Getting the Most Out of a Convention/Conference

© Anton

by Skip Cohen

​Welcome back to Fast Food Friday.  These posts are all about things you should be doing to build a stronger business. They're intentionally meant to be short and relatively easy to implement because so many of you are right-brain off-the-charts creative types. You'd much rather be creating than running your business, paying attention to the numbers, or planning the year ahead!

Today's topic has been hit before, but with ClickCon being a brand new show, I thought it would be good to highlight some of the key aspects to this unique event and get you thinking about how to get the very most out of the trip as well as any other conferences you attend.  
​
Attending any conference, convention, or workshop is an investment. Just like investing in new business ventures, you need to do your homework and know what you're spending money on. Unfortunately, too many of you head off to a conference without spending any time thinking about why you're going in the first place.

For me, it's about networking and collecting ideas on how to be better at your craft - both technically and in business and marketing. In regards to ClickCon, you want to be headed home after the event with new ideas, both long term and short that you can implement right away. And with this new show's venue, it's virtually guaranteed to give you ideas so you can thrive, not just survive in 2019.

---

Maximizing Your Time, Value and Experience at ClickCon

What gets me excited most about this new show is just that - it's a NEW show. And, it's in Chicago which is outrageously easy to get in and out of, whether you're in the air or on the road.

Because it's new - there's something special about being one of the attendees at the "first" of anything, and especially in this industry where building relationships is so meaningful. Plus, because there's a lot of hands-on shooting, Chicago will provide a pretty fantastic backdrop to help you further build your portfolio.
​

• Timing: August is an ideal time. Whether you realize it or not, you'll need to recharge your battery before the fall. This is why I always scheduled Skip's Summer School at the same time of year.
• Get to know the speakers BEFORE you get there. The ClickCon website is loaded with great information about each speaker and descriptions of their classes. Plus, if there's somebody, you don't know, but you like the description of their class wander over to YouTube. Use the search box to find out more, and I'm betting you'll find just about every instructor. Also, visit their websites and get to know their work.
• New companies and products: Thanks to ProCam, the main sponsoring retailer, the show has one of the most extensive lists of sponsors in any of the smaller boutique conferences. Most of these companies will have a presence in the trade show, and if not exhibiting their partnership involves speaker support.

• Set up time in advance to meet with people or companies you especially want to talk with. And, you should be making it a point to meet somebody from every vendor whose product or service you use if they're on the list above.
• Plan your meals, and never eat alone! Conferences like this are perfect for networking and building relationships. Put the social in social media and find out who's headed to Chicago from the various Facebook forums in which you participate. Nothing beats meeting somebody face to face who you've been talking with in cyberspace, but never formally met. 
• Talk to the icons! Every instructor at ClickCon is there because they value teaching and education. And with this show, you're meeting some of the very best in the industry. So many of you get intimidated and find it hard to talk to the instructors. Remember, we're all here because we believe in education and networking, and want to help you. 
• SAVE MONEY: If you're headed to ClickCon use "ccskip" for your discount code and save $50...register through my speaker portal with a click on the thumbnail to the right, and I'm giving back my speaker commission of 10% with half going directly to the attendee and the other half to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. That puts your net cost for admission to the two-day event at $113, and if you're attending both the two days and the MAX day, your price is down to $284. Plus, you'll be helping to raise money for NILMDTS in the process.
• Shoes, business cards, and a handout: Wear comfortable shoes. You're going to on your feet a lot. Bring cards, even though it might seem like an outdated request. And, I love photographers who do a small printed handout of their work and bring it along, instead of a big portfolio or trying to get somebody's time to view their work on a phone or iPad. Create a leave-behind piece for the key people you'll meet.
• Are you adequately insured: You know the expression, "shit happens." Well, nothing could be more accurate at a trade show or conference. If you're relatively new as a professional photographer, your home insurance does NOT cover lost or stolen gear being used commercially. Just trust me and make a phone call to your insurance agent, and make sure you're covered.
• "Growth only happens outside your comfort zone!" As you look over the programming, think about where you need the most help. And, an ideal approach is to always pick a couple of programs entirely outside your comfort zone. You'll learn so much you can add to your skill set.

There's very little in this industry better than a convention to help you recharge your battery, but to maximize the value of your time away from the business you've got to plan a little in advance.

---