When I told some of my friends that I would be going to Los Angeles to attend the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), their initial reaction was almost that of jealousy, saying that I was lucky to attend. That’s partly true and I am grateful that my freelance writing career has led me to these kinds of opportunities, but I wouldn’t say that it is entirely lucky.
There’s a common misconception that when a writer (such as myself) goes to cover a trade show like E3 or Computex, that they’re on vacation. After all, they’re hopping on a plane and traveling somewhere that isn’t a stuffy conference or boring executive meeting. What these people don’t see is all the work that goes behind the fun.
Allow me to paint a picture for you. The typical electronics-related trade show usually has its show floor open from about 10am to 6pm, give or take a few hours. During that time, I’ll be going from appointment to appointment, seeing what the different companies have to offer. In between appointments, I’ll try my best to meander the floor and see what catches my eye. In the instance of E3, it might be Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11. Or it might be a couple of Stormtroopers.
So, what happens when the trade show floor closes? There might be a party or a dinner to attend of some sort — I didn’t go to any during E3, but it is typical for us to go to a few during Computex in Taipei or CES in Las Vegas. After that, it’s time to head back to the hotel room and do even more work.
You see, covering a trade show means I need to actually cover the trade show. This could involve processing the images from the day, writing new articles of the day’s findings, or editing through videos for posting on YouTube.
This is above and beyond the usual freelance writing duties I may have with other clients not related to the current trade show. I effectively have to cram a regular work day into those few hours in the late evening… or I wake up early to do them in the morning.
Yes, going to a trade show like E3 is fun. It’s certainly rewarding when you get to win a new Xbox 360 or meet briefly with Leonard Nimoy, but it’s still hard work. Just because I’m having some fun doesn’t mean I’m on vacation.
In fact, it is during trade shows like these that I work the hardest. By the end of the week, it’s almost a relief to hop back on that plane and head back home. Then, I might be able to relax for a change.
Would you prefer “working holiday” instead?
I’d hardly call it that even. It’s work, through and through, with a few extra perks.
I run into the same thing when I tell people about my work as a PC Hardware Editor and Reviewer. They tend to be focused on how cool it is to get the free gear, without really realizing how much work you trade for those supposed freebies. They really aren’t free in the end. That is also on top of my 9 hours a day regular job.
I don’t know Michael. I know it’s hard to do along with your regular freelancing, but wouldn’t you schedule a lighter workload from normal business during a show? That would only seem to be good business because if you have the same workload plus the added work from the trade show then wither your health pays the price or your work does.
Honestly, I love having to do extra at night, editing videos, etc. would be fun like in my work fixing a computer or solving a software issue until the wee hours.
Yes and no. There are still certainly responsibilities that carry through even if I’m at a trade show, but “secondary” projects that aren’t time sensitive take a backseat.
It may not be a “stroll in the park”, but how many people have the chance to cover such a big scale trade show on an all expense-paid trip?
I know there are work obligations to fulfil and deadlines to catchup, but still, I would consider you as one of the luck few!
I wouldn’t go so far as to say “all expense paid.” It depends on the trade show and what sort of sponsorship we can get. Sometimes, we’re fortunate enough to get flight and hotel, but much of the time, we are out of pocket for part/most of those costs.
Don’t get me wrong. I do feel quite fortunate that I get to do this sort of thing for a living — it beats staring at the back of a cubicle — but it’s not exactly a walk in the park either. It’s still work.
I bet covering a trade show is challenging work but has the potential to be enjoyable @ the same time. I’d rather be covering a trade show that to be tied to an office or other boring environment.