Writer, Agilist, Elder Geek
I've wondered if the Economic downturn is encouraging or discouraging profans and progeeks.
On one hand the economy is bad and people don't want to take chances. It's hard to live your dreams when you're worried about layoffs, health care, housing prices, etc. It's often a taking a chance to try and go live your dreams, and its hard when you want to be sure you can pay the bills. Worse, a tough economy means less chance to fall back on friends and family if there's a crisis.
Related to my previous post on geeky jobs, another issue I encounter with people wanting to use their skills on their jobs is the feeling that what they do know, what they enjoy, just isn't going to have a plance in the areas they want to work. They're good at something that doesn't seem overly fannish, and they just can't see how it relates to the cool things they want to do or the place they want to work.
I relate of course, as a Project Manager. I seriously enjoy gant charts, forms, coordinating, and organizing. I've had moments where I am probably having more fun than anyone else on a project.
Indeed, there were times I wondered where I would go with this, many years ago I began looking at ways to go "the whole fan" and do what I liked where I liked. I was in IT, which satisfied my geek, but I wanted to do more.
The continuing series on ways to add career elements to convention is here.
Putting career oriented elements in a convention is challenging. There's time, equipment, and of course – guests. Finding someone to speak on voice acting, graphic arts, publishing, and more means taking time away from other activities guests can do – and possibly sinking your plans for career panels. You can't get everyone you want to do all the career events you want.
Turn to your attendees. I've seen this done with great success.
Of your attendees, no small amount of them are probably involved in professions and careers that the rest of the attendees would be interested in. You've probably got a huge amount of potential "guests" right there, or at least panelists who can get a discount on their membership.
Many conventions do this, but I'd advise going one step further and actively engaging people. Find out who's attending with particular skills and backgrounds. Ask them at the dead dog party. Put posts in your forums. See what you've got.
I've found attendee-run panels like this can be great successes because the pool of potential people can be huge – you can find all sorts of interesting experiences, specialized skills, and more. Most people will jump at the chance to help out at a convention anyway.
Over time, I'd recommend building a list of potential "attendee contributors." Court them, keep up with them, engage them. They can provide you great panels and events, and help out in other ways.
– Steven Savage