by Jeanne Takenaka, @JeanneTakenaka

I won’t call myself a seasoned conference-goer, but I’ve attended a number of ACFW conferences. As I reflected on my experiences, these “Don’ts” came to mind (along with the Do’s to make our conference experience the best possible).

Ten “Don’ts” for a Successful Conference Experience:

Don’t choose style over comfort—We all want to feel like we look nice. But selecting comfortable shoes and clothing instills us with more confidence than being worried about aching feet and wondering if our clothes fit right. Find the balance in business-casual + comfortable.

Don’t over-print materials—Publishing professionals rarely ask to keep anything, though they may want to peruse one sheets, proposals, and other documents. Print a couple of copies and keep them handy. If someone asks to keep your first chapter, most hotels have a place to print more.  

Don’t sweat small mistakes—we all goof up our pitches, our introductions, and some of the things we do. There is grace! Most people at Christian conferences are kind when we mess up.

Don’t psych ourselves out before appointments—Agents and editors are people too! Engage with them as with a new friend, not as a mini-God who holds our publishing future in their hands. 

Don’t be disappointed if we’re not offered a contract at the conference. Consider appointments as opportunities to build relationship with publishing professionals. How much more can we really do in fifteen minutes?

Don’t think of fellow conferees as competition—We’re all on this publishing journey together. God’s planned a unique path for each of us. Comparison only leaves us feeling “less-than.” Instead, make friends. Some people we meet at conferences will become life-long friends. 

Don’t try to attend every class—When we need alone time to refresh, we should take it. Often, if we ask, people will pray with and encourage us. We gain the most when we give ourselves freedom to take time for ourselves. 

Don’t play the Lone Ranger—God’s walking every step this journey with us. He wants to help us, but He often waits for us to ask. Invite Him into the process, and trust He’s working on our behalf.

Don’t stay up too late—A good night’s sleep prepares us for our days so we can learn, engage effectively, and be at our best for our appointments.

And one more . . .

Don’t take the wrong medications in the morning—last year, I may have accidentally taken my sleeping pill on the morning I was supposed to meet with an editor I wanted to get to know. Yes, it’s true. I drank a lot of water and ate a big breakfast to counter the effects, but I also learned my lesson: Pay attention to which medications I pop into my mouth.

Conferences generally amp up our stress levels. When we maintain a positive perspective and use common sense, we can gain much to move us forward on this publishing journey.

Award-winning aspiring novelist, Jeanne Takenaka, writes contemporary inspirational fiction that tackles real-life issues with a heart to draw women closer to God and those around them. She lives near the mountains in Colorado with her amazing husband and two exuberant boy-men. She loves being God’s girl—always learning about His grace, hanging out with friends and enjoying a great cup of coffee. When she’s not writing you can find her with a camera in her hand, looking for #alittlebitofpretty in her days. You can connect with her on her blog, on Facebook, and on Twitter.