How can you get involved in Theatrical Production industry events and conferences?

1 Research your options

The first step is to research what events and conferences are available for theatrical production. You can use online platforms, such as Eventbrite, Meetup, or Stage Directions, to search for local, national, or international events that match your interests and goals. You can also follow industry associations, such as the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers (ATPAM), the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), or the International Association of Theatre Critics (IATC), to stay updated on their events and activities. You can also ask your peers, mentors, or colleagues for recommendations or referrals.

2 Plan your attendance

Once you have identified the events and conferences that you want to attend, you need to plan your attendance accordingly. You should consider your budget, schedule, travel arrangements, and registration requirements. You should also set some objectives and expectations for each event or conference, such as what you want to learn, who you want to meet, or what you want to achieve. You should also prepare some materials, such as your resume, portfolio, business cards, or elevator pitch, to showcase your skills and experience.

3 Engage with the community

The most important part of attending events and conferences is to engage with the community of theatrical production. You should make the most of the networking and mentoring opportunities that these events and conferences offer. You should introduce yourself to other attendees, speakers, organizers, or exhibitors, and exchange contact information. You should also participate in discussions, workshops, panels, or Q&A sessions, and share your insights, questions, or feedback. You should also follow up with the people you met and maintain the relationships.

4 Expand your knowledge

Another benefit of attending events and conferences is that you can expand your knowledge of theatrical production. You can learn from the experts, peers, and industry leaders who share their insights, experiences, and best practices. You can also discover new trends, technologies, tools, or techniques that can enhance your work. You can also explore new opportunities, such as collaborations, projects, jobs, or grants, that can advance your career.

5 Evaluate your experience

The final step is to evaluate your experience of attending events and conferences. You should reflect on what you learned, who you met, and what you achieved. You should also assess how well you met your objectives and expectations, and what you can improve for the next time. You should also document your experience, such as taking notes, photos, or videos, and sharing them with your network. You should also thank the organizers, speakers, or sponsors for their efforts and contributions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?