With ASJA’s Washington, DC, conference on August 28, it’s timely to offer ideas from writers around the continent about how to make the most of such an event. How to prepare? Handle cards, notes, the inevitable avalanche of stuff? How and when to follow up? Let’s ask some experts.
Before the conference
- If you plan to tack vacation onto conference time, do it before, not after. There’s work to do afterward.
- Got enough business cards? If not, order early for best price and to be sure they arrive in time.
- Study the schedule and map out a plan.
- Research publications, clients, editors, and agents (especially for Client Connections). Brainstorm ideas; polish proposals.
- Are there speakers or moderators you want to (re)connect with? Follow them on Twitter; ask for an introduction or meeting. Plan your “free” time.
- Review your elevator speech. What do you do?
At the conference
- Carry business cards in your name badge, where they’re handy.
- Talk to strangers; expand your network. Even an introvert can manage “Hi, I’m ______. What kind of writing do you do?” You’ll almost always learn something, and great gigs and advice can come from fellow writers.
- Later, jot something about each person on the back of his or her card plus where and when you met.
- Another use for your own card: Tape one to your phone or electronic tablet for when you leave it behind on a chair!
- Be prepared with extra pens or a power cord.
- Whether you take session notes by hand or electronically, consider tweeting, too. You’ll inform others, and the stream creates an automatic record.
- Keep a list of action items: story ideas, marketing leads, people to contact.
- Socialize. You may get an assignment from an editor you missed at Client Connections but meet at the bar.
- Sort sample pubs, handouts, pens, bags, etc. Don’t carry home what you don’t need.
After the conference
- Prioritize your action items. Check carefully who gets what: an LOI and clips, a fully researched query, a nice thank-you note.
- Proofread! Speed is important, grammar and accuracy at least as much.
- Then connect with new colleagues via social media. They’ll enrich your ASJA membership.
And overall …
- Be realistic. Conferences can be overwhelming. View any one as a long-term proposition—you don’t have to be everywhere. Build in time for sleep and exercise in an unfamiliar place. Eat well; stay hydrated. Wear comfy shoes. Sit in on a panel you don’t care about or accept a group’s coffee invitation? You may get more out of coffee. Go enjoy.
Many thanks to ASJA members Jennifer Fink, Jennifer Goforth Gregory, Wendy Helfenbaum, and Cindy Kuzma for sharing their ideas and advice!