For events, summits, and offsite meetings. Acknowledges spotty connectivity honestly, doesn't promise quick replies you can't deliver, sets up the right contact for things that can't wait the three days you'll be in sessions.
Template 1 — Standard conference
You're at the event, in sessions, partially online. Sets reasonable expectations.
Standard
Hello,
Thanks for your email. I'm attending [conference name] from [start date] until [return date]. I'll be in sessions most of the time and connectivity may be spotty, so my response time will be slower than usual.
For anything urgent, please contact [colleague name] at [colleague email] — they're covering for me while I'm at the event.
I'll catch up on email when I'm back at my desk.
Best,
[Your name]
Template 2 — Conference + speaking/booth (busy)
You're not just attending — you're presenting or staffing a booth. You really won't have time.
Speaking
Hi,
I'm at [conference name] this week (through [return date]) — speaking [or "running our booth"] — so I'll be heads-down and largely offline. I won't be able to respond to email until I'm back.
For anything that can't wait, please reach [colleague name] at [colleague email]. They have full context.
If you're at the conference too — find me at [your booth or session]! Otherwise I'll be in touch when I'm back.
Best,
[Your name]
What makes a conference OOO different from vacation
You're partly available. You'll check email between sessions. The OOO acknowledges that without committing to it.
The absence is short. Three to five days. Tone is lighter than a vacation message.
If you're speaking, say so. Acknowledging the role manages expectations and may turn into a contact ("if you're here too, find me").
Coverage matters less. For a 3-day event, anything truly urgent can wait — but list a coverage contact anyway for true emergencies.
// In sessions all day. Phone in your pocket.
Let your callers route themselves while you're on stage.
Conferences are exactly when you can't pick up — but it's also when something big might happen. OutOfOfficePro lets the caller pick the issue type and reach the right person automatically. You stay in the session. $9.99/month.