It's been over 20 years I've operated QRO, FD is so much more fun QRP.
Antennas, antennas, antennas. Figure most field stations are running 100W and a dipole, so starting off 13dB down from there you need the best antennas you can put up. A dipole works but any dB of gain you can get you will want.
Arse in chair - contacts are only made when the radio is operated. Far too many groups I've gone with give up when the bands slow down, food shows up or folks want to get shut eye. Schedule op time in advance and have details like food or other activities worked out.
Log with a computer, preferably one that's talking to the radio and keeps track of band and mode. If you're ever taking your hands off the keyboard tuning by hand or working a paddle, you're wasting time.
Set realistic goals. Since I can't run 24 hours by myself I use Q rates to compare with. If this is a group/club and you want any chance at all of scoring in the top 50% you're going to need all the bonus points. Someone needs to make this happen, it takes some effort to do so.
Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM