Six Tips for a Successful Conference

The Craft & Business of Writing

Published Jul 29, 2008 9:07 AM EDT

Request conference information early. If you want to participate in a manuscript ore portfolio review, there may be early deadlines.
Often speakers are free for breakfast. Ask the conference director if you can take that special speaker to breakfast.
Offer to accompany a speaker to lunch. Invite him to sit at your table. He is a stranger in a large crown and will probably appreciate a friendly word.
Volunteer to help. The conference director will be your friend for life. You may be invited to a special pre- or postconference party at which you can make more friends for life. You'll have a blast!
Rest before and after the conference. Take maximum advantage of the limited amount of time that the speakers will be there.
Take your business card and give it to everyone.

Scott Francis is a former editor and author of Writer's Digest Books.