Writing Conferences: Quick Tips to Make the Most of Them

How to make the most of AWP (or any conference you attend). Plus, elevator pitch mini formula and business card checklist + templates.

Whether you look forward to socializing at a writers conference or dread the social overload, these tips will help you navigate and get the most from your experience.

#1 Get clear on your goals.

Why are you going to this event anyway? It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that we need to be everywhere–especially AWP–but it’s important to do a little check-in with yourself before you go.

What do you want out of this experience?

Are you coming to learn about specific subject areas? Craft? Business skills? Marketing? Contracts?

Or are you hoping to meet an agent? Will you be promoting your book?

Perhaps you just want to get a better feel for how the industry works and meet people. Whatever your goals, I recommend taking a little time to think about them and then write your priorities down. Pick 3 goals and jot them on a Post-it or 3x5 card to keep with you. Sometimes we need reminders, especially those of us who are introverts or ambiverts. Once you know your goals, you can prioritize your approach.

But one more thing, I highly recommend having at least one of your goals to be to enjoy the event. I know that sounds silly, but it’s we can get stuck in thinking about what we GET out of things and forget about enjoying it.

Shift your mindset to choose to enjoy the experience, and it may even help a negative situation feel more manageable, plus it will help you manage your own energy as well.

#2 Clothe Yourself Strategically.

Choose clothing you feel both comfortable and professional in. This might sound obvious, but when you feel cute, or handsome, or badass, it affects how you show up. That being said, if you look great, but your feet feel like they’re fracturing from wearing 6-inch heels all day, your window of tolerance is going to drop off real fast. Dig through that closet and decide on outfits that make you feel AND look good.

Bonus Tip:

If you want to make an impact and stay in people’s minds, consider wearing a statement piece.

I’ve seen some awesome choices over the years that I still remember, years later: sequin skirt, colorful blazer, statement necklace or earrings, fun yet comfortable shoes. Express yourself! It’s a great conversation starter and way for people to point you out to others. “Oh yeah, the woman with the memoir is the one over there in the yellow striped dress.” See what I mean?

#3 Bring business cards!

Yeah, it seems old school, but people still like and use them. Here’s the thing, though: if you’re going to bring business cards, they need to WORK for you. I’m not talking about boring or even super designy, fancy pants cards that basically just have your name and email.

Here’s a quick checklist for your business cards:

• Create a clean, professional design. Canva makes this pretty easy.

• Utilize both front and back of your cards

One side should have your pertinent personal brand info:

• Your photo so people can remember who you are

• Your name & a SHORT tagline (like 7 words or less!)

• Your email, website, social handle(s)

On the other side, use the valuable real estate to promote your thing:

• Your book or newsletter/lead magnet/service (editor) with blurb

• A SIMPLE call to action (with simple URL or QR code)

I also recommend bringing a fine-tip sharpie or two so you can write down notes about people who give your their cards. This pen works on glossy or matte finishes.

#4 Schedule downtime alone.

I don’t know about you, but when I look at a good conference schedule, I begin to wish I could clone myself to attend multiple events at once. I’ve seen a few conferences schedule down time into their schedules lately (hurrah!), but if yours doesn’t it’s up to you to do so.

Pick the least appealing class or workshop time each day to get at least 30 minutes to an hour of downtime.

DO use the lunch or coffee break to network. DON’T use those already given downtime slots for alone time, if you can help it. Lunch and breaks can be the best times to meet other people. Folks tend to be more relaxed and conversational.

#5 Know and practice your elevator pitch.

I’m not talking about your book pitch here; this is your hook to pique interest in YOU and your work. It can certainly include your book, but remember nobody likes to be book pitch bombed out of nowhere.

I teach a whole class on this, but for brevity, instead of launching into a list of facts about your book, use this formula:

Hi, I’m [Name], I write about [subject matter summary that’s just quick a hook] and I’m here to [fill in a goal or two].

Here are a couple of examples:

Hi, I’m Veronica Mars, I write about a teenage private detective who seems to solve everyone else’s cases but still can’t find her mom, and I’m here today to meet fellow authors and learn more about audiobooks.

Hi, I’m Jo March, I write about a group of sisters coming of age in 19th-century Massachusetts, and I’m here to network and meet agents.

Remember to keep it short. ONE SENTENCE! Yes, I’m yelling that. ;) And remember, you aren’t explaining your work, you’re just giving them a tiny taste. Then if they lean in you can share more. Also, by stating a goal or two, you’ll already be giving them ideas on how they can help you.

#6 Be of service.

Speaking of helping, that should be one of your priorities when networking. When you meet folks, get curious about them. Being genuinely interested in other people is a key to starting your networking off on the right foot. The best networkers are those who actually care. It’s a symbiotic relationship.

Plus not everyone meet might feel totally confident networking. They may not have a great elevator pitch like you. ;) So help them out, ask them questions about themselves and their work. And always ask, is there anything you need help with? An introduction? Guidance? A referral?

If you implement these tips, I can almost guarantee you’ll have a much better conference experience. Of course, there is so much more I could share, but let’s face it that’s a whole class. Speaking of that, if you’re a subscriber, you’ll get notice when I announce my next classes. 🙂