Thrifty Thursday: Going to Conferences
Those who know me know that, although I enjoy spending money and am easily distracted by shiny things, I'm kinda cheap. Many of my reads come from the library. The books I buy are generally e-books for my Nook because they're cheaper. I read websites instead of subscribing to magazines. And I'll use my laptop until it dies.
Still, the hardest thing for me to spend significant money on is going to a conference. And it is something you really NEED to do if you want to be a successful writer. Conferences are a valuable networking opportunity, and they provide an excellent way for you to study the craft of writing. So, how do you go to a conference on a budget?
Research. There are lots of conferences out there, some better than others. Remember that you want to make sure the value you get for the money is the best it can be. If you find a cheap conference for children's authors, but you write horror - not a good use of money. Look at the conference first, money second. Another tip: don't be swayed by fancy websites and big prices. High priced conferences aren't necessarily the best.
Volunteer. Check with the conference organizer and see if a discount could be offered if you help out. Added bonus: you'll get to meet other volunteers and speakers.
Carpool. Find someone else from your area to ride with. You can split the gas money, plus you get a buddy to talk writing about on the way to and from.
Share. A good bit of your budget will likely be the hotel. It is often cheaper to stay at a nearby hotel, but check into it. Sometimes the host hotel will offer a great deal for conference goers. If you have a friend going, share a room. If you don't have a friend going, contact some other attendees or some writers' forums online. I've met some great people online who I ended up splitting a room with at a conference. One of the most fun conference experiences I ever had was when five of us were sharing a room with two queen beds and a cot. It was fun - like a slumber party!
Great memories on a budget! :o)
What are your tips for going to a conference on a budget?
Still, the hardest thing for me to spend significant money on is going to a conference. And it is something you really NEED to do if you want to be a successful writer. Conferences are a valuable networking opportunity, and they provide an excellent way for you to study the craft of writing. So, how do you go to a conference on a budget?
Research. There are lots of conferences out there, some better than others. Remember that you want to make sure the value you get for the money is the best it can be. If you find a cheap conference for children's authors, but you write horror - not a good use of money. Look at the conference first, money second. Another tip: don't be swayed by fancy websites and big prices. High priced conferences aren't necessarily the best.
Volunteer. Check with the conference organizer and see if a discount could be offered if you help out. Added bonus: you'll get to meet other volunteers and speakers.
Carpool. Find someone else from your area to ride with. You can split the gas money, plus you get a buddy to talk writing about on the way to and from.
Share. A good bit of your budget will likely be the hotel. It is often cheaper to stay at a nearby hotel, but check into it. Sometimes the host hotel will offer a great deal for conference goers. If you have a friend going, share a room. If you don't have a friend going, contact some other attendees or some writers' forums online. I've met some great people online who I ended up splitting a room with at a conference. One of the most fun conference experiences I ever had was when five of us were sharing a room with two queen beds and a cot. It was fun - like a slumber party!
Great memories on a budget! :o)
What are your tips for going to a conference on a budget?
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