Today marks the start of VO ATLANTA. If you didn’t know that, you must have been living under a big fat rock.
For weeks now, my social media news tickers have been taken over by every presenter touting his or her spectacular presentations (been there, done that). Looking at the lineup, there will be at least as many experts as participants this year!
Be ready for a deluge of photos from the very same people as proof that they are really in Atlanta with really good colleagues having a really good time. Of course I’m joking (I love conferences), but come on folks… you’re just trying to give us a serious case of FOMO, aren’t you?
But you know what? As someone who’s sitting this one out, I have noticed that there are some pretty fabulous advantages to not going to a voice over conference, especially since many have a virtual program you can watch in your pjs with an (adult) beverage in hand!
IT’S EXPENSIVE
Think of all the money you will save! Let’s take the One Voice Conference 2023 as an example.
A full in person weekend at the OVC is $469. Add a couple of paid workshops at $169 each and you could end up spending close to a thousand dollars. And this is by no means the most expensive conference. Remember: you’re also paying for the hotel, food and drinks, as well as travel.
Speaking of travel, not going to a conference is much better for the environment. You may not like it, but flight shaming has become a social movement. This movement discourages people from flying so as to lower carbon emissions and counter climate change. Don’t think this is just a European thing.
Going to a conference also means you’ll be tempted so sign up and pay for services and sessions with a special event discount. Just look at all the sponsors that want to get their money’s worth. They’re not just there to hand out cheap trinkets you’re going to throw out as soon as you’re home (also not good for the planet). They are there to give their business a nice boost the minute you take out your credit card.
YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH
But here’s a bigger issue: if you’re justifying the expense because you think investing in continuing education is always a good thing, consider this. I’ve attended quite a few VO conferences, and not only do I see the same presenters…. I usually see the same attendees who thus far are doing quite well (otherwise they wouldn’t be able to afford going). Most of them don’t need to learn more skills. They are already good at what they do behind the microphone.
What they need more, is to learn how to improve the way they run their businesses. You know… things like marketing and being successful using social media. These sessions tend to be the least popular at VO conferences (ask any organizer). Most participants prefer to attend the “fun” stuff and see VO celebs do their cartoon voices and hear them tell stories about the good old days before Ai messed everything up. If that’s why you’re coming, you might as well attend a Comic-Con.
SIDE NOTE: At the last conference I attended, I went from presentation to presentation to take a few photos, and I noticed that some VO VIP’s spent 20 minutes of a 50 minute presentation talking about all their credentials and accomplishments. These are things that are actually printed in the program or can be found on their websites. But because they’re big names drawing big crowds, they get away with it.
Let me put it bluntly: those who could benefit most from these conferences can’t afford to go, or are incapable of recognizing their own incompetence. It’s called the Dunning-Kruger effect. Look it up.
Secondly: the VO universe is relatively small and not everyone feels comfortable being on stage doing a presentation. My main recommendation to conference organizers would be to invite outsiders to bring new topics and a fresh perspective. Right now there is way too much navel gazing going on. I don’t need to remind you that a navel is a very spall place.
NO PLACE FOR INTROVERTS
Heres’ another reason why you shouldn’t attend a VO conference: they can make shy and quiet people very uncomfortable. Compared to on-camera acting, voice acting attracts more introverts because they can do their job in a safe, small studio all by themselves. If the thought of having to step into a crowd of loud talking people you barely know gives you the jitters, why subject yourself to that?
I personally suffer from misophonia and stimulus overload. At busy conferences my brain doesn’t know what to pay attention to. It literally tunes out to protect itself, which makes me look and sound like an idiot. And if I sound somewhat lucid when you talk to me, it means I’m working really hard to make sure you don’t notice how uncomfortable I actually am.
Yes, socializing can be fun, but it’s also draining and frustrating. Why frustrating? Because there’s never any time to have a longer conversation with anyone. Conference organizers think they have to jam-pack every minute of every day to give the participants value for money. It’s a noble but counterproductive effort.
