Tips on How to Use WOMEX for Maximum Results

Whether you're new to WOMEX, or a veteran just wanting to pick up some tips on how better to use WOMEX, we'd like to share a few ideas so that you'll make the most of your time in Copenhagen.

There will be a special orientation session for new delegates (but all are welcome), to be held on 12:00-12:45, Conference 1, where we'll introduce ourselves, explain all the WOMEX features and offer ideas on how to make contacts, how to use a trade fair, how to network and how to follow-up. We'll also include a quick tour of the facilities. Don't miss it!

 
Now, the work begins...

First you want to be sure that you bring with you all the materials you need to best present your work, whatever it may be.

If you are a venue or festival, bring press clips, past programme schedules, printed materials, etc.

If you are an artist, remember that labels, distributors and bookers get lots of approaches. Think how you can be complete, succinct -- and memorable. If you have DVD footage, bring your computer, charge your batteries and find a corner where you can show people what you've got. Bring CDs, DVDs, press clippings, anything you think might help make your case, but remember: less is more. Heavy packages tend to get left behind in the hotel at check out. Instead, give a small package that makes it easy for them to look into at home. And be sure to ask for a card and follow-up a few weeks after you return home. If you are interested in showcasing at WOMEX, read our How to Propose feature - it will give you the full picture.

If you're a label or publisher, bring press materials and boxes of CDs, both compilations from your catalogue and any individual CDs you may want to publicise or license, plus those of the artists you may want to promote for live performances.

If you're a distributor, bring your details, your experience, even your contracts - you might sign deals right on the spot.

Are you a programmer or journalist? Bring proof, bring anything that will help convince people who have limited materials to give that you are the one to give them to. Subscribe to our MediaUpdate and receive WOMEX news first, if you haven't already. And check the Downloads page for information, hi-res WOMEX photos and logos.

And it's better to bring too much than too little. And whatever you do, don't forget to bring business cards... hundreds of them.

Use a diary, a date book, a notebook, whatever, but start thinking about whom it is you want to meet. You should now be looking over the online list of "Who is Coming?" Check first the list here.

This lists every delegate and company that has registered (and paid) to date. Who do you want to meet? Who do you need to see?

Last year there were 970 concert and festival bookers, national and international journalists, including 150 radio broadcasters, 760 labels, publishers and distributors, plus cultural institutions and more. Plan ahead.

Then, click on any name or company and you will instantly be linked to the greatest pre- and post-WOMEX tool of all, virtualWOMEX.

You will have the full details of this person and company (make sure you are logged in), in fact on every WOMEX delegate - and those of everyone else who has signed up. Artists, labels, companies, company officials, phone numbers, emails addresses. For a refined delegates/exhibtor's search in virtualWOMEX, use our advanced search tool.

Start making appointments NOW!

NOW... call some, write to others - and be clear about why you want to meet and what it is you have to offer. Everyone's time is limited, so be persuasive. And, while you're at it, check all the other features of the new, improved virtualWOMEX, your year-round virtual world music hub. You should be filling in all your own details, too, so delegates can seek you out as well.

Next, print out the packet of support materials, we'll be posting a week or two before the event. We'll let you know in an upcoming newsletter.

When you arrive you'll get your full accreditation, a WOMEX Bag, chock full of inserts, CDs and the indispensable WOMEX Guide - 350 pages of schedules, essays, delegate and company details and ads from colleagues throughout the world.

Check the programme schedules, fill in which conference sessions you must attend, look over the schedules of showcasing artists, link to their sites via virtualWOMEX... you get the idea...

Keep filling in your diary and appointment book, but, don't worry, you'll be having dozens of spontaneous meetings and conversations all day and everyday at WOMEX.

Use the first day to see as many trade fair stands as possible to get an overview of what is being presented. If you discover something you must learn more about, stick around or make an appointment or just make a list and be sure you get back there by the end of the event.

And, yes, do be sure to enjoy yourself.

When you get home again, be sure to do all your follow-ups, write thank-you's, send promised materials, just don't wait too long...

We hope these few tips help. And do be sure to come see us during the New Delegate Orientation session Thursday at noon.

And... welcome to the WOMEX family.