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How to Prepare for the 2023 FX Portfolio Showcase

The Freelance Exchange’s annual Portfolio Showcase is coming up on November 8th. Are you ready??

FX puts on this signature B2B trade show to give you, the freelancers, a prime opportunity to get yourself and your work in front of the very people who are looking for you, including ad agencies, design shops, large corporations, small businesses, non-profits, and more.

For those looking for freelance talent, it’s a one-stop shop. They can find the one freelancer they need or put together an entire virtual agency. The possibilities are endless!

When / Where / What

First, the logistics:

Wednesday, November 8th

  • 3:30 – 5 p.m. Exhibitor Setup
  • 5 – 8 p.m. Portfolio Show/Open House, appetizers & drinks 
  • 8 – 8:30 p.m. Teardown

Portfolio displays and tables are to be set up prior to the doors opening at 5 p.m. We recommend allowing ample time to set up … and go around and meet your fellow FX members and view their portfolios!

Please unload your vehicle up front and then move it to a space further away so that attendees can have easy parking. There is plenty of parking available including:

  • at KCYA
  • across Main St. to the east
  • at The Whole Person, just north of KCYA

A cash bar will be on hand to purchase beverages throughout the event, and appetizers will be available (for free) from Chef Kansas City.

Best Practices for the Best Exhibits

You’ll choose either 4 or 6 feet of table space (or sponsor for 8 feet). The tables are rectangular and will be covered with a black tablecloth.

You can customize your display as much or as little as you want. For examples of table displays from past Showcases, look at pictures (see albums) on our Facebook page.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Think visually. The more visually appealing the display, the better chances of results.
  • Don’t just think flat table display. Utilize vertical and get crafty! That said, don’t get too ambitious and have a huge display that blocks your – or your neighbor’s! – view. Also, no floor displays are allowed.
  • Showcase your brand. Have your logo prominently on display, use signage, and bring plenty of business cards. Consider brochures, sample books, giveaways, raffle prizes, promotional items, etc.
  • Have an array of work available to view: Different mediums, industries, one-off projects, complete campaigns, etc.
  • Not a creative type and no portfolio to show? No problem! Consider having testimonials, case studies, and more available. Use this opportunity as a meet-and-greet to share your services.
  • Be organized. Use a flipbook, brochure stand, or any other piece that will help accomplish this goal. Laptops and monitors are commonplace as well.
  • Need electricity? If you didn’t note that when you signed up, your table may not be near an outlet. Let us know ASAP: [email protected]. Otherwise, plan to bring an extension cord; we’ll see what we can do.

Be Prepared

Aside from getting your portfolio and table display ready, there are a few things you can do to prepare, such as:

  • Determine your Unique Selling Point (USP). Figure out what makes you unique/different/better, and highlight that.
  • Write up your elevator speech. And practice it so it comes across naturally.
  • Bring a note pad and pen. Use this to take notes of what you spoke about and with whom so you can remember when you follow up.
  • See the big picture. Figure out how you can best communicate value to your prospects. Remember, you are not just a writer, designer, etc. You are part of this amazing collective in which you can partner with—and refer!—others on projects, form a virtual agency, and refer other members who may be perfect for a job.
  • Don’t just hand out your card. Have a conversation. Engage with your visitors! And get any prospect’s card as well.
  • Prepare for all types of questions. You may be asked about your capabilities, availability, and rates. While you get to determine how you want to answer these questions, FX suggests – in particular – you deflect any questions about your rate. Communicate your value, and ask for the opportunity to put together a formal project estimate instead.
  • Don’t be surprised. While we target heavily those looking to hire freelancers in our promotional efforts, we can’t prevent others (i.e., vendors, other freelancers, students) from coming to the trade show. We recommend greeting every visitor and engaging them in conversation up front to determine how much time you’d like to spend with them.
  • After the event: Follow up. Follow up. Follow up! Don’t miss out on a great opportunity. Make yourself memorable and begin a great relationship with your best prospects. Connect on LinkedIn, follow on other social media channels, send articles, emails, invitations for a coffee meeting, etc. (But not too much or too often. You don’t want to be a pest!)

