Hey there, I know there are quite a few lists and survival guides to CTNX available to you through Google. There are interviewing tips, tips for a killer reel, tips on how to get the most out of the convention and so many other lists that can make the whole pre-convention planning a bit overwhelming and stressing.
I just feel there are some gaps to fill and some things to say that will give you an extra edge and perspective about the convention that are worth mentioning, so here they are:
Get some antibacterial wipes and clean your device everytime before you hand it to a potential recruiter or pro giving you a critique. Remember they are active professionals and they shouldn't be missing work because they contracted a weird bug at CTNX. In a nutshell: Don't become patient zero!
Be aware of your surroundings! Step aside in hallways and common areas while checking your phone or taliking to somebody as you are not the only one on a mission at CTNX. There will be people jumping all over the place and many of them with their beloved portfolios and tech in hand and you don't wanna be remembered as the guy that stepped, trumpled or ruined somebody's time at the expo.
Be kind to the volunteers as they have nothing to do with whatever goes wrong at the conference. Yes, some of them may take their job way too seriously and lack the training to manage conflict and can be a little douchebaggy, but they are not the bulk of the group let me tell you. I personally know many of them and all they want is to be part of the whole experience. So please don't take your frustration out on them. Take it to the organizers and best of luck to you because that's another league I won't talk about.
Prepare for the worse and hope for the best:
Print receipts of everything! From add ons, to badges, to invitations, lotteries and whatever is proof of something you bought or acquired from CTNX. Cell connectivity comes to its knees during the convention, sometimes back to the age of CDMA.
Have all your dgital content downloaded to at least two devices (if you have the fortune to own more than one device). Also bring extra batteries, battery banks, solar panel or mini nuclear reactor as the people to available electrical outlets ratio is like 40 to 1 if not higher.
For the bold and brave out there, create a bit.ly link to your online content that is unique, easy to type and remember as typing a Vimeo link with a number can be a hassle. I'm talking about somebody trying to access to your content from their device. On the same department, never ask can you tell me your email address to send you a link? Because you'll get the cringe of death or a well educated no.
Have fun, meet people and be kind! Don't discount, deride or give the cold shoulder to anybody as you never know who will make it big despite of what you percieve as a below average portfolio, a shy personallity or whatever prejudice that labels an human being as a "loser" or something worse. Even better, you never know if you'll see them again at a studio or place you want to work at. Everybody's chance to success is the same despite of current or past cirmcunstances. And finally, don't throw business cards away for the same aforementioned reason!
May the odds be ever in your favor and godspeed to you. I shall see you again later on!
That's all folks!
