Large events are returning! If you are an introvert, it is likely you dread large events because they exhaust you or make you anxious or both. It is common for introverts to prefer smaller, quieter settings–everything a large event is NOT.

As I write this, I am preparing to travel to a large event in Florida. This is not a new event for me, so I know what to expect; however, I still have to manage my energy to be my best. Throughout the years I have learned several things that work for me. If you are an extrovert and thrive on large events, continue reading to understand the introverts in your life!

1. When traveling to the event, use travel time and your hotel room to recharge: If you are going to the event with others, unless it is someone that you feel totally comfortable with who does not drain you in any way, try to travel independently. Sometimes that means taking your own car rather than riding with others, or booking a different flight. Once you are at the event, try to stay on-site if possible, and allow your hotel room to be your refuge. For me, that means going to my room periodically during the day to sit on the balcony or change into my most comfortable “at home” clothes, even if it is for a brief time.

2. Arrive early: You may think this is counter-intuitive, because it will cause you to stay longer. However, when you enter a large event early, it doesn’t feel as overwhelming when you walk into the room. If possible, even visit the empty room before the event starts and soak in the silence. It will remove some of the uncertainty around the event.

3. Take advantage of the time of day when you feel your most energetic: If you are most energetic in the mornings, then plan to mingle in the mornings and use the afternoons for more solitude time. You know when you have more energy to give, so be visible with others when you are most alert.

4. Slow down your pace. For many people, when they feel uncomfortable, they tend to walk at a quicker pace to get to where they need to be–whether that is a seat or to a specific area. This actually makes you feel more stressed rather than calm. Slow down your pace to show confidence and calm yourself.

5. Sit strategically: Large events mean lots of people in the room or auditorium. And it can appear overwhelming and very noisy, two things that introverts generally hate. Many times introverts tend to sit near the back; however, the sight of a full room of people in front of you can appear larger than it even is. Rather than sitting in the center of the room, sit on the side near the front. You will notice that the room appears less crowded and is much less noisy.

6. When it is appropriate, invite others to a quieter space: When you do have a conversation with someone, inviting them to move with you off to the side of the room or out the main room can help you to be more engaged in the dialogue. Of course only do this when you are sure that the conversation is more important than what is going on in the room. Simply ask, “would you like to come with me and chat for a few minutes?”

7. Take the initiative to leave conversations at the first sign you are feeling depleted: Some people find it difficult to leave a conversation; however, you will do yourself and others a favor by taking the initiative to leave once you sense your energy is waning. Your loss of energy in your body language and presence will most likely be taken as losing interest in the conversation. Therefore, excuse yourself when you feel that first sign of exhaustion if you are able to do so.