day.
8. Avoid “Fair Feet”
Standing at a booth for hours can take a toll on your feet. Wear your most comfortable shoes, shift your weight from foot to foot, sit when possible, and walk around—ideally outdoors. Stretch whenever you get a chance and rotate your ankles to keep them mobile.
9. Hydrate Like there´s no tomorrow
You’ll be tasting wine all day, and even if you’re spitting, you’ll absorb some alcohol. Water is key to avoiding dehydration and fatigue, keeping your feet light, and giving you a good excuse to walk to the restroom! Bonus: your tooth enamel will thank you.
10. Minimize Alcohol Intake
This might sound counterintuitive, but cutting back on alcohol can be the difference between feeling energized and focused or sluggish and irritable. Remember, you can enjoy a well-deserved glass of wine once you’re back home to celebrate a successful BWW!