7 Ways to Attend Writers’ Conferences (or Any Conference!) for Less
By Lisa Evans
Writers’ conferences are a great opportunity to network, get industry insight, learn new skills, expose yourself to new markets, and collect editors’ business cards — but the one negative is their price tag. Conference badges seem to constantly increase in cost, not to mention the two or three days of work you’ll be missing out on to attend.
Getting a free pass can be like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow for a newbie freelance writer. These tried and true strategies have led to some free and discounted conferences passes – no leprechauns required.
1. Volunteer
Large conferences often require volunteers who are willing to work part of the event in exchange for being able to attend a few sessions. I scored access to a national writing conference this way and gained just as much from working my volunteer shifts as I did from the sessions.
While behind the desk, I handed out conference passes to editors of some of the magazines I wrote for and others that I didn’t (yet), and got to attend a second day of sessions for free. I not only got to come face to face with editors, but was handed a few business cards too – ones I never would have received had I not been a volunteer.
These sought-after positions often go quickly, so be sure to contact event organizers early!
2. Ask for a Media Pass
Many conferences set aside a certain number of media passes. This tip works best for non-writing conferences, which are a great way to score leads on trending ideas and provide you with a ready-made audience dying to tell their stories to anyone who asks.
Depending on the event, you may only need to show a business card, while others may ask that you have an association card (such as an ASJA membership card) or a letter from a publication stating that you will be writing an article about the event. If you have an established blog, you may qualify for a free pass also.
Of course, simply being a writer won’t get you a free pass to a writer’s conference unless you have an assignment letter, but I’ve scored free passes to numerous non-writing conferences and trade shows simply by emailing the event organizers ahead of time and presenting my business card on site.
3. Score a Scholarship
Some large conferences offer scholarships to prospective attendees who simply can’t foot the hefty fill. This has been a strategy used by many conferences to diversify their attendance, often looking for students, recent graduates, or newbie freelance writers to fill the seats. It’s worth checking out if you qualify.
4. Work your Student ID
If you’re still a student, or take part-time courses at a community college or university, you may be able to cash in on your student ID for a discounted, or sometimes, a free ticket.
5. Join the Association
If the conference is put on by an association, there is often a reduced rate for members. Sometimes the membership fee is worth it simply because of the conference discount. Being a member also entitles you to other benefits, including contests for free conference passes.
6. Barter
Cash may be king, but the good old barter system isn’t dead yet. Try to barter your writing services for a workshop or two. While larger conferences likely have a full staff to handle the copywriting and guide publishing, smaller events may not. It’s always worth an ask. (Again, this tip works best for non-writing conferences!)
7. Buy an Exhibit Pass or Lunch-Only Ticket
While this isn’t your ticket to conference sessions, it can be just what you need to network and make some worthwhile connections. Simply having the option to network at a lunch table with seven or eight other individuals can help your writing career get off on the right foot. This cheaper option can also help you test the waters to see if it’s worth saving up to attend the conference next year.
How about you – have you ever gotten into a writers’ conference — or non-writing conference — for free or cheap? Please share your experiences and tips in the Comments below!
Lisa Evans is a freelance writer from Toronto, Canada. Her work has appeared in national and international publications including Alive, Canadian Living, Entrepreneur.com, Experience Life, The Globe and Mail, Longevity, Montreal Gazette, Parents Canada, The Toronto Star and What’s Up Families. Visit her at her website and at Connecting Flights.
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- You Ask, We Answer: How Can I Maximize a One-on-One Pitch Session?
- I Ask, You Answer: Are Conferences Worth the Money?
- Read 7 Tips for Pitch Sessions with Editors and Agents
- How One Freelance Writer Landed 10 New Clients in One Month
Feb 11, 2013 Advice, Money, Networking
Perfect timing. I’m drooling over a conference now and wondering how I’ll pay for it! Thanks Linda.
I’m in the same boat as Carrie. Not only trying to afford the conference, but the plane ticket and lodging while there!
I saved $500 attendee admission and volunteered at a writer’s conference last year. I had to pay for my parking – $10/day. But I got time off to attend seminars and as part of my volunteer duties I was even assigned to be a door monitor for a couple of sessions.
However years ago I did pay the big bucks for this conference and to me it wasn’t worth it.
Volunteering – absolutely. We were all given goody bags and meal voucher tickets. The work wasn’t too hard. Sitting next to the door and making sure it doesn’t slam – anyone can do that. I also got to stand with a clicker and count the number of attendees going into the buffet. We’re not talking extraordinary skills here. I’ll be volunteering again this year.
