TruSource Technology DL2 Integrated Digital Mixer

FIND THE RIGHT CONFERENCES
The first step for effective networking is to
find the best conferences for you to attend.
Most music conferences today cover more than
one genre of music but may have an emphasis
on rock or urban or country, etc. Thoroughly
research this aspect before attending.
The geographic location of the conference is
another consideration. Local conferences
where you do not have to fly or
stay in a hotel are obviously
more economical.
You can do a Google
search, for instance,
for “music conferences
2012” to
locate potential
conferences.
By carefully
researching,
you can find
out if it is a
new or established
conference.
Be
aware that if
it is being held
by an unknown
entity it may not
be well attended.
I have seen some
conferences cancelled
due to lack of ticket sales.
Your best bet is to not fully
believe all the hype you may
find on a conference’s site; try to get first-hand
information from others who have attended
the conference or who have something to say
about the organization that’s presenting it.
Be careful about spending a lot of money on
a conference that’s far from your home. Sometimes
a smaller local conference provides a
more relaxed atmosphere and is therefore easier
for networking. Well-established conferences
such as South by Southwest, The ASCAP “I
Create Music” Expo, and the Billboard conferences
offer a lot but are more expensive.
Be sure to go on the conference website and
check to see how many speakers and panels
interest you and are truly pertinent to your
career.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE
THE CONFERENCE
Networking begins
well before the conference.
In order to
maximize your results,
you must carefully
prepare by determining
who you want to meet there and what panels
and parties you want to attend. You
should be diligent in researching
the people you want to meet.
This entails exploring their
background, education and
experience. Maybe you
can find something you
have in common. When
you meet the person
they may be flattered
by how much you
know about them.
It is good practice
to email the people
you would like to
meet ahead of time
to try and set up a
meeting during the
conference. Let people
know that you will be
there and post it on your
social networking sites. Make
sure you prepare a detailed
schedule of exactly what panels
you will be attending and the times. In
addition, find out if there are people you know
who will be attending. It will be good to have
some company and you may be able to help one
another network.
This sounds simplistic, but make sure you
bring the items you will need for the conference.
Have plenty of business cards, pens, and any
other materials you would like to hand out.
If you have a laptop or tablet it is wise to bring
it so that you can check the event’s website and
do research while there.
Bring appropriate clothing, including both
leisure and business attire. Of course, if you are
in a band, no one would expect you to wear a
suit to the conference. Common sense dictates
what to wear.
It is not how many people attend
the conference, but what YOU
accomplish there.
INFORMAL NETWORKING
Never waste an opportunity.
As soon as you step out of your home to
attend a music conference you can begin
networking. Be prepared for every opportunity.
Perhaps you are at the airport at the gate and
you notice others who may be going to the
same confab as you. Go up to them and introduce
yourself.
Take the same approach when you are on
the plane. You may be able to meet someone
sitting next to or near you who is also attending.
Or perhaps you might meet another attendee or
speaker waiting to board the plane or even waiting
in line for the restroom.
When you arrive at the hotel and are waiting
to check in, there may be others attending the
conference waiting to check in, affording you
yet another chance to network. It is usually a
good idea to stay at the hotel where the conference
is located, for convenience and the informal
networking opportunities. When you stay
at the hotel, you are up and down the elevators
with other attendees and speakers. I have met
great contacts in the elevator, at breakfast, in
the lobby, at the hotel gym, in the hallways and
at the pool.
I find the gym to be a great place to meet
conference goers because often there are few
people there and it can be a nice informal atmosphere
to connect with someone.
AT THE CONFERENCE
When you get to the location, do not be
discouraged if it is poorly attended. Rather,
look at it as an opportunity––make the best of
the situation. I have made excellent contacts
at poorly attended events. It is not how many
people attend the conference, but what YOU
accomplish there.
Put [your
music] on a
thumb drive
attached to
a lanyard,
making it
easier for
people to
carry and
transport.
September 2012 www.musicconnection.com 41