Mixing Tech with Tonics in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is quickly becoming one of the most high-tech cities in America, and if you will soon be traveling there for one of the many tech conventions that happen each year, you're probably pretty excited.

There are plenty of festive social functions that occur during tech conventions, and if you make the right moves, you will likely meet plenty of new friends and business associates. You'll also likely end up downing a few drinks.

The Dangers of a Fun and Festive Time

Getting to know other people in your industry and having a few drinks can be a fun experience. If you make the right connections, it can also be very beneficial career-wise. However, drinking comes with some danger, especially when you do it in a city you're unfamiliar with.

You don't know the streets, and if you get in the car after drinking, you're even more likely to end up lost and confused, increasing the chances of an accident. It would be a shame to experience a car accident or DUI after a wonderful evening of networking with potential business partners, so if you do plan to drink, it's important that you make arrangements to stay safe.

1. Choose Your Hotel Wisely

If you want to ensure that you don't make a bad decision after getting a little tipsy, your best bet is to choose a hotel within walking distance of your convention. You may not think that you'll end up drinking too much to drive, but in the heat of the moment, you may be willing to give in and have a few beyond your limit.

If this happens, you'll be glad that you don't have a car to worry about. Even if you did bring your car, you can still avoid a DUI by leaving it in the parking lot and taking a shuttle or taxi back to the hotel.

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2. Keep Track of Your Drinks

When socializing with new friends and business associates, it can be easy to give in and have too many drinks. This is especially true if some of the people you're socializing with are boisterous types who really enjoy their cocktails. Always remember to drink slowly, and if you do accept another beverage when you feel you probably shouldn't, don't feel pressured to finish it.

3. Maintain a Healthy Buzz

Be sure to drink plenty of water between alcoholic beverages, and if you need to, order a cup of coffee or some food to sober up. Eating a large meal before you begin drinking can help as well. Drinking on an empty stomach is a sure way to end up getting out of control, embarrassing yourself and possibly ending up in trouble.

If you do end up driving after having too much to drink and find yourself getting a DUI, be sure to call a qualified Tampa DUI Attorney right away. We all make mistakes, and a good attorney will have the knowledge and experience required to guide you through this difficult situation and get you back on the right track.

The beauty of the Sunshine State makes it a great place to visit. So when you come here for business reasons, you can also schedule in some R and R time. Just keep in mind that the people you are meeting and networking with are making first impressions of you. You probably want that impression to be a positive one for the purposes of your career. Don't make a fool of yourself and over-imbibe and then try to drive.

Debbie Nguyen

About the Author:

Debbie Nguyen believes in the benefits of networking to keep an edge on her career. Having the name of a Tampa DUI Attorney on her list of emergency numbers is part of her preparedness routine.