Yes, Cheryl. Volunteering is my favourite way to attend conferences too. The work is super easy and it’s easy to make an introduction and strike up a conversation with an editor attendee, especially for those of us who are introverts.
I know what you mean!
As a confirmed introvert, I have to force myself sometimes to talk to editors and such. Anything that makes it easier, like you said Lisa, is worth it’s weight in gold!!
Great idea for a post! I’ve used some of these to get discounted conference attendance. A few more tips: if you can’t afford to physically attend a conference, you can sometimes order video or audio recordings. Obviously you wouldn’t get the same networking opportunities as in person but you could gain some valuable insights from the panelists. I’ve bought ASJA recordings for the past two years so I can listen to the panels I’ve inevitably missed. It works out well because I can load the MP3s onto my iPhone and listen while I’m cooking or out and about.
Another way to faraway make conferences more affordable is to share a hotel room with a roommate. You can often find other budget-minded writers by posting on forums like ASJA or FreelanceSuccess.com. Or you could skip the conference hotel and use a cheaper service like Airbnb.com, although again you miss out on some networking opportunities by not being at the hotel.
I’m planning to attend the Narrative Journalism conference in April and because it’s hosted by my alma mater (BU), I can take advantage of the special alumni rate.
Thanks Susan,
I agree about the hotel bit. I attended the ASJA conference last year, but couldn’t afford the hefty hotel bill, so I lugged my bag through the streets of New York and stayed at a discount hotel a few blocks away. I still attended all the sessions, so I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything, and I saved $150 on the hotel bill.
I have never been to a conference and I feel as if 2013 might be the year I attend one! This post was very helpful. It seems like the would be worth it!
Darn it! I made a typo, I am so sorry. I was going to say, it seems like it would be worth it to go. Hopefully I can find one that is fairly local which will definitely help me save money.
What great insights – I love the media pass idea! Thanks so much for sharing this! I always learn so much from this blog, Linda:) Thanks for brining it, Lisa!
I’ve attended writing conferences at discounted rates as a volunteer, but I’ve decided not to look for a discount to attend the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators in May in Ft Wayne IN. I live close so I will commute, thus saving on airfare/meals. Plus I just didn’t have the freedom to network like I wanted — glad it has worked well for others but I want to be able to chat w/ an editor if an opportunity arises.
Note:
When/where is ASJA in 2013?
ASJA is in New York in April – http://www.asja.org
Great tips. I did the volunteer route once and scored a scholarship another time. If you live close by, you can also opt for a one-day pass to a multi-day event, choosing the day that seems best suited to your current interests. I also once negotiated a lower group rate for myself and a bunch of my writing buddies. Another great way in is to give a presentation, which could either get you a free all-access pass, or heavily discounted admission rate.
That’s a great idea as well Lisa – if you have a big group or a writer’s club.
I got a freelancer travel grant to attend the NASW meeting – in exchange, I was assigned to tweet (and others blogged) the sessions. It was a good deal for everyone involved.
Back in my programming days, I presented at YAPC whenever I could, which I think got me free admission. Remember you (whoever you are) have a different perspective than the other people there – don’t assume you have nothing to say.
These are all great suggestions!
I’ve always looked for ways to save on conference costs and several of these approaches — volunteering, sharing a room — have saved me hundreds of dollars over the years. If an early bird rate is available, I make sure to register in time for the discount. Setting “fare alerts” on sites like Kayak.com has also proven useful because I can keep track of the ups and downs of airfare in the months leading up to a conference.
While conference fees and travel costs might seem steep, I have always, always recouped my costs thanks to connections I’ve made at conferences like ASJA. In fact, I set a goal to earn at least twice what I paid in fees based on connections I make with writers, editors and agents or information I glean from panel discussions. I’ve always hit that target.
I always remind new freelancers that writing is a business and the adage, “You have to spend money to make money” often applies. Plus, it’s a great write off at tax time!
Jodi
That’s a good point Jodi – conferences and writer’s workshops are all investments in yourself and your work. For most of us who work alone in our homes, there’s often little opportunity to discuss ideas, concerns, what’s happening in the publishing world, with anyone (at least not in person). I always feel I’m missing the social aspect of work, but conferences help to fill the hole.
You’re right about filling a hole, Lisa. There is nothing better than connecting with other writers, especially when it’s a chance to meet a writer I’ve only connected with via online forums or social networking sites. I always leave conferences feeling really energized!
Jodi