Being prepared aka Conference Survival is a real thing! I don’t mean, like, you could die at one if you don’t bring extra socks. Or could you…?
I kid. What I mean by survival is being prepared physically, logistically, mentally, and emotionally so you can get the most out of the experience. I bring this up because I yet again have the honor of presenting at VO Atlanta. Whoo hoo! I had a blast presenting there in 2016, which you can read all about here.
You can read more about my voiceover conference experiences at APAC, MAVO, and FaffCon but I will be compiling some “being prepared” tips from there plus adding a few new ones.
TIP OF THE WEEK
These are just a few tips for being prepared for VO Atlanta or any other voiceover conference:
Physically
Start your Airborne/Vitamin C regimen now to build up your immune system before you board that flying germ tube
I read there’s a lot of pollen in Atlanta right now so bring your allergy medication
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink plenty of water every day including your travel days.
Protein, protein, protein! Have some nuts, cheese, etc. on you in case you start to wilt
Enjoy a libation or two if that’s your thing, but don’t overdo it so you’re in tip-top shape the entire weekend and so as not to embarrass yourself.
Wear comfortable shoes, especially at the many fabulous networking events. You and your tootsies will thank me.
Logistically
Pack an extra day’s worth of clothes in case of flight delays or cancellations
If you’re checking your bags: put some underwear, socks, and a shirt in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost
Let your clients know you’ll be out of town by sending a ‘booking out’ notice
If you have mobile recording gear, remember to bring (and label) all of your cords
Bring an extra charger so your phone doesn’t die in the middle of the day
Bring business cards but DO NOT cram them into the hands of everyone you meet
Join me and fellow presenter Tracy Lindley at our ‘Board Game Night’ during the Friday Night Chill 8PM-11PM!
Mentally
Know where you have to be and when. Use the VO Atlanta App ahead of time to determine which seminars you want to attend.
Bring something to take notes with (pen & paper, tablet, laptop, etc.). I use Google Keep!
If your mindset is that you are going to VO Atlanta just to make “connections” and ignore your “competition”, the conference will not serve you well. About half of the voiceover work I get comes from peer-generated referrals, not from schmoozing agents or celebrity coaches. Your fellow voice talents are your greatest source of knowledge, potential work, and support.
Find a note-taking buddy. There may be breakout sessions & panels you can’t attend so share notes with people who are going to the sessions you’re aren’t and vice versa.
It’s okay to leave a session if it’s not right for you. You won’t hurt the presenter’s feelings! Just leave quietly and don’t let the door slam.
Don’t corner a presenter/agent and talk about yourself endlessly
Emotionally
Be kind to everyone, be a good listener, and be honest with your yourself & others
You deserve to be at VO Atlanta! I don’t care if you don’t have a demo yet, you have something to offer. You came from somewhere and have life experiences and insights that could potentially change someone’s life. That is part of your value-add!
At VO Atlanta there you will meet someone (many someones actually) who is going through the exact same challenges that you are. Commiserate! Find ways to share what you as an individual has to offer. Share your experiences, your fears, your war stories, and your solutions.
NEWS AND NOTES
March 29-31, 2019: VO Atlanta 2019! My Breakout Session will be “The Sales Funnel” and my X-Session will be “Managing Your Time and your Money”. There are still a few X-Session seats left so sign up today!
Sunday, April 7th @3PM EST: Voxy Ladies webinar ‘Manage your Money Like a VO Pro’. Click here to sign up!
Thursday, April 11th @8PM EST: Edge Studio Business and Money 201 webinar, ‘Workflow’ Click here to sign up!
Thursday, April 25th @8PM EST: Edge Studio Marketing 201 webinar, ‘Keeping Clients Coming Back’ Click here to sign up!
Thursday, May 30th 9am-3pm EST: “The VO Tech Deep Dive and eLearning Extravaganza!” 575 8th Ave, 8th Floor, NYC. This all-day workshop will consist of two classes: in the morning Amanda Rose Smith will dive deep into audio engineering (from studio creation to mastering files) and in the afternoon I will run an intensive “Learning to do eLearning” seminar covering everything you need to know about the world of eLearning and Corporate narration (which includes live coaching). The Early Bird rate of $99 per class or $179 for both classes ends April 1st and are limited to a precious few seats. Tickets are on sale now!
HAPPY HAPPYS
Happy Waffle Day and World Piano Day!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Tom Dheere is a 20+year veteran of the voice over industry who has narrated thousands of projects for hundreds of clients in over a dozen countries. He is also a voiceover business & marketing consultant known as the VO Strategist and produces the comic book “Agent 1.22”.
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