The Rhythm of Career Growth Dancing to Success:

By Ben McAuley Multi-award-winning Voice Actor

As voice actors, we know that our craft is all about communication and connection. And what better way to improve those skills than by networking with like-minded individuals and learning from industry professionals? That's where conferences come in and, having recently returned from one of the industry’s biggest, I can confidently say that attending conferences can truly benefit your career.

As you know, voice actors are a peculiar breed of performers. We spend most of our time alone in a padded booth, talking to ourselves and pretending to be other people. So when we get together in a big group it can feel a little overwhelming. In fact, I remember arriving at one of my first conferences, which was The VoiceOver Network's Above and BeVOND in 2017, and I was so nervous, I spilled a cup of tea all over my jacket before I even made it to the registration table. As I was frantically trying to mop up the mess, a friendly, fellow voice actor appeared with a handful of napkins. It was a small gesture, but it instantly put me at ease. That's one of the things I love about voiceover conferences - the sense of camaraderie and support among attendees. We may be competitors in the industry, but we're also colleagues, and friends.

Conferences bring together people from all corners of the voiceover industry, from beginners to seasoned veterans, from voice actors to casting directors, and agents to business coaches. Meeting other professionals in the industry can lead to collaborations, referrals, and even new job opportunities. I’ve met many colleagues at conferences who have become great friends and collaborators, and with whom I have worked on projects since. You never quite know who you might meet and what doors could open for you.

But it's not just about making connections - it's about strengthening existing ones too. If you're a voice actor who's been in the game for a while, chances are you've worked with some of the people who will be attending the conference. This is a chance to catch up with old colleagues and remind them that you're still out there and ready to work.

As VOs, we should always be striving to improve our craft, and through conference panels and workshops, there are plenty of opportunities to learn from experts in the field. Industry professionals who can offer insights and tips on everything from voiceover technique to marketing, to vocal health and business development. Even if you choose not to attend one of the many workshops on offer, panel discussions or keynote speakers can be incredibly inspiring and motivating, and can help you see new possibilities for your own career. Some of the most valuable insights I’ve gained from conferences have come from attending Q&A sessions with industry leaders and hearing about their successes and challenges in the field.

As we spend so much time in the booth, working alone, it can be easy to feel disconnected from the rest of the industry. But attending a conference is a chance to be surrounded by people who understand what we do and who share our passion for voiceover work. It can be a refreshing change of pace and a reminder that we're part of a larger, incredible community. It can give you a chance to step back and re-energize, to hear new ideas and perspectives that can reignite your passion for the work. Whether it's through attending a keynote speech or simply chatting with other attendees over lunch, conferences can provide the inspiration needed to take your career to the next level.

Attending voiceover conferences has been incredibly beneficial for my own business. The networking opportunities alone have led to new collaborations and job opportunities, and the educational and inspirational content has helped me improve my craft and stay motivated and current in a changing, challenging and competitive industry. Whether you are an experienced voice actor or just starting out, if you’ve never attended a conference before, I highly recommend giving it a try. Sure, you might spill tea on your shirt, but the knowledge, connections, and inspiration gained from these events can be invaluable in building and growing your voiceover business.

And let's not forget the swag! Who doesn't love free stuff?

BRINGING THE VO HEAT -Empower, Connect and Grow!

On May 25, 2023, New York City The VoiceOver Network hosted an extraordinary event for voice actors, agents, producers, and casting directors - VOND NYC. This networking extravaganza provided a fantastic opportunity to catch up with old friends in the industry while also connecting with new faces.

Founder and CEO of The VoiceOver Network, Rachael Naylor, spearheaded this incredible event. With her vast experience and passion for the profession, Naylor has been instrumental in bringing together voiceover enthusiasts from around the world.

Among the esteemed guest speakers at VOND NYC were Tanya Buchanan, the owner and senior agent of Ta-Da! Voiceworks Inc. Buchanan’s expertise in the field made her presence invaluable to attendees seeking guidance on navigating their careers.

Julie Wilson, an industry leader in audio storytelling and an award-winning Senior Executive Producer for Ahab Talent with over 15 years of experience, shared her wisdom at the event. Wilson’s contribution to the panel discussion added valuable insights into the art of voiceover work.

AN EVENING EVENT TO RE-ENERGISE YOUR VOICEOVER CAREER

Jim Kennelly’s producer, casting director and owner of Lotus Productions shared extensive knowledge in finding the perfect voice for various media platforms made him a sought-after speaker at VOND NYC. He also shared some fascinating insights into AI from his perspective.

Another prominent speaker was Phil Sutfin, co-founder of ACM Talent. Prior to his role as co-founder, Sutfin had already established himself as an influential figure in the industry.

The night at VOND NYC was filled with excitement and inspiration. Attendees participated in a captivating panel discussion led by these esteemed speakers. Their insights motivated attendees to tackle auditions head-on and empowered them with the confidence needed to approach agents and secure more voiceover work.

In this concrete jungle where dreams are made of, VOND NYC proved to be more than just a networking event. It was an opportunity for dreamers to make their dreams come true within the voiceover industry.