I had the chance to attend the Association of Healthcare Journalists Conference (AHCJ) in New York City recently and the conference did not disappoint. This was my second time attending, and I came with a much different attitude than my first appearance at this conference. Making space for myself in the journalism world as a healthcare professional has been a mixed bag of experiences. On the one hand, you can almost always find an editor who's likely looking for a writer to cover some evergreen material, which is right up my alley. But on the other hand, you often times need to prove your ability to write and interview for stories related to health and healthcare.
I'm a nurse scientist, so I write for a living. But what I failed to understand in my first year of business as a freelance writer is that my writing style is very academic and professional. It is not very palatable for people who don't work in and around that profession. Coming to the AHCJ conference and finding a mentor who understood my unique cincumstances and challenges has been instrumental in my success as a freelance writer. This year I went to the conference with much more confidence in my ability to write, and I learned (or maybe remembered) some key points necessary for making an conference a success. This blog explores those lessons learned.
Bring your business card everywhere
Networking at a journalism conference, especially with hundreds or thousands of attendees, underscores the necessity of carrying business cards. This simple tool provides a tangible connection beyond a brief conversation. A business card doesn't need to be elaborate; it should succinctly convey who you are, your expertise, and how to contact you. Editors and fellow writers at these events are actively seeking fresh talent and story ideas. By leaving them with your card, you ensure they have a way to remember and reach out to you if you stand out to them in some way. This small gesture can significantly increase the chances of future collaborations or opportunities.
Make New and Meaningful Connections
Large conferences present numerous opportunities for networking, even for those who might consider themselves introverted, like me. It's a prime moment to step out of your comfort zone and engage with others. Whether it's striking up a conversation while waiting for a session to begin, chatting in the elevator, or mingling during social events, these casual interactions can lead to meaningful connections. It's important not to stick solely with familiar faces. Branching out allows you to expand your network and potentially find advocates who can vouch for you when opportunities arise. Building a robust network of supporters in your field increases the likelihood of being recommended for projects or collaborations that align with your expertise, which can enhance your professional opportunities and visibility in the freelance writing market.
Always be pitching
At a journalism conference, seizing every opportunity to pitch yourself and your skillset is paramount. This environment is designed for networking and pitching ideas, making it essential to actively seek out editors and other professionals seeking writers. If formal pitch sessions aren't available, initiate conversations with strangers about your background, passion for journalism, and past projects. Have a few story pitches prepared that align with the conference themes to showcase your expertise and creativity. If you see a potential work opportunity, set up follow-up meetings with those you connect with. Each interaction is a chance to present yourself as a writer worth knowing.
Be open to covering different stories
While attending sessions at the AHCJ conference, I initially didn't expect to discover much new information. But, I was pleasantly surprised by the work presented by other healthcare professionals at the conference. Their research and perspectives sparked fresh ideas for stories that I could pitch to editors. Being both a nurse scientist and writer, the conference's focus on healthcare journalism was particularly advantageous for me. It highlighted how listening to others' stories and work can ignite new interests and possibilities for writing. Be open-minded at conferences, as unexpected conversations and presentations can lead to discovering compelling topics within your expertise to pursue as a freelance writer.
Attending a journalism conference of any kind as a healthcare professional can be advantageous for many reasons. By embracing networking opportunities, exploring diverse story angles, and staying open to unexpected inspirations, you can forge meaningful connections and uncover untapped potential in your writing journey. These experiences can enrich your professional toolkit and pave the way for future collaborations and growth in healthcare journalism and freelance writing.
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