Our newsletters
are delivered via Aweber.com, a reliable, spam-free newsletter service. If you
are considering a new newsletter host, please click above, and tell them Hope
sent you.
Your ad placed here. See the
Ad Rates page for both
the web site and newsletter rates.
Contests, grants, markets that
pay writers may list at no charge. Send to
Hope.
| |
Fair Game: Making the Most Out of Fairs, Tradeshows and Conferences
by Lisa Tiffin
Think you don't have time to attend that conference or fair
you've had your eye on? Well, think again. You could actually
be working while you are learning or having fun. Attending
tradeshows, fairs and other similar events can net you valuable
article ideas, interview sources and article assignments. In
fact, one such event has netted me a half dozen articles, plus
several active queries! With results like these, it may be that
you can't afford not to go! Read on to learn how to maximize your
time and turn those tradeshows into multiple articles and assignments.
Start with Articles on the Show Itself
Each show or event you choose to attend has the potential of
becoming an article or two. For example, if you are attending a
local gardening show, you might cover it for the local paper's
living section, or you might approach the editor of a horticulture
magazine and offer a feature on the unique aspects of the show.
Even more profitable than covering the event for a local
publication is turning it into a feature article for a national
magazine. Look for magazines that focus on events like the one
you are attending. Perhaps a tradeshow on energy efficiency could
become a feature in a science or green mag, while a huge craft
fair could become an article for a well-known knitting,
scrapbooking or craft magazine. And don't forget anything with a
hometown feel or a unique gathering could become a human interest
or a "places not to miss" feature for both large and small
publications.
Pick a Unique Aspect of the Event
Once you've exhausted articles on the event itself, turn to unique
aspects of the show. The fair that netted me so many articles
happened to be a whole foods event that stressed zero waste. I was
able to use zero waste as a feature in one magazine, an example in
one article and as a sidebar for yet another. Talk about padding my
resume and lining my pockets!
Look for ways to turn ordinary events into multiple angles. Could
you use that well-run conference as an example for a public
relations or event coordinator journal? How about turning a young
entrepreneurs' gathering into an article for a Gen X- or Y-focused
magazine? Whatever the angle, searching for unique aspects means
capitalizing on article assignments.
Look for the Teachers and the Peddlers
Many conferences, fairs and tradeshows play host to professionals
in certain fields. Finding and speaking with these people often
nets potential profile pieces as well as interview subjects for
later articles. The fair I attended had an education tent, making
this task easy. There I found people who were eager to share
their particular missions, goals and knowledge. Many of these
conversations became fodder for queries and articles.
Along with people out to educate, remember that those looking to
make a buck can also contribute to your goals. In fact, most
people would love the free publicity that might go along with
being featured in a magazine and will be glad to be interviewed.
I introduced myself to a photographer at one craft fair and was
able to feature her in a national magazine. Still others I have
approached have become active queries.
All in all, attending events can be quite profitable, but
remember, a little foresight can go a long way.
--Bring a notebook or recording device to capture on-the-spot
interviews and contact information.
--Gather brochures, website links and any informational
publications that are offered – these may come in handy as
background materials.
--Don't be afraid to snap tons of pictures along the way.
Those shots could make the sale or even boost your fee.
Finally, look at every opportunity - from local craft sale to
international business conference –with a writer's eyes. If you
do, you're sure to score a bevy of articles and assignments!
BIO:
Lisa Tiffin is a freelance writer from upstate New York. Her
work has appeared in Business Strategies, Grit, Twins!, The
Polishing Stone, Homeschooling Today and many others.
Visit her at www.lisatiffin.com
| |
|
|
The Shy Writer:
An Introvert's Guide to Writing Success - trade paperback and
ebook - receive TOTAL FFW subscription with paperback purchase
of SHY. |
|
|
Hope's Blog!
Not too long with a
paying opportunity and a tiny smidge of news and opinion. One of the
most concise yet informative blogs for writers on the web. Voted one of
Maria Schneider's, editor Writer's Digest, 20/20 Blogs in 2007!
|
|
High Hope for the Freelance Writer
