How should you prepare for music conferences and festivals in 2021 and beyond? Slowly but surely, public spaces are opening back up. This means there is a possibility you will be able to attend a live event such as a concert or music conference in the near future. When that happens, there are likely to be some differences from what you are used to in the past.
Until that time, however, there are many concerts, festivals, and conferences still going ahead virtually. SXSW, for instance, was held online in mid-March and received mostly positive reviews. A number of other calendar events are lined up to be staged digitally throughout the year in light of lingering health concerns. Whether things will change next year or remain the same is anybody's guess.
But if you are planning to join in for any of the upcoming conferences this year, there are a number of important things to keep in mind in order to have a memorable online experience. Here are some tips on how to get ready for a music conference in 2021.
Have good Wi-Fi
Having an internet connection is essential for any virtual event, but if it is not strong enough, watching may not be worth the trouble. A weak Wi-Fi signal will produce a choppy viewing experience. It may also mean you have to watch in the lowest resolution, which can take away from how immersed you are in the proceedings. To ensure the quality and sound is topnotch while streaming on your device, run a test on your internet speed. If it is well below what your ISP has promised, you might want to give them a call. You can also try different places in your home to find the spots where the Wi-Fi signal is strongest, as well as ensuring you aren’t running too many devices or internet-based applications when it is time for the event.
Use a well-equipped device
Whether you are using a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, you want to ensure it has suitable specs to run the streaming app or website that will be used to attend the virtual music conference. An old device with a small amount of memory and basic resolution will likely struggle to run a high-definition streaming video without hanging on the screen or freezing up. If you have to install an app or files associated with the event (if you are one of the presenters, for instance), you want to make sure you have sufficient storage.
Verify login details ahead of time
To attend events on platforms such as Zoom, you need login credentials, including the meeting link, ID, and passcode. Often, these details are sent out to participants and invited guests. But login credentials can change and the new information may not be as forthcoming, for one reason or another. Be sure to check and double-check the login information before the scheduled start of the event and keep it in a safe place. The last thing you want is to miss the beginning or an important segment of the event because you don’t know or can’t find the login details.
Get acquainted with the schedule
Some music conferences are just for a day while some can go on for several days or even weeks. Whatever the case, you should familiarize yourself with the schedule, including starting and end times and when particular segments will be taking place. Sure, you may think that you can just pop in at any time because the event is being held online. But not knowing the schedule means you may miss the most impactful and entertaining parts.
Plan breaks and meals accordingly
One of the benefits of familiarizing yourself with the conference schedule is that you can plan your day accordingly. Not only will you know when coffee and lunch breaks will be taken, but you can know which segments you can choose to be absent from and use the time slot to do other stuff.
Research the participants
From speakers to performers, many music conferences feature interesting people who are experts in your field. If the chance arises for you to connect and interact with any of them virtually, it will help if you know a bit about their background. Usually, you can find basic information on music industry experts through a simple Google search. The event website may also share bios for each participant and even links to their websites and even social media handles, making it easy for you to learn a great deal and prepare questions beforehand.
Remember to take notes
Most music conferences offer more than entertainment. Many reveal valuable lessons that can change your life, especially if you are an aspiring songwriter or musician. That being said, be prepared to take notes during the event by having a handy notebook and pen nearby. You can also use a note-taking app or screen recorder, if allowed. Many smart handheld devices have the option to take screenshots as well.
Ensure your surroundings are comfortable
Whether you are viewing the event in your own home, at a friend’s house, or in a hotel, you want to ensure your surroundings are as comfortable as possible. Find a spot devoid of background noises and distractions. If there are other people in your household, let them know you require some quiet time (if they won’t be attending). The more comfortable you are, the higher the chance that you will be able to enjoy the information being shared and the entertainment on offer.
Conclusion
Attending a virtual music conference is certainly not the same as being in a packed arena among hyped patrons. But with good planning, you can still have a fulfilling experience, whether you are casually viewing or playing a part.
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