So, I’m super-excited/mildly panicked about attending the UTOPIA Conference in Nashville June 22-26. I’m looking forward to reacquainting myself with my reader/writer/blogger friends that I’ve met over the last three years. I’m nervous because like most bookish people, I’m an introvert. How does an introvert survive a hotel teaming with hundreds of book-loving people who tend to favor tackle hugs? Allow me to share some advice.
First off, print out the Utopia Conference schedule and take it with you. The scheduling app is cool, but when your phone battery dies, it’s nice to have a back up.
Here’s the link for the schedule: http://goo.gl/ybU1oa
Also, take snacks. The restaurant at the hotel can be overrun at times. If you don’t feel like leaving the hotel to find sustenance, granola bars and peanut butter can save the day.
That’s my two bits of advice. Here’s advice from some UTOPIA veterans:
Jadah McCoy My advice is to MAKE ALL THE FRIENDS!
Andrea Stafford Hintz Don’t be afraid to talk to people, even the ‘big’ names. I walked right up to Marissa Meyer when I saw her last year in the vendor’s room, and chatted for a few minutes. She was totally cool.
Nancy Byers I think it’s easy to get overwhelmed when looking at all the wonderful panels and events. You want to do everything and that’s not really feasible. I would suggest that you think about the issues/skills you want to know about and maybe do a top 10 priority list so you can narrow down your choices if your time is limited. Look at the schedule and see what panels fit so you can work around other things like if you have a table that needs to be covered.
Chris Cannon I agree. Last year I stayed at my table the whole time. Afterwards, I regretted not going to the panels. This year I’m going to pick a few panels and leave a sign on my table explaining when I’ll be back.
Nancy Byers Good idea and that way you at least make time for the ones you really want to go to. I mean we all want to go to as many as we can but since that’s not possible then its better to prioritize where you can so you at least get something you need.
Kristi Strong Definitely good advice. I didn’t sign up for a table this year because I wanted to attend so many panels! Having a table is great and I loved it, but this year is all about growth.
Kristi Strong My advice (even myself) is to just say hi to people. Last year I’d either cling to the few people I knew (thanks people!), or wait to be invited (which is just silly looking back) and this year my focus is to just have fun and join in!
Jadah McCoy Also, I’m basically a puppy in a human body. I want to be friends with everyone so if you don’t know who to talk to come find me! I’ll be the one with blue hair!
Mindy Ruiz My advice: Have fun! These are your people. This is the place where your “march to a different drum” cadence is in perfect rhythm with everyone around you. Relax. DO NOT STAY IN YOUR ROOM! If you’re shy, sit in the lobby, and you’ll be absorbed into the welcoming arms of all those who love you because you love books, too!
Brenda Hiatt Barber I also have a really hard time making the first move to connect with people. If someone talks to ME, I’m totally fine. I just have a terrible fear of forcing myself on people/interrupting an existing group, etc. Must work on this!
Dena Ellis Oneal Maybe I could stand in the lobby with a little sign that says “Currently collecting new friends”?
Susan Burdorf Do not be afraid to make new friends.
I know some of you reading this are thinking, I’d rather do a rendition of I’m a Little Teapot while wearing nothing but black socks and a Viking helmet than approach strangers and introduce myself. But, as you can see from the comments above, everyone is worried about meeting people. You just need to go for it. UTOPIA is all about connecting with fellow book lovers and finding your tribe. You’ll never meet a friendlier group of people. I promise.
Have any good advice? Share it in the comments section.