What to Remember When Preparing for a Journalism Convention
Journalists must stay updated with the latest trends, network with industry professionals, and enhance their own process in order to stay competitive in today’s market. One standout resource journalists can collectively take advantage of in order to do these things are journalism conventions. Journalism conventions offer a plethora of workshops, career expos, and networking opportunities that can help journalists make valuable connections, learn new skills, and even land their dream job.
Before attending, it's essential for journalists to reflect on their professional goals and set clear intentions for what they hope to get out of the convention. Determine what you hope to achieve during the event: Are you looking to expand your network, find a mentor, explore job opportunities? Something else altogether? If you're interested in learning new skills, suss out the specific workshops and sessions that align with your interests. This will give you a built-in plan of attack and you can avoid feeling overwhelmed during the convention.
Once you have established your goals, set your itinerary for the convention. Check the agenda provided by the organizers and select the panels, workshops, and events you want to attend each day. Take note of any scheduling conflicts and prioritize the sessions that are most relevant to your interests. Additionally, research the speakers and organizations participating in the convention and prepare questions ahead of time to ask during their sessions or if you get the chance to introduce yourself. Networking is a key aspect of conventions, so visibility during these panels is a good way to connect with the event organizers and with fellow attendees.
Though this may seem obvious, booking your transportation and lodging in advance is crucial to ensure a smooth experience. Many conventions have partnerships with hotels and offer early discounts for accommodations. If you can't secure a convention rate, try to book a hotel near the venue to minimize travel time and inconvenience. Moreover, picking transit that will leave you feeling discombobulated will work negatively against your ability to be present in panels and in important networking events. If you get car-sick, don’t take a bus. Likewise, if planes are stressful to you, seek alternative methods of arrival. Arriving well-rested and prepared will contribute to a more positive experience.
Before attending the convention, polish up your professional credentials. Update your social media profiles, especially LinkedIn, to reflect your latest accomplishments and experiences. Check on your personal website and make sure your portfolio is the best representation of you that you’d like to bring into this community. If you're actively seeking a job, update your resume and website with your best and most relevant work samples. Consider bringing printed copies of your resume to the convention, as recruiters often accept them at expo booths. It's also beneficial to have a card with a QR code linked to your LinkedIn profile and other media available online, as this can create easy shortcuts to share your information with potential employers.
“Showcase your accomplishments, not your experience,” Scott Williams, talent acquisition director for NBCU News Group and NBCU Local, said. “What makes you special? What sets you apart? Put your best stuff on your reel or portfolio. Highlight the stories you broke or the breaking news you knocked out of the park. You’re a storyteller, and pretty much any story worth telling is engaging.”
Taking care of yourself during the convention is equally important. Conventions can be physically and mentally demanding—from the commute there to the entire experience—so develop and pre-plan a self-care routine to combat fatigue. Adjust your sleep schedule before traveling if there's a time zone difference. Carry snacks and plan your meals.. Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle. Be present in the moment, actively listen, and prioritize your well-being–and if your body starts to give you warning signals, listen to them. Nothing makes a bad impression like telegraphing to others that you don’t take care of yourself.
Finally, make a packing list to ensure you have everything you need for the convention. “The best packing tip I can give you is to have two pairs of shoes — one for walking around and waiting and one for meetings because you are constantly on your feet,” said Williams. “There’s nothing worse than being uncomfortable as you’re sitting down with someone from a company you want to work for.” Pack professional outfits that make you feel confident. Bring a bag to store business cards, a notebook and pen for note-taking, any swag you may receive, and your passport if you're traveling internationally.
Setting yourself up for success can ensure the best experience possible at a journalism convention. While there is no guarantee that life will change significantly or that you will walk out of there with a new job, conventions can actually be fun—if journalists take care of themselves and set clear intentions for turning up. A little bit of prep work goes a long way in the field of journalism.
