Getting the Most Out of Your Conference – Powerful Preparation

August 26, 2004 by Debra Russell

In every area of the Arts and Entertainment industry, there are business conferences, trade shows  and expos. We spend a lot of time and money to go to these conferences, and even more to advertise, exhibit, or perform there. All with the hope of taking our careers to the next level, right?

So, how do you actually do that? How do you meet the right person? Even better, how do you get them to want to help you with your career?

Take Care of Yourself, Body and Soul

These conferences are exhausting! And you need to make the most of your investment. So you go to every workshop, and to the parties or guerrilla showcases all night. Little sleep, less than healthy food. Not to mention the frantic energy of desperation – everyone shouting “ME, ME, DISCOVER ME!!” And at the end, used up, you feel hollow inside, as if you’ve lost some part of yourself. Does this sound familiar?

Part of the Artist’s Edge Mission is to support you to become successful on your terms without losing yourself in the process. So how do you make the most of your conference without selling out? The answer is a subtle shift of perspective: from selling yourself to them – to drawing them to you.

First, Take Care of Yourself Physically.

Make sure you get plenty of sleep. That may mean missing a workshop to take a nap or going to bed at a reasonable time. Bring food that you know nourishes you and don’t drink too much alcohol or caffeine, even though it’s free. Carry water with you at all times and drink lots! Plan a day off before and after the conference if you can. Exercise every day, get out of the hotel and walk. Listen to what your body needs and honor that.

Second, Believe in Yourself and Your Success.

From that place of belief, you can be open and generous. Your belief will attract to you the right people at the right time.

Beware of circumstances that deplete that belief. Don’t participate in conversations about how hard it is to be successful. Just smile and walk away. You know something they don’t. You are a success now, building your career on your terms. Don’t participate in conversations that criticize or gossip about others – embrace the talent around you. Their success and talent doesn’t take anything away from you, it only bolsters your talent and your success.   Rising water raises all boats.  Encourage and celebrate the success of those around you. Create relationships with the people you admire. Surround yourself with successful, positive people.

But most importantly, trust. Trust that the right people and the right opportunities will appear and because you are open and you believe in yourself, you will see those opportunities and be ready to act on them.

If you feel that this will be hard to do by yourself, call me for a session. You don’t have to do it alone.

Learn all about how to Make the Most of Your Conference Connections!