What’s on the iPod: Colorblind by Egyptian
I’m back. I’m exhausted, but I’m back. The conference was terrific, and the recession to my mind is a distant memory. That’s because as I was busy meeting people, they were asking me to help them with their writing and marketing. That was a huge difference from last year’s conference, where I’d say hello and get warm greetings, but weak responses when it came to any type of collaboration. Still, even that conference was worth it. I made key contacts and had many more familiar faces to visit this year.
It didn’t hurt that the cover story on the Society’s magazine (the ones putting on the event) was mine. It didn’t hurt that the topic was so new and fresh that the emails are still coming in from people thrilled to read it. The topic wasn’t my idea, but I’m grateful they gave it to me. It didn’t hurt at all that everyone at the conference got a backpack full of goodies, and that issue was in that bag. It didn’t hurt that I had another story in that same issue. The editors have taken to calling me their “fourth editor” — I’d love to work with them all the time. Great group of people.
I’ve also made some discoveries about conferences and how Murphy’s Law plays into it.
Suits equal 87 degrees. I had all my meetings lined up for Monday. I bought the suit, which of course had a thin lining, and I had the comfort shoes on. It was the only day all week in which the temperature soared to 87 or above and with the first humidity we’ve had in two months. This point was punctuated by the broken AC on the train back home. I was sauteed by the time I reached my car.
The walk to registration extends in direct relation to how high your heels are. I made the mistake of thinking that this year’s conference setup would be identical to the one that was here in 2005. That year, registration was at the front of the hall. This year as I walked in, a man passing me said, “It’s about a mile and a half back that way.” I laughed until halfway through my trek when I realized he wasn’t kidding.
Comfort shoes are an oxymoron. True, they’re older Naturalizers that I’ve successfully trekked Manhattan in without issue. I suppose they were past their expiration date — I came home Monday with blisters on my big toe. That meant Tuesday was Casual Day, for nothing goes with flat sandals but my white summer dress.
Dressing for hot weather means it’s now cold again. It’s what I get for being too tired to check the weather report again. I went to the train station yesterday in a short-sleeved suit jacket, a skirt, and a pair of open-toed shoes. It was about 52 degrees on the platform. And the train was late.
If you pack extra comfort shoes, you won’t need them. They were in my bag on Tuesday. No problems. I decided not to take them yesterday. Yep, the feet started hurting.
No one cares what you’re wearing on your feet at a conference. The women were verbally coveting my flats and the men weren’t even paying attention. Be comfortable.
Thinking you know where you’re going means you’re going to go the wrong way. The convention center has identical exits with mediocre signage. I’m from the area and couldn’t get my bearings a few times.
Cocktail parties where you think you’re going to network are going to have the loudest music. I’m embarrassed to say I met two lovely women whom I couldn’t hear the entire time I sat with them. They were talking, but who knows what they were shouting? The singer was so loud and the music was blaring. The best cocktail party was the one without music. I actually met people and enjoyed the conversations instead of straining to hear.
Such a great conference, though. I’ll be sharing a bit more of the happenings tomorrow. For today, I’m recovering from all the walking (the good news is I lost three pounds in three days), and I’m getting out some snail-mail thank-you notes.
How is your week going?
Have you attended conferences before? If not, what would you like to know about them?
Welcome back to the life of barefoot bliss. 🙂
Congratulations on the article successes – wow!
Thanks, Cathy. Glad to be in my own chair today. Cell phones do make it easier to stay in touch with emails and things, but I LOVE the bigger screen and keyboard. I don't feel like such a klutz!
Welcome back Lori. And congratulations on the article success. I have attended trade conferences and I always came away with lots of article ideas.
Sounds like a successful venture. Having a cover story that everyone received is killer! Can't wait to hear how this works into recurring gigs.
Glad to hear it was a success!
I attended several Chicago-area conferences (for free) when freelancing for a business trade. One thing I learned: collect business cards, not folders and samples so there's less to lug around. And take some ibuprofen before your legs or feet start aching.
Back then I didn't have the sense to set up meetings ahead of time, so I used the conference as a way to find article fodder. I think I wrote an article about working a conference for The Writer, way back in the late 90s. Totally outdated information now, I'm sure.
Lori, I have bad feet anyway, so I never care what anyone thinks about my footware. I HAVE to wear flats, and they have to be comfortable. And I still end up with blisters and feet so sore its about a week before I can put on any shoes at all.
Congratulations on all your success!
And hooray for comfy shoes (or no shoes at all).
Sounds like a lot of fun.
I had the flu this week, so it wasn't one of my best weeks. But that's okay — I got to spin some great ideas while lying in bed.
Now — the follow through.
I like conferences, but I usually only go to seminars the first day and spend the rest of it in the bar, where the real deals are done! 😉
PS By the way, it's awesome that your story was on the cover, you had another one in there, and it got such great exposure. Hope you get to work with them again OFTEN.
PS — and in the bar, I learned to get them to sign an agreement right there, so it's not just "bar talk."
Damaria, isn't that the truth? The ideas are rampant at a show. I love it. Keeps us writing for close to a year!
Paula, I started with Naprosin. Had thrown out my back just standing (on concrete, of course) at Sunday night's party, so I needed heavy-duty help.
Jodi, thanks. Barefoot is just so much better. 🙂
Are you back in the pink, Devon? Glad to hear it.
I think I'll be working much more with them. They were calling me their "fourth editor" by the end of the first day.
Amen to that! I think next year it will be all bar networking. Not that walking around the floor didn't net me a TON of work, but it's just easier on the feet.