Virtually there: voice over events in 2016

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So many great voice over conferences and conventions this year. Just one teeny tiny problem…

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Getting there.

Thanks to the super-talented Rhonda for the comprehensive round up of voice over events coming up this year (she’s super-talented at VO, not round ups. Actually, no, I take that back, this round up is tops too).

Rhonda also has some great tips on how to choose which event is right for you. Check out the full article on her blog Rhonda’s Voice.

Here’s a summary of what’s in store for 2016:

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Thanks Rhonda for also pointing out what I’ll be missing out on (sad face).

Perhaps like me you live on the other side of the planet. Or (also like me) the recent addition of a family member rules out any major travel. Maybe you are a producer or copywriter or audio engineer that is keen on one particular session. Or possibly there is one particular speaker you are interested in (professionally speaking of course).

Fear not! There are plenty of options for hitting the VO scene in a virtual kinda way…

 

Streaming

Many conferences and conventions now offer live streaming functionality for the full event or select sessions. 2015’s VO Mastery Summit sold virtual seats to a live stream of the event.

Even if the event website doesn’t explicitly state this option, it is still worth getting in touch with the organisers if there is a sesh that you really want to participate in. If live streaming isn’t possible, sessions may be recorded and later offered in a video on demand format.

 

Social media

All conferences and conventions come with a hashtag these days—usually making an appearance on Twitter. Find out the relevant hashtag and get social with event participants. Follow the event live and interact with participants and speakers. Warning: it can incite serious FOMO (fear of missing out) when you learn what an amazing time participants are having. Without you.

You can also review the tweet stream after the fact using tools such as TweetDeck or Storify. This allows you to peruse at your leisure and take a few notes (if that’s how you roll).

See also: Relive WoVO Con 2014 on Storify thanks to Derek Chappell.

And keep an eye on those live-tweeting participants—they’ll often post recaps, insights and reviews on their blogs further down the track. Great for learning and also evaluating whether it’s an event worthy of attending next time round.

See also: Charles Sill’s VO Atlanta experience.

 

Speaker product offerings

Many speakers offer online presentations, webinars and courses. If there is a speaker you are particularly interested in, check out their website to see what they offer. For example, brilliant VO speaker Anne Ganguzza offers loads of online courses, including her social media marketing webinars.

See also: Anne’s SoSmartSocial webinar series.

Be sure to follow your fav speakers on social networks to glean key insights. Slide share is fab in this respect. Many speakers will post their presentation slide decks here, plus you can check out their other work.

 

Robots?!

Or if money is no object, you could always get a robot to attend on your behalf. Yes—this is really a thing.

 

Whichever voice over event you attend or however you participate, have a blast! I will be following you. On Twitter. Not in some creepy stalker way.

5 Comments

  1. Thanks for posting this information. It’s funny as the other day I was searching for voice over events in the UK(where I live) and couldn’t really find any so this is a great! I love your humour, it made me chuckle. Much like you, I do live on the other side of the planet(and I can’t afford a robot) so it is quite difficult to physically be at the events listed however I may travel to one. It’s a good excuse to travel 😀

    Congrats on the new family member by the way (smiley face).

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    1. Hi Michael—thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!

      I get so jealous when i see the line up of VO amazingness in over the States…We had a trade-type event here in Oz last year but nothing like the US stuff. Maybe next year! I love your travel excuse too…

      How is your voice acting going? You’re 3D art is still rocking it—sweet Batmobile BTW!

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      1. Hey Mel or should I say ‘verse speaking’ tournament champion(What was that tournament like by the way :))

        No worries.

        Yep, I guess the US is the hub of voice over. Totally! There’s always next time. Have you ever been by the way, to the US?

        Thanks. Well I’m currently working on an online course,doing the voice over for that and have signed up to librivox to work on a couple of projects. All voluntary but I enjoy doing it 🙂 How about you?

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        1. Haha verse speaking was super-nerdy and I loved it! It is kinda good the US is the hub for VO cause like you say—great excuse to travel! I have been twice and will take any excuse to go back! All the best with the online course and what a fab idea librivox is (I had a squiz online)! Sounds like you are smashing it! You’ll have to whack some samples up on your blog! All the best, Mel

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