Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor

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Bob Baker's Indie Music Promotion Blog

News, notes and ideas on music marketing, self-promotion, artist empowerment and more

What Do YOU Want in a Music Conference?

As you may know, I'll be presenting the first Indie Buzz Bootcamp music conference June 20-22 in my hometown of St. Louis, MO. If you've read my early description of it, you also know that I want to make this a weekend workshop event unlike any other in existence today.

While I have some definite ideas about how I want to present this life-changing event (solo speakers instead of panels, a focus on education and action plans instead of showcases and parties, etc.) I'd love to get your thoughts on what you'd like to see in a music conference.

Please consider the following questions, then click the comments link below and post your responses:

• What's been missing from the music conferences you've attended in the past?
  
• What would you really like to see in a weekend event dedicated to indie music career success?
• What topics would you like to see covered?
• Who would you like to hear speak?
• What factors would motivate you to attend?

Thanks in advance for giving me your honest feedback. I'll give consideration to all the responses and incorporate the ones that make the most sense.

-Bob

P.S. Register to win a pair of free admissions to the Indie Buzz Bootcamp here.

P.P.S. If you're on Facebook, I have an event page for the conference here.

Check out Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook, the classic guide to indie music promotion. Now revised and updated, with four new chapters on Internet and Web 2.0 music marketing. Get more details here.

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posted by Bob Baker @ 8:58 AM   6 comments

6 Comments:

At Feb 18, 2008 11:20:00 AM,  Darren Nelsen said...

>>What would you really like to see in a weekend event dedicated to indie music career success?<<

Genuine community-building. There should be opportunities for indie artists to get to know and learn from each other. Round tables...literally seat everyone at round tables so that they can see and talk to each other. Invite the guest speakers to gather with groups of artists to dialog with them and give them feedback. As much connection as possible--connection among artists and connection with speakers. Participants should leave the event feeling as if they've accomplished something and made connections, not just attended a convention and heard a bunch of people lecture them.

 

At Feb 18, 2008 5:09:00 PM,  Alex said...

For the beginning, to see conference... Undoubtedly, it will be great!

 

At Feb 19, 2008 8:29:00 AM,  Julie Brewer said...

Bob, I would second Darren's comment. There is so much to be gained by sharing experiences and resources. I hate the phrase networking- but I would love to find a way to connect with musicians who are in need of my services- ( I have a business that saves touring musicians time and money by booking hotel rooms through the wholesale hotel market www.lunatravelnet.com) most of my new clients come as referrals from the bands I help out now. , but it is difficult to connect with people in the typical music conference setting. The groups are simply too large to make any real connections. Depending on the number of attendees you are expecting I think it would also be helpful to have some sort of diretory of those attending with a short summary of who they are and what they are looking to achieve at the conference. I look forward to attending this conference and would like to offer help in organizing if you need it!

 

At Feb 19, 2008 9:11:00 AM,  Anonymous said...

Unless they are paying customers, I don't give a fig leaf about building community with other artists. I only want to hear about things that are PROVEN money makers. I want to hear who used it, why they chose it, how much it cost them, how they did it, and how much it paid!

I'm also not much for "famous" speakers. You can be well known and still not make any money.

I DO want to know about less common ways to earn money like retreats lead by singers, serious song writers who also do jingles, comics who do corporate speeches or playwrights who teach tourists how to write musicals.

Bob, I take great joy in what I do, but I already know how to sing for FREE! Tell me, honestly, honestly, how to make money and I'll share my money with you and tell all my artist friends how great you are.

 

At Feb 19, 2008 10:51:00 AM,  phatbaggasnax said...

I agree completely with what Darren and Julie are talking about. I'm what I consider to be an "aspiring" musician and would like to learn from and connect with as many musicians as possible.

A topic I'm the most interested in is finding ways to generate multiple muisical streams of income. I'm a songwriter, musician and guitar teacher and am eager to know how I can use my talents and skills to the utmost to help me earn a realistic living.

I know playing live is essential for exposure but what about thoes who don't have a band and would like to find ways to offer their services to their audience?

Hope to see you all in June.

Aaron

 

At Mar 11, 2008 3:00:00 AM,  J Bluevibe said...

I've recently attended 2 sets of seminars on the music industry, one had guest famous speakers and the other was run by an accounting firm. Most of the questions from the audience at both seminars related to either "networking and community" or "practical methods of making money from my music". There weren't many answers on either of those topics and if I here the phrase "new model" one more time I'm going to kill someone. I vote for Darren's round tables with practical answers to questions about digital distribution and promotion.

 

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