Webinar
Last Saturday, May 2, 2026, I was a panel member on the MiSinC webinar discussing “How to Kill it at a Conference.” Alia Neaton was our moderator (she did a great job), and the other panel members were: Dianne Freeman, Elizabeth Haines, Cheryl Smith, and Suja Sukamar. Each panel member was introduced, then Alia asked each of us a question regarding the conferences we have attended and why. I don’t remember all of the conferences mentioned, but Bouchercon, Left Coast Crime, Colorado Gold, Killer Nashville, Sleuthfest, and Mid-West Writers Conference,were mentioned.
Once each panelist answered the individual questions, Alia presented a variety of questions ranging from why we chose certain conferences to attend, what we gained from attending, and how best to benefit from attending.
Volunteer” was one answer, even if you’re not published. Besides panelists, conferences need people to work the sign-in desk, to moderate panels, help with autographing sessions, and many other behind the scene jobs. And don’t feel you need to be asked to be a panelist. Most conferences, prior to the conference, will have a form you can fill out suggesting a topic or topics you feel you could talk about.
One benefit of being on a panel and/or volunteering is attendees will see your name and picture in the conference brochure, which may help sell your books or garner invitations to speak at other conferences. All of us said we made friends at conferences. I’ve made several, and in one case, that friend helped me (and my husband), years later. (Thank you Sharon Hopkins.)
As the end of the webinar we were asked which conference we liked the best. Most of us said Sleuthfest. When I was spending my winters in Florida, Sleuthfest was a close conference for me to attend, so I went to several. Each was wonderful. That said, I’ve enjoyed all of the conferences I’ve attended. I always felt I learned something.
An audio recording of the webinar is supposed to be available. I haven’t heard anything yet, but if I do, I’ll add it to this blog.
*Behind the scene webinar workers were Theresa, Kristen, and Linda.
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5 Comments
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Congratulations on being included on the panel. Also, I love the new, updated look of your blog posts.
Thanks, Pat. Is your new book out? What is its name?
I watched the webinar live. Thanks for your participation. I am going to my first conferences this summer, and Bouchercon in the fall, so the tips were very helpful.
Wendy, I’m glad the tips were helpful. One important thing I learned over the years is mingle. Sit at a table where you don’t know everyone, sit next to people you don’t know during sessions, sit next to people you don’t know (or barely know) in the lobby or bar. Listen to what agents, editors, published authors, and other writers say when they’re at those locations. Ask them what they know about anything you want to know more about. I’ve found 99% of attendees are willing and happy to share information. I’ve made wonderful friends with people who were complete strangers when I first arrived at the conference. Oh, and have fun!
That should be easy, since I don’t know *anybody* in the industry yet.
I’m looking forward to the new experiences.