This morning finds me in Los Angeles, having driven over here yesterday from Anaheim after the NAMM Show wrapped up. I’d flown to southern California last Wednesday morning, less than 72 hours after having returned from Podfest Multimedia Expo in Orlando.
If you’ve been listening to my weekly “Now Hear This Entertainment” podcast, then you’ve been hearing me mentioning that I was going to be at each of those events (not to mention the GRAMMYs this coming Sunday).
A few days ago, at the NAMM Show, someone was interviewing me and I told him how terrific it is that he or I – or practically anyone for that matter – can, in fact, have our own show these days.
I told him that way back in the day someone might’ve looked at Johnny Carson or Jay Leno (or, I should’ve added, David Letterman) and could only wish that that could be them. I remember saying that it was a one-in-a-million chance. Now, the door is wide open for creators to come in and be the host of whatever they want to do.
Podfest and NAMM are prime examples of events that show how creators have jumped in with both feet and are putting out content of all shapes and sizes on a wide range of topics.
A couple of years ago, I interviewed NAMM President/CEO John Mlynczak for the podcast and since then have watched him encourage his organization to welcome creators with open arms. Now there is not only a media center at the show but a creator lounge, and as I walked in and around the convention center the last few days (and even when I attended their Global Media Day last Wednesday) I saw people with cameras, phones, and other recording devices gathering up footage and interviews or making their own commentary on a wide range of gear brands and products.
NAMM was celebrating 125 years, and I can imagine that there was a time when probably (only) local newspapers and radio and TV were coming to cover the event. Now there are people traveling from not only around the country but various points on the globe to attend the massive tradeshow.
I could say the same about Podfest, which was celebrating its twelfth year and had a whopping 2,100 registrants at this year’s edition a couple of weeks ago. The event app and conversations in the hallway reinforced that attendees had come from near and (very) far to soak up education for their podcast, their YouTube show, or whatever their platform is. Heck, for that matter, there was even a track for authors.
And let’s not limit content creation to what I have alluded to so far. NAMM has also embraced artist attendance more and more. One need look no further than NHTE 440 guest Julian Kerins having gotten to play the main stage on Friday for proof of how far your pursuits can take you if apply yourself, including putting yourself out there for in-person events such as this.
The fact is that the only thing holding you back from putting yourself (and whatever you’re creating) out there more and more is you!
Additionally, the spirit of cooperation – which, not coincidentally, is an important word that starts with the same two first letters as collaboration – is seen at both Podfest and NAMM. From partnerships with brands to individual creators teaming up on a podcast, a song, or some other type of recording, there is a true sense of community spirit that is infectious and inspirational.
While there are those who, rightfully so, will be challenged by the costs associated with traveling to events such as Podfest and the NAMM Show, look in your own backyard. There are meetups, events, conferences, and more that are great entry points for you to make new contacts and find exciting opportunities.
I am confident that there are countless attendees from both of those events who are fired up today, anxious to roll up their sleeves on something that came out of their time in central Florida or southern California.
I have only fond memories of both and am looking forward to what’s to come as a result of having immersed myself in each.
Now a Member of the Recording Academy, I have been helping indie music artists, authors, actors, entrepreneurs, podcasters, filmmakers, small business owners, and more for over twenty years. What challenges are you having in your creator career that I can lend some insight to? Connect with me so you can take advantage of all my experience, and I can help and keep you moving forward.