Conversations tend to be short and shallow:
“Good to see you! How have you been? What are you up to? Oh, we must have dinner together. Must run to the next speaker!”
By the way, dinner never happens.
LOSING YOUR VOICE
All this chit-chat is taking place while you’re surrounded by hundreds of talking people. By the end of day one your vocal folds are already close to being shot. And it will only get worse from there, and the effect will linger for at least a week. Not exactly ideal if you make a living using your voice.
Imagine… you could be home, quietly working in your comfy voice over studio, actually making some money and getting to bed at a decent hour. Instead, you’re dragged to the obligatory late night karaoke with an overpriced cocktail in hand, and a few very loud and inebriated colleagues. Fun times, right?
“Good to see you! How have you been? What are you up to? Oh, we must have drinks together!”
Now that we’re on the topic of health: let’s talk about COVID.Going to a mass-gathering like a conference where masking is voluntary may not be such a good idea. According to the COVID tracker, Texas is currently number 2 on the list of states worst hit by the virus (in 2023).
CONFERENCE CONTENT IS FORGETTABLE
A few months after the event you spot the glossy conference program in a stack of papers ready for recycling, and you’re trying to remember something earth-shattering the keynote speaker said.
When you can’t come up with anything concrete, you dig up your notebook with illuminating thoughts from the conference.
There it is. On page one. An amazing insight:
“Be authentic, be yourself, and believe that you can do it.”
What a revelation! What a unique insight! Must go again next year. Better book before the discount disappears.
I SECRETLY LOVE IT
Of course I’m being silly and slightly sarcastic. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a huge fan of these gatherings, in spite of all of the above.
Every conference has given me so much more than what I put into it, and some have given my career a new direction. Plus, I’ve made some very, very good friends.
But let’s be totally honest: it’s not for everybody, and that’s why there are smaller meetings, retreats, workouts, and individual sessions you can sign up for throughout the year.
If you’re attending VO Atlanta right now, I wish you lots of learning, inspiration, and belly laughs.
Make some amazing memories!
PS click here to read the follow up article: VO Conferences: lovefest or money grab?
ONE LAST THING
This blog is being targeted by aggressive spam bots. That’s why I had to put an equally aggressive spam filter in place. This means that when you comment, you will receive an automated response that your comment has been flagged as spam.
Don’t worry. All I need to do is approve your comment and it will show up. Thanks for understanding.
I have really only been to Faffcon and Uncle Roy’s, and I’ve never particularly felt the need to get lost in these big events you speak of. I applaud your outspokeness and honesty that sometimes we just don’t need to be away from work and family at all of these.
FOMO? If something truly that special happens on a large scale, it will be plastered all over “social” media, often unavoidably. For me, life’s too short to be waiting around for “what ifs” hoping I’ll be there to catch whatever they were.
Good luck, good health, and good work pulling the covers as needed!
Paul Payton
You know me… I have a hard time staying under cover.
Thanks, Paul. I needed that.
Spot on. I love meeting colleagues and having a good old gossip. But it’s an expensive way to do it. I’m too far away to get involved anymore.
Thanks for being involved in commentating on this blog, Kevan. Thank goodness we can stay connected in so many ways!
As a budding VO artist/actor finding you was “an act of God”. Even before my demo reels are completed, the advice I’ve recd by reading your blogs speaks volumes
Thank you !!
*my website is under construction
As they say, “God works in mysterious ways.” I’m so glad we are connected! I hope your website turns out really well. It can make or break your ability to attract clients.
This is why I go to social events that I can drive to. I’m as busy as I want to be presently, but I love catching up with our tribe of Faff’ers and the crew at Uncle Roy’s. Gives me a great excuse to get out of my booth and into the sunshine!
