How to Prepare for the Rally

[wclary]

In reading the posts regarding how incredible the Rally is, I can't wait to attend my first one. But I want to get the most out of it. I see that people take CDs, guitars, etc. I was wondering if one of you five star generals could help a private-second-class be prepared.If this was your first Rally (as a songwriter), what would you bring? What kind of sessions would you try to attend? What kind of questions would you have in your head for a one-on-one mentor? How would you plan your three days?What would you avoid doing (mistakes, mis-steps, embarrassing moments?)Thanks in advance for any helpful tips...Wayne

[ragani]

Hi Wayne-- Welcome to the forum! You'll enjoy these two threads from last year about attending the Rally (do's and don't's, etc.):http://taxi.proboards.com/index.cgi?boa ... ge=1You're going to have a fabulous time! I've been to three Rally's and they just keep getting better and better. There's no shortage of opportunities and information-- it's like being invited to a private party of major industry moguls. Seriously, it's NOT to be missed!!!Hope to meet you there!Raags

[hummingbird]

Jun 4, 2009, 4:29pm, wclary wrote:In reading the posts regarding how incredible the Rally is, I can't wait to attend my first one. But I want to get the most out of it. I see that people take CDs, guitars, etc. I was wondering if one of you five star generals could help a private-second-class be prepared.If this was your first Rally (as a songwriter), what would you bring? What kind of sessions would you try to attend? What kind of questions would you have in your head for a one-on-one mentor? How would you plan your three days?What would you avoid doing (mistakes, mis-steps, embarrassing moments?)Thanks in advance for any helpful tips...Waynegood post, and Raags gave some good intel.most important thing, to me, is to print off the Rally materials and read them through & plan your schedule. My first rally I didn't bring anything other than a notebook, some business cards, and myself... just wanted to soak it up. Those threads Raags linked to will answer your basic questions

[wclary]

Thanks, Raags and Hummin'bird, you guys are awesome. I enjoy all of your posts, and this one was especially helpful. I am really excited about meeting everyone. I'll have a dot on my nametag so I hope to meet you and all the other dots.Now I have to get busy in the studio, making CDs and writing "the song". I know it's in me.Take Care,Wayne

[anne]

Hi Wayne - One more item that I didn't see listed to bring:printed lyric sheets for some of your songsGood to "meet" you and see you at the rally!

[mazz]

IMO the most important thing to bring:An open mind.Hope to meet you at the Rally.Mazz

[jpmuzic]

I agree with Mazz have a open mind. Keep looking at the post here there will always be some good information here that folks that have been to the Rally's in the past.

[bombaycharlie1]

Hi., thanks for taking the time to answer questions. I'll be coming to my first rally this year, and looking forward to it, and can't wait to meet all of you.Charlie

[weapon]

Bring open ears too, you could be talking to someone that you have no idea who they are and they could be a seasoned professional giving you great advice.I met people there that I had no idea who they were and just sat and talked with them and not just about music, just getting to know them and hanging out, and they have become a great asset to my career and great friends to boot.

[jpmuzic]

I agree with you Weapon you need to have open ears folks will have a lot of information and you never know who can help you or who you will meet. Look forward to meeting you guys there this year!