Will you be attending a music conference this year? Do it the right way!

We all love a good conference, convention, seminar, workshop, exhibit, class, or meeting. After all, we are social animals and we love to learn new things, especially if it has something to do with our passion in life.

So what have you planned to learn this year? If music, recording, art, singing, songwriting, performing… if creativity is your passion, it’s good to get out there and immerse yourself with the best of them. There are a lot of good lectures, seminars and classes for musicians from all over the world. Several of these opportunities will help us hone our craft and allow us to network with the best movers and shakers in the industry. Aim for the sky, right?

And, if you’re looking to save money, it’s a good idea to research ahead of time which conferences you’ll want to attend in the year, and then take advantage of early bird rates. For information on upcoming music conferences and events, visit the Vocal Release Events page.

When you plan to attend something that will help you achieve goals in life, it’s great to be prepared. There are some basic tools you should have ready to go, especially if you’re trying to get in front of industry professionals:

Business letters: From elegant to basic, the business card is the fastest way to deliver your information without being pushy or amateurish. The card has your name, number, email, and website information on it. (If you have one). You do not need to add your home address or phone number. It is better/safer to use a cell phone or business phone. When your business card is done right, the person you hand it to will be able to figure out who you are, read all about you, and guide them to your music, all in the half second it takes you to hand it to them. So arm yourself with one and don’t leave home without it. You can get business cards for virtually free at vistaprint.com, but never print the printing company’s logo on the back of your card.

CDs, Flash Drives or iPods: If you’re a song runner making music, make yourself heard. Have your music or song ready to deliver or play at any time. Music supervisors, music libraries, record executives and producers are looking for the next big thing, so get in front of them and show who you are. If you don’t have media (CD or auxiliary drive) to hand out, see item #1. Give them a business card with a website where they can go to listen to your music. You can sign up for MySpace for free and upload some of your songs there. As a note: having your music delivered on a custom printed flash drive with your name, logo, band name, website or phone number printed on it is just great…

Notepad and pen: Basic law? But you’d never guess how many people borrowed a pen from me at the last convention I attended. Ridiculous. Don’t present yourself as a non-professional. Be serious with yourself and that self-respect will take you a long way. Plus, you’ll be taking so many notes at lectures that you’ll probably run out of ink, so bring two pens just in case. Also, industry professionals have been known to give out their personal email addresses in their classes. It’s another way to make yourself heard by sending them a quick email that you attended your class, along with an MP3 of one or two of your best songs. If they want to hear more, they’ll let you know, believe me.

Microphone recorder: Not a must, but great to have. Mini-cassette or digital will work. Listen, I used my iPhone (free app) and downloaded all my recordings from the last TAXI convention I attended to my computer. I still refer to them and I’m so glad I caught some of that great information in the media.

Bring a snack: Do you get up early, take your business cards, your notepad, your pen, your microrecorder, your CDs and USB sticks but you forgot to have breakfast? Classes often start at 6 or 7 am, so bring a snack and a bottle of water just in case. I know, I sound like your mother, but do it. You’ll be glad you did.

Bring cash: At every convention, there are opportunities to buy things. Books, equipment, CD’s, Books on tape, etc. Some providers do not accept checks and some may not accept credit cards. You may have to pay to park. You never know… It’s great to have cash on hand. It can also be helpful if you forgot your snack.

Bring a camera: You may get a chance to take a photo of the musical goings-on and save it for posterity. These days, even cell phones have them. You never know when you’ll need one; just be sure to follow the posted photo taking policies.

Bring a backpack or cart with wheels – You may want to get some free flyers, brochures, CDs and giveaways on offer. You can end up with tons of things at the end of each day, so you’ll want ample space to keep them organized.

While at the convention:

Get organized: Sign in and grab your bag and badge. Read the schedule and highlight the classes, seminars, panels, or presentations you want to attend. Check the schedule of each one. Get there early so you can take a seat in the front. All of these details will help make your experience less stressful. You will have plenty of time during breaks and lunch to socialize and network.

Be calm: Cool and serene, right? You might see celebrities, paparazzi, major players, your favorite drummer – you are just as important. There is no need to be needy, loud, drunk, obnoxious, or crashed in front of them. Stay calm and if you want to ask a question, do it, but have something important to say or ask, and take notes. Remember, you are increasing your knowledge, power, and path to become a better version of yourself.

Dress comfortably: I don’t need to say much more here, but I wouldn’t wear my Elton John towering platforms or my dressier six-inch stilettos and miniskirt to a convention. There is a lot of running, taking elevators, climbing escalators, crowded classrooms, sitting on the floor, etc. So comfort is key. On a personal note, a travel size deodorant in your backpack will go a long way…

Grid: Probably the most important thing you can do at a convention. But do it with grace, class and poise. Know who you are, but work the angles to find out who the others are. How can contacting this person help you advance your career? Networking has brought together many important collaborations of our time. Whether you want to co-write, co-produce, start a band or start a business, whatever your goal, networking is the key. And you’ve prepared to do it right. So get going and come home ready to apply the connections from the business cards you’ve collected, the phone numbers and email addresses you’ve written down, the CDs, the websites, the flash drives, the tapes. mixed media, DVDs, books and more. Then plan to make your career a reality… your way. I’ll see you at the next music convention!

When you get home:

contacts: Enter all the names of your contacts in your computer, Rolodex, black booklet, database, iPhone, Blackberry, etc. One powerful contact can change your musical path forever.

Follow up: Send a follow-up email to all the important people you know. You will want to build relationships with them and plant seeds for future collaborations.

Go ahead: Send CDs or media to the people you promised. Always follow up and people will know that you are a person of your word. It is your most valuable trait.

Gift bag: Check your goody bag. Keep items that are useful for your career. Throw away the rest.

Thank you notes: You may want to consider sending a thank you note to any convention panelists or speakers you particularly enjoyed. Why not put yourself in front of them in the most professional way?

The goal should be to plan ahead, stay organized, and stay grounded. This will ensure that any music conference you attend is one you will always remember and take with you as you continue on the path to your own success. Good luck and have a great conference!