SHOWCASING
If you are an artist or band you should consider showcasing at conferences that include live performances. Make sure to apply early and follow up with emails to see what the status is. Also find out if there is any charge for showcasing and whether they provide benefits to the performers.
For instance, I was at conference recently where the performers who showcased were given a booth in the exhibition hall. Going to the showcases is a great opportunity to meet potential contacts before, during, and after the performance, and also provides a place to reconnect with attendees you met earlier.
EXHIBITION BOOTHS
Most conferences have an area for exhibitors, who are providers of products and services to the music industry. This is another great place for you to network and establish contacts. And take note that the exhibition booth area is usually a good place for free snacks, pens and other conference goodies.
AT THE PARTIES
Most conferences have various social events including opening-night and closing-night parties. Some conferences have parties at nightclubs which are little more than a typical club night and may not be ideal for networking. Others have cocktail parties where you have a great opportunity to meet people. Get to the party early because there is no benefit to being fashionably late. Sometimes if you get to a party early when it isn’t too crowded, it is easier to meet people. Most conference websites have pictures and bios of the speakers. Since you have already researched and targeted people you would like to meet, you may notice some of them at the party.
What you say when you meet someone at the party depends on the circumstances and your personal style. Of course have your business cards ready and a warm smile. Do not drink too much alcohol at the party because it usually does not help matters. Hold your drink in your left hand so that your right hand is available to shake hands and is not wet from holding your drink. Again the best networking opportunity at the party may be waiting for the restroom or waiting in line to get into the party. If you have someone with you at the conference (husband, wife or friend, etc.) they may also make good connections you may want to meet.
AFTER THE CONFERENCE
When the conference ends it does not mean that your networking should end. I have shared a taxi from the hotel to the airport and have made excellent contacts. When you get home, input all the data from the business cards and other information. Then send follow-up emails to those you have met saying, “Nice to have met you. Let’s keep in touch.” You can post on your social networking sites what you did at the conference and pictures that you took as well. Consider sending new friend requests from your Facebook and/or LinkedIn pages, etc. In your follow-up email after the conference, make certain to remind the person of who you are and what you do. Perhaps you will both be attending another conference in the future where you could meet again.
minBio: Glenn Litwak is a veteran music and entertainment attorney who has appeared at numerous music conferences as a panelist, moderator, and keynote speaker. He represents recording artists, production and management companies, music producers and independent record labels, as well as songwriters and music publishers. He can be contacted at glenn@litwakandhavkin.com. Learn more at his law firm website: litwakandhavkin.com.
