Showcasing
By Ollee Owens
Depending on your temperament, the thought of thrusting yourself into an unregulated social occasion like an industry conference, event, or competition can either thrill you, bore you, or freak you out. No matter how you feel, an opportunity to immerse yourself in an experience which holds promise for learning, exposure, networking, and being inspired should always be sought out to enhance your given focus of interest and passion.
I recently attended the International Blues Challenge (IBC) week down in Memphis, TN which was hosted by The Blues Foundation – whose mission is to preserve blues heritage, celebrate blues recording and performance, expands worldwide awareness of the blues, and ensuring the future of this art form. This five-day event is the world’s largest gathering of blues musicians and industry professionals – with 20 clubs along historic Beale Street hosting challengers and fans as well as offering seminars, showcases, master classes, film screenings, networking events, book signings, and receptions for blues societies, fans, and professionals.
While not officially enrolled in the official challenge I was, however, invited to perform a showcase at BB Kings Club at the beginning of the week. It was so amazing to have this opportunity to perform in front of such a diverse audience of blues fans from around the world! Without knowing exactly all I would experience outside of the showcase; I am so glad I prepared myself in advance to maximize all an experience like this had to offer. Before I went, there were a few things I did to set myself up for a successful week:
- I sent invitations for the showcase to a variety of industry individuals.
- I brought along lots of business cards with a QR code linked to my website.
- I booked a hotel where I knew many attendees were staying – as you never know whom you might run into in the elevator or at breakfast!
Once there, I made sure to do the following:
Reviewed the schedule for the week and marked all the main events I really wanted to attend.
- Studied the map showing all the venues and made sure I was well-oriented with all the various venues and locations.
- Sent notes to all the individuals attending I had connected with prior to the event – letting them know I had arrived and was looking forward to connecting.
- I packed my schedule full of the most important events first – knowing that I could accessorize my schedule well enough around these anchor points.
- Sat with people I didn’t know and struck up conversations – taking time to talk with as many people as possible. You never know who you’ll meet and how they might influence your current trajectory.
- Attended various jams – which led to an opportunity to sing, play, and connect with other artists.
After arriving home, I made sure to follow up with all the people I met and then caught up on some much-needed rest!
Ollee Owens is a Calgary-based singer/songwriter
Website: olleeowens.com