You Signed Up for a Conference †Now What

You Signed Up for a Conference – Now What You paid your conference fee and reserved your motel room. Now what? Youre finally going to a writers conference, but now that you think about it, you arent sure what to do once you get there. First, make sure this is a conference that suits your needs. If you are unpublished and seeking agents or publishers, then dont stick to a conference that focuses on craft, and vice versa. Make sure the majority of the classes fit your goals.Second, while youre researching this conference, dig deeper and research the teachers, agents, and so on. What about these people merits sticking them up in front of a class? If you see teachers that really havent published much, think twice. Anybody can teach. You want teachers who have published and performed, as well. Third, participate in at least one critique or pitch session. Unless you are green as a gourd and just dipping your toe in the water, you have a piece youve been working on. Toss it into the fray and see what feedback you get. They might rip it up, but thats okay. You show youve got guts and you walk away much more educated than you were before. Fourth, plan your agenda. Dont wait until you get there to decide what you want to attend. They publish that schedule ahead of time for a reason. Map out your days and evenings to include the questions you want to ask and the goals you hope to achieve. Get the most of your sessions. Fifth, meet at least one new person per session. Speak to those at your table or seated around you. Theres a wealth of networking opportunity available to you at a conference, and that networking might be the biggest plus you come home with. Â  Sixth, plan your clothes. Sounds like a woman thing, right? Wrong. Youll be sitting for long periods of time. You might have to trek up and down stairs or from one end of the motel to the other to make classes. Look sharp but make it comfy. Throw in a scarf, the boots, or those special pieces of jewelry. Give the person you meet something to remember you Seventh, pack your writing stuff to include: = two copies of your WIP (just in case) = business cards (dont say WRITER/AUTHOR on it and avoid Vistaprint templates) = notebook Youll not only take notes, but youll dabble on your WIP as these productive ideas come to you in class. Ive rewritten chapters in class before as the teacher led me to a new concept. = name tag Theyll give you one, but consider having a permanent, professional one made. I have two: one with a magnet and one with a pin, so that they can go on anything I wear. People remember tags, and if yours is unique, theyll remember you more. = one-sheets See this article on one-sheets. These are marvelous if you are pitching and speak volumes about your creativity and professionalism. https://fundsforwriters.com/something-to-remember-you- Before the last day, take a moment to go over your notes and goals and determine what youre lacking, then approach the teacher, writer or agent while you can. Walk up and ask the question. Thats why they are there, and what you paid for. You can do this, and you can do it better if you go prepared.