Uncle Roy’s BBQ’s are the highlight of the year. Just catching up with good people and good food and fun music. I won’t be there this year, but I’m sure you’ll have fun.
We will miss you, Paul!
I had every intention of going, but something shifted. Here’s a video in which I explain my decision: https://youtu.be/KCUFlwwdM_c
Thank you, Paul. Spot on video, reinforcing your righteous reputation as a person with ultimately admirable integrity, something I recognized the first time I met you. it made me smile, nod, and feel proud to consider myself your friend.
Like you, my focus has either shifted or had to shift as outside issues have moved me into involuntary semi-retirement. I am into Yoda territory: there’s no longer any try, only do; and while I can do, I must do. (Maybe 60 years of talking for a living is enough!) So I’ll see friends and other acquaintances I like and respect, jam with some good musicians, wish everyone well, and hopefully put a smile or two on some faces. But like you and your wonderful farmers’ market, Uncle Roy’s is like that for me.
I usually avoid “social” media and yours is really the only VO coverage I follow to any degree, but I deeply support your integrity and intelligence and your willingness to speak up for what is right. In this ever-mutating country, what you are doing matters a lot.
Onward and upward,
that other Paul
Thanks for watching my video, Paul, and for all the nice things you’ve said about me. It confirms that the world we see tends to be a mirror of who we are. It feels good to take a few steps back, but as you can see from the response to todays blog post, I can still stir a pot or two!
You have some good points (as usual!), Paul, and I’m commenting as I ride in an Uber taking me to the airport to attend One Voice. I do want to give credit to JMC for inviting a number of new (or newish) speakers, like Angela Colville and me.
Angela is a voice actor and a social worker and she’ll be speaking about mental health and how we can all better manage stress, know the difference between feeling down vs. true depression, and do a better job of keeping things in perspective. I’m a voice/on camera hybrid and will be talking about the on camera world how voice actors can smartly and safely expand their skills into film/TV/video. This is Angela’s first time as a VO conference speaker and my second (VO Atlanta 2022).
I attended One Voice (UK) virtually in May 2020 and thoroughly enjoyed it, so remote attendance is a great option. Nothing, however, beats the energy of an in-person meetup with VO friends and talking with prospective coaches face to face. That said, I salute those attending physically or via computer. For anyone else out there … hey, leave some VO jobs for me! I’ll be back at it soon enough. 😉
I know Angela very well (ask her about our connection). I’m sure the two of you will hit it out of the park with your presentations. If I were at the OVC, I would certainly attend your sessions. The one thing no one can capture or replace is the energy, you’re right about that. We are social beings who like to hang around social beings. Voice overs tend to be the nicest, unpretentious people you will ever meet and it is nice to feel like you’re among friends.
Have a fabulous conference!
Hi Paul.
As CEO of One Voice I’ve always appreciated your support and being a judge for us from time to time at the awards.
However I’d like to counter a couple of points. Firstly we have completely online tickets available which are much cheaper and mean that you don’t have to come to the event in person. I believe that we are the only in-person conference who live stream everything for our online attendees. It seems that, to grab a headline, you’re deliberately picking the most expensive path.
Second, we are the only conference to run a free set of workshops as well as paid. again reducing your cost.
Third, we have red distancing bands for those who are worried about social contact. we have done this every year since the pandemic started. This has always been appreciated by our cohort. There are also the usual sanitising stations etc.
Fourth – there is a reason that some presenters are at many conferences – it’s because they are really good at what they do! but we also have others, and pride ourselves in creating exciting and diverse lineups. Troy Baker as the keynote, for example, is at the absolute top of his game and will surely have something of interest to say!!
Then, your comment about being good enough – education is a continual thing and needs topping up from time to time as things change. we as artists also need to change and adapt. we all know the vo industry is different now than it was in 2019!! a good example of this is having the CEO of Eleven Labs at the conference to provide new guidance and best practice as we navigate the new landscape. I’m absolutely sure that many people are technically good enough, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t valid to learn new things!
