I just returned from a couple of days at the NAMM conference (National Association of Music Merchants). It's a wild ride through building after building of musical instruments, bands playing, deal making, schmoozing, lots of hair and leather and an occassional Rock Star. NAMM, is definitely sensory overload.
Like a few other conferences I sometimes go to, I can't decide before hand if I really want to go and if I do go, do I want to get a hotel and stay or do I want to get in and get out. I decided to go the hotel route and for drinking purposes this always makes sense. As usual, keeping my expectations low provided me with some nice surprises. I ran into a few good friends and a couple possible clients. Not to mention the flexible schedule gave me an opportunity to meet with folks on the spur of the moment.
This reminded me of how important it is to just be seen even if you don't have a particular plan in mind. Conferences are a great way to keep your name out there, run into new potential friends, clients or fans, and find out what's going on outside of your world. This doesn't mean become a conference junkie. You could go broke and never be home with all the conferences that go on throughout the year. But if the total cost to attend is low and affordable, make the trip. You'll almost always be glad you did.
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1 comments:
Yeah, I usually have the same reservations that you're writing about when it comes to conventions, conferences, etc., etc.
I did make it to NAMM though and had some of the same experiences. Even if you only meet three or four people that you either know or connect with, you did meet those people.
Another thing that happens to me is that music bus. conferences fire me up. I'll drive home (didn't do the hotel thing) and find that I'm all inspired simply because I spent time where tons of musicians and music industry people where hanging out together focusing on music, musical instruments, and the biz!
TCat
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