HOW TO BE AN EXHIBITOR, VOLUNTEER, OR SPEAKER AT THE CONFERENCE
If you have a product or service to sell you could consider being an exhibitor at the conference, although this may be cost prohibitive.
Many conferences charge between $100-$500, or more, for a pass. If that is not within your budget, you could consider volunteering at the conference. This is a great way to network and meet tons of people. Usually the conference website will have information on volunteering.
If you have expertise in the music business, you should consider offering yourself as a speaker on a panel or as a moderator. This affords you great exposure to everyone attending the conference and instant credibility. Most conferences’ websites have a place to apply as a speaker.
ATTENDING PANELS AND WORKSHOPS
Though you have already decided which panels interest you, don’t be afraid to move from panel to panel depending on your instincts. Be open to changing your schedule depending on what seems promising. When you get to a panel try to arrive as early as possible. You may be able to find a seat next to someone who you think you may want to talk to. Before the panel begins is a time to work the room and meet people, since everyone is waiting for the panel to start.
Some conference attendees like to rush up at the conclusion of a panel to try and converse with the panelists. But this is usually not the most opportune time to meet these speakers because of the crowd of people who have the same idea. Some high-profile panelists may even leave immediately after the panel ends without speaking to anyone. However, you can still try to connect with the speaker, though you may not have much time. If this is your plan, sit in the front so you can get to the speaker quickly at the end of the panel discussion. It may be an opportunity to give them your card.
Keep in mind that most speakers are not necessarily at the conference to search for new talent, but may be there simply to share their knowledge, learn from others and possibly network themselves. For instance, if you give your flash drive or CD to a music attorney you meet at the conference, that attorney may not even listen to it if he or she does not “shop” aspiring artists. It is better to try to establish a rapport with someone and explain who you are before you give them your music. If you are an aspiring artist with a manager, it would be ideal if you could both attend the conference.
Remember that your networking is not just with the people who are speaking on the panel. The person next to you could be someone you could collaborate with, or who could produce your music, or introduce you to a manager. Or they may simply become a friend. So do not limit your networking to the panelists. Here’s a great tip: Asking a smart pertinent question at a panel gives you an opportunity to let the entire room know who you are.
