Attending the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin as part of the Berlinale Film Festival this month was an experience, to say the least. Even after making my rounds at the Cannes Short Film Market and the American Film Market, I was stepping into unfamiliar territory.

In the weeks leading up to my flight, I stressed myself out — not just with logistics but mentally too. I overprepared, overthought, and overbooked meet-and-greets, all while worrying about how it would pan out.

Here’s what I learned.