Finally, your point that those who would benefit the most not being able to afford it. OVC is a Gravy For The Brain venture – the all-you-can-eat gftb membership can be attained with everything you need for just $35 – and you’ve written many times about the need to invest in your training and toolset – so I’m a little surprised by this comment.
Conferences are not cheap – that is true – but people are voting with their feet and investing in their future and their place in this wonderful industry we all share.
My opinion anyway. looking forward to seeing many of your readers there / online. 🙂
Hugh.
I also forgot that the reattendance platform we use – also has lifetime replays of all the talks – so you don’t need to forget anything at all 🙂
Hi Hugh, I know how busy you must be, being in Dallas, and I appreciate your quick response.
I love the fact that there’s an online option that’s about $100 cheaper than an in person ticket ($360 instead of $469). I also believe that the online option gives you access to the entire One Voice library, which makes it an amazing deal.
I also have to mention (as I’ve done before) that the One Voice Awards are 100% free to enter, and those who win don’t have to pay for their prize. That’s amazing, and I wish other awards would take a page or two out of your book.
I have no doubt that the attendees are getting value for money with the workshops and the lineup of speakers. But the VO universe is relatively small, and it is true that some of the same names come back again and again. I’m not saying they’re not good, but variety is the spice of life. I would love to have someone like Seth Godin do a keynote, or someone who coaches opera singers. Or an expert in online marketing and selling.
I totally believe in the benefits of continuing education, but as I said, those who (I think) need it most, are underrepresented, oftentimes because they can’t afford it or because they think they know all there is to know.
I’m glad to hear that you’re taking some precautions to keep everyone healthy. This affects every conference, not just the OVC, and it is a concern to some of my readers.
In conclusion, I hope you see that I’m not taking some cheap shots at the conference, the organizers, or the attendees, just to grab the headlines. I’ve always been a big proponent of these events, and have used numerous blogs to promote them. But a majority of the people in the VO community (who read this blog) will never attend for many different and often personal reasons.
I owe it to them to present different sides of the same coin. A coin that I believe is still very valuable, but not for everyone.
Paul, I to tally agree with you! In my entire twenty years of being a German/English VoiceOver professional, I’ve attended three conferences, two Faffcons, which was very enjoyable and the very first ever conference (I believe) “Voice 2007” in Las Vegas, that was put on by James Alburger, Penny Abshire and Frank ? – don’t remember his last name. Don Lafontaine was one of the guests on the panel. These gatherings are funny, as you stated, to meet other VOs, meet friends in person and make new friends. But the cost really doesn’t justify the ROI so to speak, unless you are well off and have money to burn. To advance your craft, you are far better off in smaller settings or one-on-ones. And to meet friends and make new ones, smaller venues are much better for that as well. My 2 cents worth.
I totally get where you’re coming from, Bernard. You’re from Germany! Just kidding… The ROI of conferences is tough to determine. The only thing I can say is that some people still find them worthwhile, otherwise no one would come to the many conferences we’ve had since 2007. Things like Comic-Cons draw huge numbers, and as far as I can tell they revolve in a large part around product promotion and celebrity-watching.
Anyway, the question I keep on asking myself when I think about conferences is not: “What can I GET?” but “What do I have to GIVE that could be useful to those I meet?” I ask myself the same question when I’m blogging or vlogging, by the way. If I don’t do that I might as well stop writing because it takes up a lot of time and no one is paying me for it. At the same token, I am getting something out of it, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it, by that something cannot be monetized.
In my experience, the best things in life are hard to monetize, and some of the best moments of my life happened during voice over conferences.
It was telling many years ago when one of the top agents at my NYC agency left to become a voice coach.
He felt he could earn more coaching voice talent than from actually booking their gigs.
He was a damn good coach though.
