Conferences are powerful.
They’re a chance to step outside of the usual routine of briefings, pitches, drafting and editing. Conferences are like getting a massive injection of new ideas and inspiration, alongside a big dose of copywriter contact.
That last point might sound insignificant, but most copywriters don’t work with other copywriters, so a chance to speak to dozens of people who understand the specific challenges of writing for different clients, departments and stakeholders.
Anyway, you’re probably already interested in attending a conference. So let’s get to the list.
There are three types of conference, at least in terms of their utility to a copywriter.
Conferences about copywriting are ideal for networking with peers, being reminded of priceless skills and picking up a few new tricks along the way.
Conferences of related professions are great for expanding your skills and learning more about the wider ecosystem that uses your words. UX, marketing, advertising, PR and web design are all examples of professions related to copywriting.
Conferences for your clients are useful for learning about your clients’ world, demonstrating a deeper interest in their work, and for finding new clients. This could be anything. With a bit of luck your clients do something glamorous, entertaining or delicious.
In theory, this list of conferences could be a mile long, because almost any event will be useful to some copywriters, for any of the reasons outlined above. In the interests of time, let’s stick to a handful of events mostly closely connected to copywriting, marketing, content and advertising.
In alphabetical order…
Advertising Week Europe
When: 16-19 May (this post will be published after this takes place but digital passes are available and it will be back next year)
Where: London
Why: “Our stages cover every aspect of marketing, advertising, tech and creativity.”
Brighton SEO
When: 6-7 October 2022
Where: Brighton, UK
Why: “This isn’t an event that just tells you ‘content is king’ or ‘don’t translate your site, localise it’ and all those other conference cliches. It’s hands on. It’s detailed and it’s practical.”
Button: The Content Design Conference
When: 10-12 October 2022
Where: Seattle, USA
Why: “Button is an event for people who lead, practice, and love content design. We’re hybrid in 2022, so you can attend in person in Seattle or online.”
Copywriting Conference (CopyCon)
When: 14 October 2022
Where: Brighton, UK
Why: You can’t get more on-the-nose than a conference for copywriters called the Copywriting Conference. There’s no mistaking the word-first nature of our own event, although we do invite non-writers to speak about stuff beyond the remit of writing. Now in it’s ninth year, we’re heading to Brighton to take in the sea air and the creative milieu of the North Laine. Pro and Corporate members of ProCopywriters save a massive 40% on all conference and training tickets.
Drum Digital Summit
When: 20 October 2022
Where: Online
Why: “This event brings together experts from tech, brands and suppliers for in-depth discussions. Harness the power of digital marketing via tangible takeaways that accelerate business change.”
Social Media Week
When: 9-11 May 2022 (this post will be published after this takes place but it will be back next year)
Where: London
Why: “Join us at Social Media Week (#SMW) as we bring together our coast-to-coast network of forward-thinking leaders, social media practitioners and platforms to gain actionable insights into how brands are navigating new opportunities in social and what’s next for the industry.”
You Are the Media Creator Day 2022
When: 26 May 2022
Where: Poole, UK
Why: “A day for direction (Thursday 26th May) on your content and personal brand. Find momentum to be a leading voice in your industry.”
What are your favourite conference or events? Let us know in the comments below…