In the last Bardsy blog, we discussed a handful of reasons you might attend a writing conference and the importance of setting goals to get the biggest bang for your buck. Today, we'll talk about the next steps—namely, how to choose a writing conference and make the most of the experience once you're there. We'll use our upcoming journey to the 2024 AWP Conference to demonstrate our decision making process as we go, so grab your suitcase; we're off to determine which writing conference is the right one for you!

As we covered last time, your goals will determine which conference is right for you. If you write genre fiction and want to become more competitive in that space, you may want to check out genre-specific conferences like the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Nebula Conference and StokerCon (horror).

These events provide writers with information that helps them write to market in their respective genres. They also offer an avenue for writers to connect with authors, agents, and other industry professionals who share their passion for fiction, whether sci-fi, regency romance, or thriller.

Other conferences are dedicated to specific aspects of writing and publishing, such as the IPNE Independent Publishers & Authors Conference, a virtual event providing indie authors and publishers with the latest information on industry best practices. Or the Writers League of Texas Agents and Editors Conference, which offers a pre-conference "pitch lab" where authors can perfect their pitches before presenting them to numerous agents for consideration at the event.

We selected the AWP Conference because it's a perfect fit for our two primary conference objectives: sharing Bardsy as a resource for writers and networking with authors and other professionals. It's a bit pricier than smaller events, but the hundreds of sessions and panels and the multi-day bookfair give a return on investment that keeps attendees returning year after year. Pick a conference with topics relevant to your goals, and you'll be glad you invested your time and money, which leads to the question…

All right, so you know where you're going and what you hope to learn. Time to make sure your hard-earned miles and dollars don't go to waste. Here's how:

Act Like a Sponge

You don't have to wear square pants, but you should appear professional and be ready to absorb as much information as possible. From established authors with dozens of books in their back catalog to educators with decades of experience, there's plenty of knowledge in the conference rooms. That's not to mention other industry professionals such as agents, editors, and publishers.

Come prepared to take notes at presentations, but also pay attention to the individuals you interact with one-on-one. If you end up at a lunch table with a seasoned author eager to share what they wish they'd known at the start of their career, listen closely. Most people enjoy talking about themselves and their success, so ask questions and focus on soaking up knowledge.

We're eager to talk shop with other educators and connect with editors to see which publications could be a good fit for our members' work. The AWP Conference will also offer an opportunity to catch up on current industry trends and changes.

Narrow Your Focus

There's such a bounty of information that it's easy to get overwhelmed, not to mention exhausted if you try to make it to every discussion panel or lecture that interests you. Consider where you're at in your writing journey to determine where you should focus your energy.

If you have a sampling of short stories you hope to publish, peruse the various literary journals to see who might be a good fit. Putting the polish on a recently completed novel? Prioritize panels where agents (ideally in your genre) give their advice on querying. Though selection can be difficult when the line-up is excellent, unless you become omnipresent, you'll have to leave some lectures unheard.

Keep in mind that this ties in with knowing what you want to get out of the conference. Establish those goals, and the rest slips into place. For example, in alignment with our goals, we'll focus on connecting with writers looking to improve their craft and other industry professionals.

Plan Your Time

A plan can be the difference between a wasted weekend and a productive one. Come in with a game plan to ensure your goals don't get lost in the conference chaos. Start by reviewing your conference's schedule and noting the most appealing sessions. Check out the conference website and look to see if they have an app you can use to streamline your scheduling and a map so you don't waste time wandering down the wrong corridors. Weigh panels and lectures carefully to assess which ones offer you the most value and plan your activities accordingly.

However, that said, don't be afraid to deviate from your plan if the mood strikes. You may meet a fellow writer who says a certain presenter is one you don't want to miss or find out that a specific panel section is predicted to be fantastic. Sometimes speakers have to cancel at the last minute, and you may have only been interested in the topic because of the presenter.

Trust your instincts and let your muse guide you—within reason. No matter how convincingly the muse swears your dream agent will be delighted to have your manuscript slid to them under the bathroom door, they're lying.

Once you've found a conference that's worth trading in your weekend for, enjoy yourself. Being surrounded by individuals devoted to writing and reading on such a large scale is a rare treat. And if you join us at the 2024 AWP Conference, make sure you stop by the Bardsy booth (exhibit space #1542!) to say hello. We'd love a chance to chat in person.

Make this year the year you prioritize your writing. For some writers, that may mean attending a conference to network. It could also mean entering our 2023 Winter Anthology Contest and having your work published. Start the year off strong by entering our Anthology Contest here.