Volunteering as a CMC Producer

Posted on: Friday 03 July 2015 6:36pm by Becky Palmer

Becky Palmer explains what it’s like to be a CMC producer and why she keeps coming back for more!  

This is my third time producing a session for the Children’s Media Conference. I’ve produced a creative keynote with Moshi Monsters’ Michael Acton-Smith, a session on crowdfunding and, for 2015, a session on Learning by app.

Do you need prior knowledge?

I produced a session the first time I attended CMC and found that I didn’t need advance knowledge before volunteering. There is an exec assigned to each session to give guidance and advice, a meeting in London and a welcome session in Sheffield to make sure you have all the information you need, plus a schedule to help you meet the deadlines.

Becky Palmer

What’s best about being a producer?

The job of a producer is interesting and varied because of the creative process, thinking about what makes interesting sessions and meeting/talking to the contributors. It’s encouraged me to think about the children’s industry in a wider context and I’ve enjoyed hearing the stories people have to tell and thinking about how to present those alongside one another, within the context of the conference as a whole.

What’s the hardest thing about being a producer?

It’s frustrating when you find a good speaker who isn’t available to come to the conference – this happens for all sorts of reasons – and you have to try a different route.

Should I volunteer next year?

Try it! It’s fun, helps you meet people and keeps the conference contents varied and interesting.

You can volunteer your ideas for a session you want to produce, or as a session producer, by emailing Greg Childs.