I just got back from four days of information packed business sessions at the 2009 POMA Conference in St. Louis, MO. Outdoor communicators including writers, editors, photographers, videographers and artists convened together to strengthen their skills and to network within the industry. The conference was generously supported by a long list of POMA Corporate Partners who also attended.
Despite the fact that print media is hurting in our current economy, it was a real boost to see the largest conference registration since POMA had its first conference in 2006 (I think it was 2006). Spirits were high among everyone and there was a real sense of family among the participants.
The business sessions included two popular ones called, "I Suck at Negotiating" and "Website Marketing," by Detroit photographer Blake Discher. "Legal Do's and Don'ts," by Texas copyright lawyer, Hank Jones and "Video Saved the Magazine Star," by videographer Perry Trest who owns POSTDIGITAL, Inc. There were many more valuable business sessions on the four day agenda.
It was great to catch up with some familiar faces like Jay Cassell and Peter Mathiesen of Field & Stream, and Tom Opre from Tahoe Films Ltd. I was psyched to hang out with some of the other ladies in the industry like Tammy Sapp of the Women's Outdoor Wire, Keli VanCleave of PinkOutdoors.com, Lisa Metheny of Outdoor Inspirations, and Cara Peebles of Otis Technology, and Kirstie Pike of Prois performance women's hunting apparel. And I can't forget Laurie Lee Dovey, the POMA Executive Director who made it all happen. A huge thank you to LLD.
I have started my own business, Melus Outdoors, LLC. As a freelance PR Pro, outdoor writer, and photographer, the POMA conference was invaluable to me for the networking, business skills, and friendships I took home with me. I'm happy to answer any questions about POMA or the annual conference or get you in touch with the right person.
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