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EXHIBITION BOOTHS
Music confabs will typically have an area for exhibitors, who are providers of products and services to the 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 to find free snacks, pens and other conference goodies.
AT THE PARTIES
Most conferences have various social events including opening-night and closing-night parties. Some have parties at nightclubs, and are little more than a typical club night so they may not be ideal for networking. Others have cocktail “mixers” 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 there 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 in the room. 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. Carefully limit your alcohol intake. Stay focused. 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 mixer may be waiting for the restroom or waiting in line to get into the event. If you have someone with you at the conference (husband, wife or friend, etc.), they might also make good connections for you 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 afterward, make certain to remind the person of who you are and what you do. Perhaps in the future you will both be attending another music conference 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@litwakand havkin.com. Learn more at his law firm website: http://www.litwakandhavkin.com.
