Tips to get the most out of attending ESNS

With ESNS taking place next week,? I have put together some tips on how to get the most out of attending the annual showcase festival and music conference, which is one of the most important in the music industry calendar.

As well as discovering all the new and exciting bands, it’s also the place to expand your knowledge of industry-leading topics and innovation during the conference, geared at trailblazing the music industry towards a sustainable future.

So let's get to it…

1.Think what you want to get out of attending and make a plan

It's important to think about what you want to get out of attending and what people you'd like to meet and make connections with, as this will help you plan what talks and networking events to attend. Don't just go to events that you think look cool and will make you look good on social media as these might not help you learn or further your career or business. Once you know what you want to get out of the event, you can work back to plan how you will achieve your aims and book meetings with relevant people.

Are you a new artist looking for a manager or booking agent? Are you a manager or booking agent looking to sign new artists? Are you a PR or marketing agency looking to find new clients? Are you a record label or publisher looking to sign new acts?

2.Database and research

Make use of the database to check out the list of delegates and people you might want to meet.? You can also check through the list of speakers on the website and try to approach people after their panels if you aren’t able to book a meeting in advance.? You may also have a friend or colleague who knows the person you want to meet, so you could also ask them to introduce you.

3.Learn how to introduce yourself

Sounds simple, but you have a split second to make a good impression so make sure you can introduce yourself and what you do, as well as what you can do to help others.

You might also want to think about promotional materials such as business cards or having a QR code where people can connect or get more info about your artist, company or services. ? ESNS are aiming to be more sustainable so innovative ideas that are not flyers or cards are welcomed.

4.It's a people business

Remember that the music business is also a people business and people like to work with people they like and respect and who share the same values. Try to make real connections with people and go beyond what's in it for you. Make sure you listen and don't always be a taker. As an example, I always love introducing people to others who I think could be a good connection or useful to them.

It’s also really easy to meet people and make new connections at ESNS as the conference programme takes place in de Oosterpoort venue, so everything is in one place. You will also bump into lots of people as you criss-cross the city at night, walking from venue to venue to see all the hottest new bands while stopping off for some Bitterballen at Febo to keep you going.

5.Learn

Don't miss opportunities to learn as there are so many talks and panels where you can keep up to date with the latest trends and learn new skills. Make sure you plan the talks in your schedule that fit your goals in what you want to get out of attending as learning is just as important as networking. You can plan your schedule using the event App or online timetable. View the timetable here: https://esns.nl/en/conference/timetable ?

6.Don't be afraid to ask

As ESNS is such a large event with so much to see and do it can seem overwhelming. Don't be afraid to ask someone who has been before for help with advice and guidance. I personally am more than happy to help anyone as I want as many people to enjoy the benefits from attending as I have done over the years.? The team are also on hand to help at the information desk.

7.Have fun and look after yourself

Having great conversations and meeting new people can also be fun and hugely rewarding. It's such a brilliant community of people from all over the world coming together in one place. Although these events can be fun they can also be overwhelming and exhausting as you try to do everything and be everywhere?to get the most out of it. Pace yourself and don’t stay up too late on the first night or get side tracked in De Drie Gezusters (The Three Sisters).

Make sure you eat breakfast every day in case you are busy with meetings and panels and don’t have enough time for lunch.?

I always take a pack of cereal bars with me, so I can always have one in my bag as it's not a good look being hangry in a meeting.

There is often finger food at the networking events so this can also be helpful if you end up missing lunch or dinner, or if you are in back to back meetings, then rushing out to see the bands.

Ever since I had Covid my vocal cords just can't cope with speaking loudly over music all night any more, which isn’t very helpful when you are there to network and enjoy having great conversations, so I always take a pack of strepsils with me to combat losing my voice. Anyone who knows me, also knows that I love to talk so I am my own worst enemy!

Make sure you drink enough water too, as it’s easy to get dehydrated rushing around all day.

My other tip is to take the cold medicine that works for you from home as they always sell different types of medicine in different countries, so if you do get the sniffles you have what you know will work with you.

8.Follow ups

When the event is over your work is not done. Make sure you don't forget to follow up and get in touch with people you met post event and finalise those business deals.

These tips on networking by shesaid.so might also be helpful...

https://www.shesaid.so/blog/2023/8/25/5-ways-to-network-better-in-the-music-business