How To Book At Music Conferences

1. Ask a band that regularly plays conferences for a referral.

A warm hand off from an already conference-established band could be the fast lane to playing at the same conferences. Ask a band that you know plays these types of gigs for a referral to the person or people who choose the music selections. You might be able to give the band copies of your CD and press kits to hand off to the people in charge.

2. Look through our listing to find music conferences.

We have put together a list of music related conferences that you might find appropriate for your band. Browse through this list to find conferences near you as well as events hosted for your particular genre of music. But don't just stick to music conferences: Many conferences need music.

3. Look for conferences in your area that aren't necessarily music related.

One of the best tricks to get into the conference circuit is to play at conferences that are not music related. Look for different events like travel expos, art shows, and business conventions. Even though they have nothing to do with music, they would benefit from entertainment and might want to book you. There will be far less competition from other bands this way. We've seen people even book music at the American Medical Association!

4. Call ahead to inquire about playing and begin a relationship.

Contact the people in charge to tell them you will be sending in your press kits and CDs. Your mail will now be expected and solicited, and you can mark it that way in your materials.

5. Follow submissions guidelines and send in your press materials.

Be sure to follow all of the directions down to the last detail and send in your materials. This will increase the chances that your mail is kept and reviewed. To find out how to mail your CDs so that they are not thrown in the trash, click here.

6. Follow up to make sure CDs were received and ask if you will be booked.

Follow up with each conference to confirm that they got everything you sent. Ask them if you will be booked or how long their review process is until they will find out. If they need more time make a note to call them back later. It's the followup that can make the difference and get you booked.

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