A Three-Part Series Covering How to Get the Most Out of a Writers Conference

Part 1: Be Prepared

I love attending a writers conference. There is a vibe unique and powerful when so many creative souls are gathered together united by a singular event. And yet, far too many attend a conference (often at sizable expense) without the faintest idea how to truly get their money’s–and effort’s–worth. Over three installments I will give you a cursory look at what you should do to maximize a conference experience. In this first part we will look at a few things you should do leading up to arriving at the venue on day one.

Success at any conference starts the day you complete your registration. True, this could be months in advance or perhaps only a few days before the event. Either way, your first impression has begun. Here are a few tips to maximize it.

Did the registration form ask if you’re willing to volunteer or otherwise help in the setup, conduct, or clean-up of the conference? If so, did you sign up to do so in any capacity?

“But, I’m paying to attend,” you say. “Why should I volunteer and risk missing a workshop or other opportunity, much less provide my time and effort when it’s coming out of my pocket?” Well, Mr. Poopyattitudikins, the truth is, events that ask for volunteers always offer discounts and/or benefits to said volunteers. Events with volunteers have volunteer coordinators who will work with you to help you get the workshops you want (to the best of their ability). AND volunteers sometimes get additional access to event faculty and keynotes (sometimes). The biggest thing is the conference coordinators now have your name as someone willing to help, someone they can rely on. Your name gets into conversations that grow your network of professional resources, colleagues, and friends.

So, volunteer.

Your sole job at a conference is to market the product that is YOU!

When you saw who was at the conference–editors, agents, keynotes, and faculty–did you find those that interested you on social media or on their website? Did you follow them on said sites? Read some blog entries? Check out their latest projects leading up to the conference? You should. That way, you’ll know what’s fresh on their mind when you talk to them at the event (and you must talk to them).

As conference marketing hits your email or social media accounts, are you sharing it, or shunting it into a file/deleting it? Guess what you should do? That’s right, share those posts and tweets. Talk about the conference on your blog, with your critique group, on your message board (if you’re still on one of those).

These are just a few of the things you should do for networking a conference prior to stepping into the venue lobby. Set yourself up for success by doing all you can to be known even before you arrive. That way, when you get there, a third of the work is already done.

The 30th Annual Pikes Peak Writers Conference is April 27-30, 2023. Details are at Pikes Peak Writers.