With less than a month to go, I know many of you are choosing who to see at The Societies Convention. I have had a few people chat with me about the people they want to see and what I think. So I decided to write this blog to help you all.
1. Think about topics you most need to learn
I remember my first few years of attending, choosing who to see at The Societies Convention was really hard at the time. Especially as a new photographer, who needed to learn EVERYTHING lol.
The first thing I would recommend you do, before even looking at the speaker list is to think about what you are weakest at. What could you do with learning and improving in your photography and business?
This could be business, or it could be a certain type of lighting that you haven’t mastered yet. Maybe Posing, or you want to do better at competitions and need to learn more.
The great thing about the convention is they have something for EVERYONE. Although I know that makes it harder to choose as they are all so amazing.
2. choosing your speakers/classes
The next part of choosing who to see at The Societies Convention is to now look at the class topics and if they match the list you created above.
For the moment do not worry if the classes overlap. The next section will help with that. Just make a note of them.
I know it is easy to think I will just go and see xxxx speakers because I know them and love what they do. But if you have already spent a lot of time training and learning from them already it is usually a good idea to see someone new. To learn and hear something you haven’t looked at before.
For all of my coaching clients, I have recommended other speakers as I already work with them one to one, they can already ask me anything.
It is much better to look at the topics and choose areas in which you need to grow. This will give you the most benefit for your money. And making choosing who to see at The Societies Convention easier.
3. Stalk the speaker
Now you have an idea of the classes you want to do and see. Next, go and stalk the speaker.
No, I don’t mean go stand outside their house peering through the window. But more check out their Social Media, Videos, Websites etc.
Why? Well Everyone isn’t for everyone.
You will find you learn from a certain teaching style better than other ones. You need to like and enjoy the person you are learning from.
So go watch the videos or reel content. Check and see if you enjoy listening to them and the way they talk.
It is ok to not like it and it is ok to love it. People are different and like different styles and ways of speaking.
My friend and I often send each other YouTube videos we find of things we love listening to and learning about. But we should really know better as we are so different in what we like. She usually has to turn off what I send her in a minute and I am the same with what she sends.
That doesn’t mean the speaker isn’t great. Just that they aren’t for you.
So get recommendations but always go stalk the speaker to make sure you resonate.
4. Have back up talks
I remember when I first went there were times when I would be running late, get to the speaker room and realise there was no space. Or maybe 10 minutes in I realised this wasn’t what I was hoping for.
After my first time attending I made sure if I had been interested in 2 talks I would make a note of both and what room they were in (and yes I had a spreadsheet – sad life).
This way if I couldn’t fit into the room or decided it wasn’t for me then I could easily find my second choice.
I always sat near the back so I could leave easily without disturbing the speaker. But this was only for speakers I had never seen before. If I had seen or followed them, and knew I liked their speaking style then I was happy up at the front.
5. leave some space
If you are anything like I was my first couple of years you will try and pack as much into your days as possible. Instead of sitting down and choosing who to see at The Societies Convention that will give you the best knowledge and growth as a photographer.
But I soon learnt it can take its toll, leading me to not take on board everything I needed to. Instead, I would be left feeling overwhelmed with no idea where to start when I arrived home. Staring blankly at my notes thinking I will get back to them tomorrow.
So I advise you to leave yourself a couple of gaps (you will also want to spend time in the amazing trade show during downtime too).
If you are not sure where you want your gaps to be and you love excel spreadsheets or highlighters as I do. Highlight the talks that you would like to go to but if you are feeling knackered you would choose to miss over the others.
That way you can access how you feel on the day itself.
Having the space also allows you to catch up with other photographers (such an important thing to do).
Don’t forget to come and say hi to me if you see me outside of my talks. I am always happy to chat and say hello.
I can’t speak for all the speakers but pretty sure most of them would love to meet and say Hi like me.
I have been posting about some of the speakers I kniow and can recommend below. if your interested then check them out.
Don’t miss out on what is going to be
THE PHOTOGRAPHY EVENT OF 2023!
A fully backed event, with a chance to see the trades, learn new things and socialise with others. Who would want to miss it? NOT ME.
Not been before? Check out my video from last year HERE
I hope this has helped you with choosing who to see at The Societies Convention. Any questions or comments please leave them below. Or feel free to message me privately if you wish on any of my socials.
