Television events provide effective networking, public relations and educational opportunities for your business. Television conventions not only help you stay abreast of the latest computer industry advancements, but allow you to exchange ideas with colleagues. Plus, TV conventions give your company significant name recognition among current and future business prospects, partners or clients.

There are a wide range of conventions on television, with topics ranging from digital media and emerging trends to broadcast journalism and children's programming. To get the most value from a TV conf, evaluate the following:

1. Are the conferences on TV designed for television industry professionals in your specialized field?

2. What special exhibits, workshops or keynote speakers do the television conferences offer to expand your knowledge base or increase your business profitability?

3. How much should your business pay for TV industry events?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select television events geared towards professionals in your field

Choose television industry events that focus on your specific television industry discipline. If your focus is on TV production for newscasts, select a specialized television production conference or broadcasting conference rather than a general television event. Find out if the TV conferences are designed for senior executives, writers, directors, producers, technicians or consultants, and select events most appropriate to your occupation.

I recommend: The Annual Banff World Television Festival provides business and creative opportunities for television programming and new media development professionals. MIPCOM is a global event for television creators, producers, buyers, sellers, financiers and distributors. The NAB Show is designed specifically for broadcasting professionals.

Attend television conventions with informative workshops and reputable speakers

Select events in television that offer a selection of classes, exhibits and workshops relevant to your career. For the most beneficial learning experience, look for TV seminars and classes focused on specific topics rather than broad generalizations. Choose television industry events with successful, reputable and credible speakers who are known for their computer industry expertise.

I recommend: NATPE draws top keynote speakers, like Jeff Zucker, president and CEO of NBC Universal, Shelly Lazarus, chairman and CEO of Ogilivy & Mather and Michael O'Donnell, president of social media for Cisco Systems. The Future of Television conference offers several executive panels, including "The Outlook for the Television Industry & Digital Media," "What's Next for TV's Popular Genre of Programming," and "Global TV & the Emergence of Worldwide Content Distribution Networks." Little Airplane Academy offers "How To Make A Great Preschool Series," a three-day intensive institute featuring preschool TV veterans and network executives.

Choose TV conventions in your price range

Register for television seminars and conferences that fit within your company's budget. In addition to the conference fees, factor in costs for travel, lodging and meals. To save money, consider smaller local or regional television seminars, rather than larger national or international television events.

I recommend: Digital Hollywood features all-access registration or one-day conference tickets with academic and analyst discounts. The IPTV World Forum North America offers one-day or full conference registration options. The HD World Conference & Exposition offers full conference or exhibit hall only registration options with discounts for early registration.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To save on travel fees, consider participating in online TV conferences. While you may not benefit from the networking opportunities that come with attending television conventions, you will still receive the same valuable educational information from the comfort of your home or office.