children media conference

As the only gathering in the UK of its kind, The idea behind the Childrens Media conference was to create an annual meeting for upcoming professionals to share ideas and network. The conference explores "entertainment and educational experiences available to kids, attracting delegates and speakers from Radio, Television, Film, Interactive Media, Games, Licensing, Toys, Publishing, Museums/Galleries and Live Theatre and the digital education sector. The twelfth conference in 2015 welcomed 1100 delegates from across the children’s industries – and from a range of countries worldwide as the CMC’s international profile grows" So its a pretty big deal and anyone wanted to work in the child entertainment industry should definitely go check it out...so that includes me! 
This year it will be running from Tuesday 5th July to Thursday 7th July at Showroom Cinema, Paternoster Row, Sheffield S1 2BX UK. Unfortunately to go is pretty expensive but i guess the connections you make will be invaluable. here is the cost i will be looking at:
"Under 30s, Self-funded Delegates & Students Rate
£240 + VAT. This pass is intended for Under 30s, freelancers, researchers, small Indies (with 2 employees or fewer), and students. A limited number are available, allocated on a first come, first served basis."

I would definitely like to attend this but I think to coincide with my 12 month plan the first 6 months of which being to improve my skills, I will seriously consider this for next year. This will give me chance to improve my portfolio and get some work under my belt and also save some money to pay for it as there will also be travel and hotel costs involved.

HOWEVER... there is also the opportunity to volunteer there. I think that would be very good to get started as you will see what it is all about before the nerve-racking going as a professional. It is a great way to get started and very cost effective as:
"The CMC covers travel expenses and provides lunch for volunteers during the conference. As well as a volunteer meal on first the first evening of the conference.
We provide a Career Guidance session specifically for our volunteers. How to get into the Industry hints and tips from those involved in children’s media. ^^^^^This would be SO useful!!