Preparing for a Conference

Preparing for a Conference

So you have respectable goals, and you’ve paid for the conference. Now it’s time you thought about what needs to be done before you get there. Because this is part two of my conference series, and that’s what you’re reading about…but, I guess if you have already prepared for it, then you don’t need this…Wait! you can use this as a check list.

Whew, glad you decided to stay. Since you’re still reading, you get reader status, and life points. You can’t really do anything with them, but hey! Here’s some advice on conferences, from a conference goer.

What to have done:

      If you’re only purpose is to go to the conference and learn how to write, and you don’t want to do anything else, then come as you are. As you were. As I want you—E,hem.

Otherwise it’s crucial to have your “Elevator Pitch” leveled out. Most new writers don’t even know about an elevator pitch. It was news to me. If you’re writing a story, or you have an idea for a story, your elevator pitch is a short summary of it. The way it was explained to me was, “Imagine you’re in an elevator, alone with an agent that you want to work with. You have until that elevator reaches their floor to tell them what your book is about.” That’s seriously not a lot of time.

Generally it’s three or four complete sentences that sum up the main plot. This and a few other things are super important to have done, before anything else. To save time here’s a short list. (heh, see what I did there…I know you did, but I’m just being annoying.)

• Finish your elevator pitch
• Have an edited first chapter on your person (if possible)
• Look over the staff of the conference
• Do your research on the agents and publishers there

What to pack:

Packing is not a science, however there are somethings that you will always take with you. Like shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, and of coarse a brush/comb. But depending on the conference and what you plan on doing there, you’ll have to pack differently than you would for other trips.

Something I think is important to take is you’re computer, or some sort of device. It helps with networking, as well as filling in the gaps where you have break but no-one to share it with…You should also bring a nerf gun, because…reasons. (but seriously if you go to Realm Makers, bring a nerf gun and I’ll meet you in battle.)
Finally, clothing is important to think about. The conference you’re going to determines what kind of attire you pack.

Any suggestions on what to pack for a convention, or writers conference? Click To Tweet

• Expensive, and fancy conferences, almost dictate that you wear your best. Business formal as it were. If you’re young like me, these aren’t the kinds of conferences where you’re gonna have a blast.
• If it’s something like Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, usually a dressy top, and casual bottom, with shnazzy shoes—business casual.
• But if it’s something like Realm Makers, wear something comfortable, and geeky. Then throw a vest on, or a sweater. High heels? Rarely used. But combat boots with a grey dress, and a red shirt. H’yeah!

 

What not to pack:

Of coarse there are the things that you shouldn’t bring with you…such as real weapons…I mean you could, but why?

More importantly, you shouldn’t bring work with you. If that’s even possible. The only work that is expectable in my tiny little peabrain, is more writing…or if you have a platform where people follow you, document your experience. Otherwise, no work. (I know that’s not always possible so don’t stress about this particular point.)

Last but not least, leave your grumpy, negatively charged, turd, attitude at home. But make sure you pack plenty of reality…You need lots of that.
There you have it! You have successfully packed for a writers conference…or even a convention. Have an amazing trip and may all that you put your hand to succeed—or at least teach you something.

That’s how I see things through my lenses, comment below and tell me how you see things through yours.

 

Thanks to, Jurgen Appelo, Alan Cleaver, THOR, & Silverleaf For the unedited images.