As many of you already know, the Mix07 Conference was sold out this year, leaving many such as myself on the sidelines. This didn't stop everyone. Several people went to the conference anyway--just in case they could get in. For most everyone I know, this didn't work too well. But for those that have a strong will, there always seems to be a way--and getting into Mix is no different.
It's too late for this year, but what follows is a list of 10 ways that you can try to get into Mix next year, just in case the conference sells out again and you've exhausted all other avenues at getting in. (All in good humor.)
#10. Blend in. On the surface this approach looks simple. Look like you belong in the conference. Dress like attendees dress. This can be as simple as getting a conference shirt, a hat, a wrist band, a sticker, etc from your future fellow attendees. There are plenty of people that don't want them. Collect as many as you can and wear them proudly.
#9. Stand out. This takes the opposite approach to #10. Wear something that stands out so much that people will notice but yet takes them out of their defensive mindset--so much so that they don't question what you're doing. What's an example? Dress like Elvis or paint your face a plastic blue. Works best if you bring along your own camera crew. Makes you look more official.
#8. Get a job. This may take a little extra effort, but it could get you in. The idea is, if you can't beat them, join them. Volunteer or apply for a job in the staff putting on the conference. It's best to apply for a job near the events you want to attend. This can take some doing.
#7. Safety in numbers. This approach requires some fortuitous timing. Gather up five or six of your friends that are going to the conference, and melt into the middle of the group. Talk away with animated enthusiasm as you pass by the conference security. It works best if your friends are much taller than you.
#6. Look busy. Look like you belong. For example, help out a conference speaker by carrying boxes for them. Do this enough times for enough speakers and security will let you pass by any time. Be sure to smile as you walk by each time.
#5. Watch the Taxi line for those going to the airport. Even if you can't get into the conference the first day, there's always day two or three. In some ways its gets easier each day. How? Many reporters, business people, and the like leave the conference early and are willing to give up their pass. Just be careful not to get a pass from someone too famous. You don't want to wind up having to be Fred Vogelstein or Robert Scoble.
#4. Use the elevators and not the escalators. (AKA don't follow the crowd.) The security guards can't watch everywhere. Use the road less traveled.
#3. Make friends with the security guards. Who wouldn't give their friend a break? So what better idea than to make friends with the people guarding the gate. This works particularly well if you arrive at the conference a day early and buddy up with the security guards while the conference Is being put together.
#2. Hang out with the bloggers. If you can't get into the conference, go where the action is--or at least where the opinions are--hang out with the bloggers, such as Dave Winer, Robert Scoble, Don Dodge, Dan Farber, Paul Mooney, and lots more. You're sure to hear more about the latest scoops via this crowd than attending sessions yourself and digging for the latest info.
#1. Leverage osmosis. For those of us that just have to have the conference experience, but yet still can't get in, the next best thing is to be nearby. Stand in the hallways and wait. It's really that bad. Besides, the hallways are where the real conference conversations happen anyway. If nothing else, it's a lot cheaper.