MAVO 2016: A Small Conference with a Big Impact
The 2016 Mid-Atlantic Voice Over conference, or MAVO, may have been a smaller conference, but it had a significant impact on its attendees, fostering professional development and opening doors to new business opportunities. The sources, a series of podcast interviews recorded at the event, offer a glimpse into the experiences of various attendees, highlighting the conference’s benefits across different areas.
One of the most prominent advantages was the networking opportunities MAVO offered. The intimate setting, with less than 100 attendees, created an environment where individuals could easily connect with presenters, industry leaders, and fellow voice actors. This accessibility fostered meaningful conversations and relationship building, as attendees could interact with presenters beyond the formal Q&A sessions.
The smaller size also facilitated a sense of community and encouraged attendees to interact with individuals they may not have otherwise approached. This led to the formation of new connections and the strengthening of existing relationships that had begun online. Several attendees emphasized the value of connecting faces to the names they knew from online communities and social media, solidifying those relationships in a personal and professional context.
MAVO 2016 provided more than just networking opportunities; it also served as a valuable platform for learning and skill development. Attendees appreciated the diverse range of topics covered in the workshops, panels, and presentations, addressing specific areas like animation, audiobooks, and general voiceover techniques. This variety allowed attendees to tailor their experience to their interests and career goals.
The conference also presented opportunities to learn directly from experienced professionals and receive feedback from coaches and casting director. Attendees highlighted specific sessions, like those led by audiobook coach Sean Pratt, casting director Sarah Sherman, and voice coach David Goldberg, as sources of valuable insights and practical techniques they could apply to their own work.
The intimate format of the workshops allowed for direct interaction with the presenters, creating a more personalized learning experience. For instance, during David Goldberg’s session, attendees could read scripts and receive immediate feedback, providing them with valuable coaching in real time. This hands-on approach allowed attendees to not only absorb information but also practice their skills and receive constructive criticism.
Beyond the practical knowledge and techniques acquired, MAVO 2016 also served as a source of inspiration and motivation for attendees. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals, passionate about their craft, created a positive and encouraging atmosphere. Attendees found it inspiring to hear success stories from established professionals, which helped them to stay engaged and enthusiastic about their own careers.
The conference also encouraged attendees to think outside the box and explore new possibilities within the voiceover industry. Sunday Muse’s session on vulnerability and creativity was particularly impactful, encouraging attendees to connect with their authentic selves and bring that energy to their work.
This session fostered a sense of liberation, urging attendees to embrace their individuality and acknowledge the full spectrum of human experience, including vulnerability, as a source of strength and artistic expression. Attendees left feeling empowered to push their boundaries and approach their work with a renewed sense of purpose.
In summary, the sources paint a picture of MAVO 2016 as a conference that exceeded expectations. The intimate setting fostered meaningful connections, facilitated personalized learning experiences, and sparked inspiration, leaving attendees feeling energized and motivated to pursue their voiceover goals. While MAVO may have marketed itself as a “micro conference,” its impact on the professional development and business prospects of its attendees was anything but small.