Preparing for Music Conferences

So, you are going to a music conference! YAY!  A music conference is a place for opportunity, connection, fun and can be life changing.   But to make sure you get your money’s worth, use that old boy scout & girl scout motto: Be Prepared! 

When getting ready for a conference, get a hold of the agenda if provided.  See WHO is going to be there, and WHAT classes, mentor & listening sessions are scheduled, and then plan YOUR schedule.   

Decide on One Main Goal 

Some times there are so many courses, panels and pitch sessions at conferences it can be overwhelming. So decide what you want to accomplish at the conference.   

If you want a specific mentor (if they are offered) Do your research ahead of time and see what types of music the person is seeking.  Get in line or register early to have the best chance at getting your mentor.  Or perhaps see if you can get a consult session with them at the conference. 

Other goals could be: 

• Learn to write appropriate lyrics for Film & TV 
• Hone your production skills 
• Learn how to construct better cues 
• Marketing your music   
• Pitching music appropriately 
• Meet as many industry professionals as possible 
• Meet as many new co-writers as possible 
• What would you most want to learn?

Be Professional   

Bring professional looking business cards. Places like Vista print always have good deals. You can search on-line for coupons.  Your business card should be clean and simple. It should display your name, title, email, phone, website, logo and/or picture. There are also apps now for shareable business cards on your phone. 

Create a clean easy to read Website. Even a one-page site that looks simple, neat, has a short bio and examples of your work will make you look professional 

Many people bring Cd’s to a conference, however, most computers and cars these days do not have CD players. You can still bring CD’s, but I also recommend a thumb drive or having a QR code on your business card that will go to your music when scanned.   Be sure that all music is properly tagged with the proper metadata. Most importantly, your contact information, song name, descriptions of music, splits & master ownership information.  

Network & Pitch the RIGHT way 

It is so tempting to run up to every industry person & throw your music into his or her hands.   After every panel people usually swarm them.  I usually wait till the crowd thins a bit then introduce myself, tell them something about how my music may meet their needs and ask if I can give them my info & if I can contact them later with some music.    

Elevator Pitch:  I tell people to come up with a mission statement first, and then a one or two line sentence with what you do.  This way in case you meet someone but don’t have a ton of time, you have something prepared to say and it makes you look uber professional.   

Research and keep a list of the individuals at the conferences, they list what companies they work for so you can take down that info and create a pitch list.  Look up what shows they work for or what types of music they may be looking for. Find and follow them on social media so you can be aware of any needs.  

It is always better to get introduced to an industry professional through someone else OR meet them casually at the bar later.   

Have Fun! 

Most of all have fun!  Meet some new people, exchange business cards, play some music in the lobby with the pop up band.   

You can make some really great friends & co-writers at these events and become part of an awesome community that will change your life!     

You are now conference ready!!  

Charge forth and Party On! - Michelle