VO ATLANTA 2024: Optimizing Your Attendance
VO Atlanta 2024
If you’re like me, you’re investing a few pennies well into traveling to and attending VO Atlanta 2024 so you’ll want to optimize your experience and investment. If you haven’t done so already, you’ll need to do some planning in the run-up to availing yourself of what is a great opportunity to network, learn new skills, and showcase your talent. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the industry, making the most of a voiceover conference can boost your career. Here's are some tips that can help you leverage VO Atlanta 2024.
BEFORE THE CONFERENCE
1, Set Clear Goals: Determine what you want to achieve at the conference. Whether it's networking, learning new techniques, or finding potential clients, having clear goals will help you make the most of your time. For myself, I’ve long identified new skillsets I’d like to develop, but I’ve also set myself a more granular task. I happen to have a transatlantic accent - which certainly sets me in the minority - so to the extent that I make a connection with someone, I intend to organically ask if they have any thoughts on customers or niche areas where they think my accent may find a warm reception. In turn, I’ll make sure to ask what they’re looking to accomplish and see if I can help with referrals or resources. What’s your specific goal(s)?
2. Research the Schedule: Hopefully, you’ve long finalized your schedule or at least secured your place in any X sessions or breakouts of interest to you, but if you haven’t or didn’t manage to get the one you wanted, don’t despair. Check in with the registration desk in case last-minute vacancies have arisen. Also, remember to leave room to be surprised meaning that if you’re on the fence about attending a session, take a chance and delve into something new. You never know what might spark a new area of interest and business for you. This has happened to me on more than one occasion.
3. Prepare Your Materials: To the extent applicable, update your demo reel, refresh your website content, and resume. And don’t forget about those important business cards. I did mine at MOO.com and was very pleased with the results. For certain selections, they offer a one-day service so there may be still time for you to design them using their templates and have them shipped to your hotel. For 25% off your first order, use the following link: https://refer.moo.com/s/k6qs5s
4. Look the Part: Make a good impression by looking polished. Remember, you're representing your brand, so it's essential to look presentable. And if you haven’t identified, designed and can’t speak to your brand - which is, after all, one of the key messaging you should have in advance of attending the biggest voiceover conference - I highly recommend you do so ASAP. I used Celia Siegel’s “Voiceover Achiever” book and you may want to do the same.
5. Download the Conference App: VO Atlanta’s app is now available. Log in using the same credentials you used to register and off you go. It’s a great way to keep in touch with the latest updates and find and reach out to fellow attendees.
6. Arrange Meetings in Advance: If there are specific individuals you want to meet at the conference, try to arrange meetings in advance. This could include potential clients, industry professionals, or other voice actors. It beats trying to rush the stage at the end of the session when you’re less likely to leave a lasting impression on the speaker. I’ve reached out in advance, and while I didn’t secure meetings, I got representation with one agent and was added to the rosters of two of the speakers. Reach out. You’ve got nothing to lose and much to gain.
DURING THE CONFERENCE
1. Attend Keynote Sessions: Keynote sessions often feature industry leaders and provide valuable insights into the voiceover industry. Attend these sessions to gain knowledge and inspiration. Of course, one of the most pressing topics is AI and there will be ample opportunity to glean the latest updates. The latest news on television animation contracts provides encouraging news and guidance to which we should all pay attention even if we’re non-union.
2. Participate in Workshops: Workshops offer hands-on learning experiences and the opportunity to improve your skills. Choose workshops that align with your interests and goals. And remember to bring the best of your skillsets because one never knows who will be watching. This blog, Crafting Emotional Connections via Voiceover, can help.
3. Network Strategically: Networking is crucial in the voiceover industry. Industry veterans will tell you that they often get jobs off the referrals of other voice actors so it pays to Introduce yourself to other attendees, make a connection, exchange contact information, and follow up after the conference.
4. Visit the Exhibit Hall: Explore the exhibit hall to discover new products, services, and industry trends. All manner of discounts and trial offers could be available here so avail yourself. This is also a great opportunity to network with exhibitors and other attendees.
5. Attend Social Events: Many conferences host social events such as mixers and parties and VO Atlanta is no exception. These events provide informal networking opportunities and a chance to connect with industry professionals in a relaxed setting. Keep a lookout for these and add them to your schedule in the app. And I also know of one event being hosted by a prominent engineer that’s not exactly being publicized, but ask around.
6. Take Notes: During sessions and workshops, take notes on key points and insights. These notes will be valuable for future reference and can help you implement what you've learned. Want a cool tool for note taking that will also translate to action items? Try ClickUp, which is the FREE project management tool I use.
7. Take a Break: In more ways that one, this can be a tad overwhelming. With so much to learn, so many names to remember, and action items to document not to mention the potentially long yours, you’d do well to check out and recharge as needed. The bottom line is to enjoy it to the best of your abilities and in the way best suited to you.
AFTER THE CONFERENCE
1. Follow Up: Follow up with the contacts you made during the conference. Personally, I add all contacts to my CRM so they get regular updates from me which is my way of keeping myself top-of-mind to them. But you can do the same by sending personalized emails or messages to thank them for connecting and express your interest in future collaborations. Most importantly, if you discussed a topic or point, use that as a premise for following up with a resource, or some relevant new information that may be of help to them.
2. Implement What You've Learned: Put into practice the new skills and knowledge you gained at the conference. This could involve updating your demo reel, trying new techniques, or pursuing new opportunities. Prioritize those strategies that will likely give you the greatest gains and 10X your business. Not familiar with the principle of 10X? This is one of the books my voiceover book club covered last year that I highly recommend.
3. Stay Connected: Stay connected with the voiceover community through social media, forums, and industry events. Networking is an ongoing process that can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
4. Reflect on Your Experience: Take some time to reflect on your conference experience. Identify what worked well and what you could improve upon for future conferences.
5. Plan for the Next Conference: Start planning for the next conference you want to attend. Use your experience from the current conference to inform your goals and strategies for the future.
Hopefully, you’ve found this useful. Hope to see you at the conference!
