The Essentials of Writing Conferences – Post 3

In this series, I am going to write about the essentials of writing conferences. These are some of the most important things that I have noticed in my conference career (now entering my fifth year of 2 conferences minimum per annum).

If you are a writer and you are at the conference with a book to sell or want to network and learn, keep reading.

And as an aside: Happy Halloween!!!

Part 5 of too many: Know someone. Or know OF someone.

Source: Inter-conferences

Usually, people don’t hit the convention circuit without knowing anyone or being able to recognize anyone’s name.

Start with nametags and get scanning. Remember the nametag tendency to slide, flip, slip, squish, flop, fall, and be forgotten. Don’t let that hold you back. Be creative and pretend to be looking for someone you know and make rounds. It’s okay. EVERYONE who is looking for their friends are making the circle dance because who knows what their friend is doing on the table or on someone’s lap (Truth).

Feel free to approach. If you are going to babble like a fan or squee like a deaf fan, maybe try to get over that on the first day and then approach for actual conversation the second night.

Don’t freak out if you only know one person. One person is all you need. First conference, I went in knowing 1 person via online only. I ended up at dinner with 18 people, without that person because she had a business meeting. For survival, see Part 6.

Part 6 of too many: Be sociable

Now, be sociable does is something that needs special consideration for writers. Very often, we are an introverted breed that does not become extroverted unless surrounded by our safe people. Or if we are naturally extroverted, we are the most fantastically awkward, blunt, ungraceful socializers.

At a conference, the only thing worse than someone who is socially awkward and assertive/aggressive is someone who is all of the above when plastered. Especially when in enclosed spaces like an elevator. But that is a story I don’t wish to relive.

When you are socializing, test the waters and listen to the conversation between your target(s) and other people. Know if you can be crude, swear, or if you should pull out everything you know about modern healthcare and insurance.

Part 7 of too many: Sit in the midst of lots of seating, preferably in a circular formation

People will sit around you. And you can join in conversation. I know this goes against all of your natural inclinations as a writer. Usually, you want to sit alone and roost, watching people in between paragraphs while you ponder perfect wording. Immerse yourself. Now is the time.

Part 8 of too many: Be polite

Be polite to everyone. Do not be rude or invasive. The more you open doors for people and smile, the more you help someone who has a few too many books in their hands, the more you open avenues of discussion.

Kindness will take you a long way.

Also, be sure to thank those who are volunteering for or managing the conference. You don’t see what a lot of them do but they do a lot. Be grateful and gracious.

Part 9 of too many: Handshakes

I have encountered every type of handshake here. I have shaken the feeble fish and been crushed by a literally military grip that ached for a few hours afterward (it did, alas). The best thing you can do it make sure that your hand is dry, not coughed on, and free of visible fungus.

When shaking hands, be confident. Don’t think about it. Shake your hand with an honest enthusiasm and look at the person’s face, not your hands. Do not challenge the person with a feral wolf glare but, instead, honest interest. If you’re not honestly interested, what are you doing there?