STEP 9 WHAT YOU BRING AND HOW YOU PACK SHOULD BE SEEN AS AN EXTENSION OF YOUR IMAGE
It still amazes me how people can travel somewhere and not know how to pack, or better yet, not know what to bring. So thank god you have me…so to speak.
I guess I should break it down like this for you; you don’t want to be caught with your pants down. Whatever the reason that brings you to Miami, you are going to have ample opportunities to make a mark. There is going to be people there who are scouting new talent, artist development, publishing, artist management, so on and so forth. So don’t be stupid and think that having an edge doesn’t matter, that what you put on your back doesn’t mean shit, cause it does.
And while I’m on the subject of (for you older folk) attire, threads or digs, what ever the lingo, you have to be one the Dime. You heard me, the Dime. What’s the Dime you ask?
The Dime is the 10 points you have to have, hit or buy in order to look good! That’s my term and a whole other list…feel free to use it for now…shit I just realized that now I’m going to have to make a Dime List…I’ll get on that list, more work for me.
First, check the weather, I’m not a meteorologist (that’s the weather man) so please check your weather listings before you leave. You can Google the information super easy so you know exactly what to bring. You don’t want to be the only one without a coat during a hurricane or the only eye sore sporting long pants during one of the hottest springs ever.
Back to clothing, so clothing is very subjective, some people like to wear shorts all year round, some like to over dress. Whatever your preference is, make sure you do it right. First things first, buy new clothing if you can afford it. It looks real styli if you show up with the sickest threads.
Make sure all of your clothes are clean before packing, take time out before you leave and do some laundry. There is nothing like stinky, stained, wrinkled jeans that were last seen on the floor of your pad crammed in at the last minute. Wishful thinking isn’t enough.
Bring enough clothing for all of the days you are going to be there for, you don’t want to get stuck trying to find a laundry mat or worse, get stuck with nothing. I know it may sound stupid to you, but you have to do a dress rehearsal. This is serious shit and your appearance means a lot. You want people to judge you by your talent, but not all people think like that. Some people make first impressions on first glances. What you put on your body says a lot about who you are. A sick ass well put together outfit is an easy calling card. You want to be the person that people remember; not only for your talent, but by the creative environment you surround yourself with.
Just do me this one thing, pick out your attire or buy new clothing and go over it. Know what you are going to wear.
Just look at every big DJ or big name person in any demographic, the common denominator is style. You may not like that, but that’s how it is, the choice in t-shirt says a lot about what you think, and how you are. If you dress like you don’t care, trust me, that’ll come across. You already are in an artistic field so exploit it to the maximum.
So here’s my quick guide:
Bring a pair of walking shorts for every day that you are there.
Buy a new pair of swim trunks if you plan on going to the beach
Bring an endless supply of t-shirts, you may have to change if the weather is hot
Get your self a tan, maybe a couple sessions, look like you belong, do not look like a tourist
If you are promoting a site, company or yourself, bring all your info
Invest in personal contact cards or business cards that best represent yourself, it’s golden
Have all personal documents, money and travelers cheques in order
Make sure you photo copy all important documents and put them in the hotel safe
If you have any personal or professional people you want to contact, fire off an email a week before the event
Invest in a throw away wallet and only carry what you are going to need (you just never know)
If you plan on doing some site seeing via walking, take a good comfortable pair of shoes
Bring sun screen, nothing says newbie like a burn
Take care of your self before you go away...eat well and get plenty of sleep, especially if you are planning on going to the parties (and you are going to want to)
Drink plenty of water, keep hydrated while you are there
Double check all your bags and pockets before packing, you don’t want an unexpected event at the airport…nuff said
Invest in a calling card, trust me, I’ve paid dearly once I’ve returned home from my money hungry cell phone provider
If you are going to be stepping out in the scene, bring proper attire (shoes and collared shirt), some places may have dress codes
Make sure people have a way of getting in contact with you, don’t make it hard for people, they won’t try too hard
Double check your flight information and hotel accommodations before you leave, you don’t want to get there and find out it wasn’t booked right
Last and final one…have fun…take pictures, document your amazing time, it will be worth it
STEP 10 HOW CAN YOU SLEEP WHEN THERE’S A PARTY TO ATTEND
So how can you have a top 10 list without dedicating a whole segment to the life style that is Partying? Simply...you can’t...so here goes.
