Tips For 1st Time Convention Attendee - Part 2

There was more from Dr. Ritchie....so I had to break it up in two e-mails...

-Sherlon Christie

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In response to a student's question about advice specifically for
students attending conventions for the first time, here's some advice:

1. Post questions about the convention on the NABJ students and Young Black Journalists listserves. This also is a great way of meeting members and getting mentors.

2. In terms of preparing for the convention, spend much more time
reading the trades ("Editor & Publisher," etc.), keeping up with current
events, editing your cover letter and making good copies of your clips than
you spend time worrying about your wardrobe. Unfortunately, most students
put off until the last minute the most difficult part: clips, resume,
cover letter. It takes hours to put together a good clip package, so plan
ahead. If you don't, you'll be hanging out at Kinkos until the wee hours the
night before convention, and you'll arrive looking hung over.

I see many, many students who have spent so much time and effort
on clothes, but have paid little attention to what is in their heads and
in their clip packages. While you want to be dressed appropriately, that
doesn't mean that you need to bring 8 expensive outfits nor does it
mean you need to buy new clothes. Just look professional. Really no one cares
about how many outfits you bring. They really care about what you've done
and what work you've brought with you to show. A person can get by fine with
bringing one or two suits and a few tops (shirts) and scarves (or ties) to go
with them.

3. When you meet people at convention, quickly let them know that
you're a first timer. That's a great ice breaker, and is a nice way to get all
sorts of advice and mentoring.

4. No matter how scared you get at convention, do not hide out in
your room. If you need a break, take a walk or go exercise at the fitness
facility. The more you circulate, the more opportunity you'll have to meet
people and to get info.

5. If you're flying in, look for brothers and sisters on the plane
who are carrying NABJ shoulder bags. Start a conversation by asking if
they're going to NABJ. You also may be able to share a taxi ride or you should sit next to them on the shuttle bus ride, which, too, can be a great way of getting to know someone.

6. If you're attending a meal or are at a workshop and you have an
empty seat next to you and you see someone of any age who's wandering
around as if they don't know where to sit, invite them to sit next to you. This,
too, is a great way of meeting people.

--Louise Ritchie