I don’t know how much this agent-turned-coach charges per hour. I charge $175 for a 55 minute session, and I can guarantee you that I make much more in less time as a voice over than as a coach. Every coach I know has the same experience. Do you think it’s time I charge more for my coaching sessions?
I think it’s quantity vs hourly fee. How many voice gigs vs how many coaching sessions. He charged $150 an hour, but this was over a decade ago. He’s since moved on from coaching and being an agent.
But my bigger point was that a lot of people see the thousands of people wanting to “make it big” in voiceover as a ripe target for monetization. People are willing to pay to pursue their hopes and dreams. That’s why we have such a proliferation of voiceover conferences, demo production shops, and coaches.
I suspect a lot of voice talents earn more from servicing other voice talent than from their own voicework.
This is an observation not a criticism. I’ve worked with many coaches and attended many workshops and have no regrets. But I’m also wary of opportunists who may have little to offer. I’ve never attended a full blown voice conference, but I have gone to ProMax and industry conventions to meet clients who hire talent.
You never make up in volume what you lose on every sale.
Since I started writing this blog some 22 years ago, one of my goals has been to educate new talent about the delights and dangers of this profession. I have no problem with ethical coaches charging reasonable fees to help people realize their dreams. Like you, I don’t care for the ones who meet a need with greed, but you’ll find these folks in every type of industry. Those who present at prestigious conferences are carefully vetted before they are invited. If attendees would feel taken advantage of, the rumor would spread like wildfire, and very few would ever be interested in coming to that conference again.
Just as it’s incumbent upon the conference organizer to filter whoever is presenting at their event, it is the responsibility of each and every attendee to keep their critical thinking cap on, even after the conference is over. No one is forcing anyone to buy anything at any time. But the willfully ignorant are easy targets, and as far as I’m concerned, they fully deserve what they’re paying for.
Elements of your column have long been on my mind. There is nothing that I would like better than to attend a voice over conference and to meet the people from whom I have engaged with over time. Other than the travel and conference fees issue, there is the time/cost given to individual sessions. For the price of the session and the time of personal coaching, perhaps, for 5 minutes, I would rather pay for a whole session outside of a conference with an individual to receive a better benefit of instruction/guidance/suggestions. The hard part, now, is that I have my demos and do not want to be caught and put under pressure to redo a demo. I realize that producing demos in addition to coaching is another way of earning money, but I would just like to receive other’s suggestions/techniques to become a better voice artist.
It’s only pressure if you allow it to be, Woody. I know that a lot of attendees use VO conferences to hear a few coaches speak, and then make a selection based on who they think is a good fit. Because the voice over industry is unregulated, anyone can do anything without credentials or lots of experience. It is the responsibility of the buyer to separate the wheat from the chaff and see what meets their needs. As I said in earlier comments, there is more money to be made as a voice over than as a voice over coach. So, if someone is in it for the money, they must not be doing so well as a VO. That alone would make me question their suitability.
I appreciate your perspective on the One Voice Conference (OVC) and the reasons you’ve highlighted for not attending a voice-over conference. While conferences can offer valuable opportunities for networking and learning, it’s essential to acknowledge that they might not be suitable for everyone.
It will come as no surprise to you that I agree with your comment. And let me add that many of the things I wrote about, can be said about lots of conferences. As a former reporter I’ve attended more than I care to remember, and NONE of them were memorable or life-changing. I think the main benefit is the opportunity for people to catch up and socialize. The rest is just Gravy for the Brain 😉
Hey there! As someone who’s opted to skip the One Voice Conference this time around, I must say your post resonated with me on several levels. The cost factor alone is a substantial consideration. It’s not just the conference fee but also the workshops, travel, accommodation, and dining expenses that add up quickly. Plus, the environmental impact of travel is an aspect that often goes unnoticed.
Plenty of reasons to choose the virtual option, although I must say that the social aspects of these conferences are just as important as the educational aspects. Seeing each other in person is very different from meeting up in a chat room.