Some people are weekend warriors, some people push the limit and others are selective when they decide to party. And when I say selective, I mean you are the type that finds out about the big global parties like the White Party or Ibiza for example, and saves up money year round so you can do it right, then you’ve come to the right Conference Party place.
Whatever your party style is, it doesn’t matter, because there is a little bit of everything here in Miami. There is a little and a lot for which ever your mood may be. You want to go to the Conference during the day and party by night for all the days of the Winter Music Conference, then so be it. If your motto is “I’ll sleep when I’m dead”, then you’ve come to the right place.
But if you want to be diligent and do the Conference during the day and network by night (that means no drinking), then there’s that for you too, because during this Conference no one’s excluded.
From experience and firsthand knowledge, decide before you leave what kind of angle you want to partake in with regards to your party profile.
Quick story, I had a friend who killed it during the day with his DJ abilities and then went to a big party at night where there had been a buzz going on about him. But that buzz fizzled to a hum when he...sorry...can’t finish that story. Don’t want to ‘out’ a friend.
All I have to say is that you can do something stupid when you are really drunk and pumped up, that can make people second guess you. You can do irreversible damage to your career before you had a chance to get started. Don’t be a moron; don’t let shit get to your head. If you are seriously going there for the networking aspect with the intension of killing it, then don’t bring out the drunken stupid person that lurks inside you to the masses. Do not embarrass yourself to the point where all people remember about you is that you were really weird and drunk.
But if you feel the need to drink and get crazy, then make sure you are at one of the events where you blend in with the crowd. Do not make yourself stand out that draws attention to yourself, or even worse, platform yourself and then act like a drunken buffoon.
So with the “What not to do when trying to make yourself known” lecture, here’s my perfect party plan for your Winter Music Conference.
Obviously find out about all the parties, there are numerous sites dedicated to the party scene. You can check out which ones are the golden ones. It’s all about networking. It is the best part of who you are and who or what you are representing. Get to know the people, and let them get to know you.
Don’t be an ass and forget your responsibilities, don’t party too much if you are there to network or anything else
I know everyone is friendly and happy to be there, but always be careful, there are too many stories about shit happening to people
Don’t forget your objective and party until the morning and not go to a seminar or anything else you’ve signed up for
Remember where you are, you are not in your own hood, and things are different in Miami, don’t forget that
Be respectful; always be respectful, especially if you are a tourist. This city opens its self up to the entire world; they don’t need you coming and disturbing things, so be mindful of your surroundings.
Quick Step Guide
Know where you are going to go, find out the venue name and get yourself on the list or have your tickets bought
Make sure you have the right clothing and foot wear, you may be on your feet for a while
Take a nap before going out if possible, it may be something that you will later be thankful for
Drink water, lots of it before heading out, it may be a life saver later. Hydration is always a must
Eat a good meal
Take only what you’ll need, don’t be silly and take your passport or something really personal in your wallet that you’ll be upset about if you lost
Bring cash, cash, cash...
Take a shower before heading out and make sure your hygiene is up to par
Bring breath mints or gum, you may be out for a while and not be able to freshen up
Bring sex safe products...condoms
Make sure you have your contact cards with you
During the day you would have told people which parties you were going to, so make sure you seek them out and buy them a drink
Write down the name and address of your hotel and put it in your wallet, you just never know
Write down the name of a taxi company along with their number...
Bring coin or change, you may lose your wallet or cell phone and have no way of contacting anyone
Have a interact card or credit card for back up
Don’t bring all of your money, just bring what you think you’ll need
If you are a baggy pant wearing dude, think twice about putting your wallet in your back pant pocket, my friend was pick pocketed and it sucked
If you bring a back pack with you, make sure you put deodorant, a clean t-shirt and anything else you think will make you feel comfortable
Last but not least...bring your shit...bring yourself, whatever that may be, a positive attitude, or Mr. Funny Guy, just remember to soak it in, it’s supposed to be fun
