Preparing for the Conference

 By Celia J Anderson

The social butterfly!

As November 23rd approaches at speed, I’ve been running through the essential preparations for my first ever SCBWI conference. 


It’s a nerve-wracking experience, putting a toe into unknown waters. The SCBWI Facebook page is a friendly place to hang out and there are always lots of helpful comments on Words & Pictures but Winchester is a long way away for us Northerners – we tend to get dizzy south of Watford. So, here are my tips (some borrowed from helpful members) on how to be absolutely ready for the big conference weekend. 

Julie Day reminded me to hurry up and get some accommodation booked – I guess that’ll be a redundant tip by the time this post is aired, but I did manage to get a room in a local pub after a bit of searching. It has live music. (Am packing earplugs.) 

George Kirk advises practicing your one line pitch, and maybe printing some cards with the one line pitch written on the back. Also, have a fabulous dress at the ready (Nick Cross and other manly types can ignore this one), and bring an extra bag for all the signed books you'll be taking home. Oh and also make sure there is plenty of space in your address book for all the friends you're going to make. 

Maureen Lynas says to look out for the party folk – they’ll probably be wearing badges to help us to find them. Their aim is to look after people and perform introductions, so please do say hello to them. (A lovely thought). 

Nick Cross’s tip is for people to keep their schedules free on the Monday after the conference if possible, because everyone will be EXHAUSTED. (This might be a bit tricky if, like me, you have a class full of ten year olds waiting for you on Monday morning. Maybe we can play hangman...or something...) Party animal or just ace networker, Nick? 

Jane Benson McLoughlin approves of Maureen Lynas’ badge idea. She thinks the party is one time where it can be a bit daunting if you don't know too many people and says it's up to all of those who've been attending for a few years to show what a supportive and friendly group of people the SCBWI are. (It’s sounding less scary by the minute, Jane!) 

My personal preparations are: 

1) Get ready for the usual comment when meeting new people – ‘Oh, you sound just like Victoria Wood’. It’s a compliment...I think... 




2) Buy a fabulous new notebook or two. Oh, hang the expense; buy a whole heap of them. And some funky pens. 

3) Have your business cards/promo flyers printed earlier. Wish I’d told myself this one before, only ordered mine today.


4) Limber up to being a social butterfly – don’t stay too long with each new person even if they are very, very interesting. This is hard; I like to get people’s entire life history. 

5) Smile. I’m including a photo of a group of friends who, previous to the snapshot, were total strangers. I met them by standing around smiling insanely (the scared one on the left). They are wonderful, and never cease to inspire, support and entertain me. 




So it’s nearly time to get the case packed, tick these items off your list and head for Winchester. Hoping to meet you there – and any more tips would be much appreciated! 
 

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@CeliaAnderson1

When she’s not marking children’s work, or writing stories involving pants, Celia spends far too much time on Facebook and does a lot of walking to counteract the cooking, eating and drinking which form another of her hobbies. She's a Romaniac  and you can also find her on her own website. Usually sea-starved in the depths of the Midlands, she can often be found wandering happily around Brighton visiting her two daughters pretending to collect ideas for her next book.