Thursday, June 7, 2012

Thursday Review—Pros and Cons of Returning to the Same Writers Conference


A Guest Post by Lynn Blackburn

A few weeks ago I attended the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference for the second time. The fact that I live less than two hours away from one of the best conferences in the nation made this an easy decision.

But what if you have to fly to all the big conferences? What if you can only choose one? Do you return to a conference you’ve attended before, or venture out and explore something new?

Based on my own experience, let me give you a few pros and cons for returning to the same conference.

Pros:
Understanding the Schedule. New conferees take a look at the schedule and start searching for a paper bag to breathe into. But once you’ve gone through it, the flow of the conference makes sense and the only thing you have to stress about is choosing classes.

Reconnecting with Friends. Instead of standing in registration hoping you don’t stick out as a newbie, you’ll be squealing (well, the men do more of a head bob than a squeal) and hugging friends you made the last time.

Fewer Newbie Gaffes. There are plenty of stories of writers who didn’t recognize award winning faculty members or who tried to pitch to volunteers or who misspelled names on thank you notes. I can’t say you won’t do any of that on a return trip, but it’s less likely.

More Interactions. Lots of writers are introverts, and hanging out with 400+ strangers can be intimidating. This time, I found I was more likely to introduce myself to people and strike up conversations on the way to meals or before classes.

Better Overall Experience. I didn’t think my conference experience could get much better than it was in 2010. I was wrong. My conference goals were different but my sense of satisfaction, both with what I learned and what I accomplished, was much higher. In 2010, I was thrilled to keep my head above water, but in 2012, I felt like I was riding the waves.

Now, to be fair, there were a few negatives to returning to the same conference.

Cons:

Fatigue. With so many friends and so little time, I didn’t get much rest. I networked (that’s conference speak for “hanging out with friends eating chocolate”) after the evening sessions and then got up early to network (that’s conference speak for “meeting people for breakfast or coffee”) most mornings. I decided I could sleep when I got home.

More Interactions. Contrary to popular belief, faculty members are not mean ogres out to embarrass you. They try to be kind to the newest members of the conference community. But, if they get to know you and know you can take some tough love…well, you might get some. The good news is you’ll learn a lot…and get a story you can use out of it!

So what do you think? Should you return to the same conference or visit a new one each year?

Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Lynn


Lynn Huggins Blackburn has been telling herself stories since she was five and finally started writing them down. She blogs about faith, family, and her writing journey on her blog Out of the Boat. Lynn is a member of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild and the Word Weavers, Greenville. She lives in South Carolina where she hangs out with three lively children, one fabulous man, and a cast of imaginary characters who find their way onto the pages of her still unpublished novels. She drinks a lot of coffee.

17 comments:

  1. Great post, Lynn! I agree with all your observations - that is definitely what I experienced as well. Under the category of 'fewer newbie gaffs' I would also add, knowing the layout of the conference center! I remember in 2010 being late to a class or two because I was busy trying to find it on the map in the back of the conference book - this year, it was no problem! I also enjoyed having the 'inside scoop' this year on the fact that most of that networking happens in the lobby of Mtn. Laurel - so that's where we booked our room. Last time we stayed in Pritchell, and while we did get some 'hang out' time on the rocking chairs, it wasn't as comfortable, as effective, or as fun! (And there was no chocolate.) The only other Con that comes to mind is that it allows us to be more comfortable...and that is only a positive thing up to a point. It's good for us to challenge ourselves and push ourselves outside our comfort zone, at least some of the time. :-)

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    1. Thanks Felicia! Having the "inside scoop" is a definite plus! And you are right about being too comfy. I think if you return again and again, you have to set some new goals for each trip so you get out of the comfort zone and grow!

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  2. Thanks, Lynn and Edie. May I put a link to this post on our Conference blog at http://write2ignite.com/category/blog/ ?

    Thanks!
    Jean Hall

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    1. Jean, it's great with me and I feel comfortable saying yes for Lynn, too. Thanks so much! There are also several helpful blog posts about conferences on the Blue Ridge site you're welcome to link to. Alton and I think the more conferences who support each other, the better. We really don't believe we're competing.

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    2. Jean - Thanks for stopping by. And Yes! Feel free!

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  3. You are too funny! You keep me laughing every time I read your posts...thanks. Luvya! Sandra

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  4. Great thoughts to ponder, Lynn. I, too live less than an hour away from a major conference (Write to Publish in Wheaton, Illinois). I have been able to reconnect with many people each year and stay in contact. I have also attended other conferences where I had to fly. At those conferences I have met new people, some new faculty. I guess it is important to choose a conference and attend whatever it may be and grow as a writer. Thanks for the thinking of this subject.

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    1. Hi Tammie! I agree. I'm a big believer in choosing conferences based on where you are - and where you want to go - as a writer. I hope to make it to multiple conferences in the years ahead just to experience all that's out there!

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  5. I learned so much and was touched so deeply by the beauty of the setting--I can't imagine going anywhere else. This was my first time at any writing conference and I drove 9hrs to get there--but the drive was even a rich experience of prayer and praise. I got home and hubby and I agreed that I would be back next year, so the saving and writing have already begun.

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    1. It is an amazing place...and such fun to anticipate going back! Hopefully I'll see you there!

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  6. Hi, Lynn. Loved your post and have just subscribed to your blog. Thanks for the "heads up." I hope to actually get to a writer's conference one day -- just can't seem to figure out when. Blessings!

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    1. Thank you! A writing mentor told me I needed to get to a writing conference and recommended Blue Ridge. I wasn't sure if I could justify the time away from family and the expense, especially with where I was in my writing. But she was right. It's one of the best investments you can make! Let us know when you make the leap. Chances are good Edie will know someone who is attending just about any conference out there!

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  7. Hi Lynn and Edie, I agree! Lynn, great thoughts and observations. One other thing I noticed was that on the last night...banquet night...despite having met dozens and dozens of people, I looked around the room and still saw, well, dozens and dozens of new people that I hadn't even had a chance to talk to yet! Does that mean a third conference in the near future?!

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    1. Deb - I know what you mean. I'm still seeing posts on the #BRMCWC twitter feed from people I don't recognize. We definitely need to make a third trip (and a fourth...)!

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  8. Lynn, happy to see you enjoyed your second trip to Ridgecrest for our writer's conference. We'd definitely love to have you attend again next year!

    Byron Hill
    Executive Director, LifeWay Conference Centers & Camps

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  9. Very enlightening, Lynn. I always enjoy your posts (thank you Edie!)

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  10. I did choose to go to a different conference last year and although it was jam packed and full of opportunity,this year I chose Blue Ridge because 1. The setting at Ridgecrest is unbeatable 2. The facility wonderful 3. The faculty of Blue Ridge terrific and approachable 3. And the sense of all-for-one-and-one-for-all terrific.

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