Keep in mind, results may vary. Some years may generate some amazing hot leads. Others not so much. But it’s all about brand awareness and recognition. Meeting your peers. Getting referred and offering referrals. And who knows? You may end up with an amazing project years down the road from someone you met at this year’s show! So do your best to have a successful show, and keep the hope alive!

What You Can Do to Help

We promote this event far and wide through the use of email, web, social media, PR, outreach, and more. See more about our efforts in the FAQs section on the event page on our website.

Please help us spread the word and invite your contacts as well! Forward emails, share on social media, and help us get the word out.

Questions about the event? Contact FX Director Shauna Clark at [email protected].

How to Win at The Portfolio Showcase

October 4, 2023 @ 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Free

With the FX of KC Portfolio Showcase right around the corner, FX founder and freelance rockstar Julie Cortés will provide tips and techniques to put your best foot forward to ensure you get noticed and remembered. Pictures of past events will be shared for inspiration. Be sure to bring your questions! Presentation will be recorded, and the replay link will be sent out if you can’t join live. Members and nonmembers are welcome. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Cost: FREE

About Julie Cortés:

Copywriter by day. Freelance Rockstar by night. Julie Cortés lives, breathes, teaches, speaks, and coaches on all things freelance. She’s run her own business for over 25 years, is the founder of The Freelance Exchange of KC, and created a much-needed college-level course, Freelancing 101, for the world-renowned KC Art Institute, where she teaches as an adjunct professor. Awarded dozens of times over for her work, leadership, volunteerism, and community involvement, she’s regularly sought out for media interviews, coaching, and speaking engagements. Julie is loving life, living out her passion for helping creative freelancers succeed.

FX October Luncheon

October 27, 2023 @ 11:30 am 1:00 pm

$25 – $35

Join us for an informative and engaging luncheon presentation tailored exclusively to support your freelance journey. As freelancers, you understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with the territory, and we’re here to help you navigate the complex world of taxes and legalities.

11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Networking

12 – 1 p.m.: Lunch and Presentation

Cost: Members $25; Non-members $35

  • Your ticket includes a mouthwatering lunch consisting of a full fajita bar provided by Barrio.
  • Free lot parking on-site.
  • Members and nonmembers are welcome.
  • No ticket sales will be accepted at the door due to pre-arranged catering.

Register through Eventbrite (button below) by EOD October 26th.

Don’t miss this chance to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive as a freelancer in an ever-evolving landscape. Whether you’re just starting or have been freelancing for years, this luncheon presentation promises to be an invaluable experience.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

Mid-Continent Public Library – Red Bridge Branch (Community Room)

453 E Red Bridge Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64131 United States
+ Google Map
View Venue Website

FX September Luncheon with Michael Mackie

September 29, 2023 @ 11:30 am 1:00 pm

$25 – $35

M2 is in the house! September’s luncheon is sure to be impassioned and entertaining with Michael Mackie in the house!

Our speaker is an Emmy-winning content creator, writer, editor, and expert interviewer. Michael’s illustrious media career started from his midwestern roots, where he was born to tell people’s stories.

11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Networking

12 – 1 p.m.: Lunch and Presentation

Cost: Members $25; Non-members $35

  • Your ticket includes a scrumptious lunch being provided by local caterer, Chef Kansas City.
  • Free lot parking with overflow parking across Main Street and at designated space at The Whole Person next door.
  • Members and nonmembers are welcome.
  • No ticket sales will be accepted at the door due to pre-arranged catering.

Register through Eventbrite (button below) by EOD September 28th.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

About our illustrious presenter:

M2 has worked and freelanced for a variety of local television affiliates in Des Moines, Orlando and Kansas City. Up until a few years ago, he was the co-host of a local, daily entertainment show Kansas City Live. He’s now firmly entrenched in the world of personal branding at Lillian James Creative.

Over the years, Mackie has won a slew of regional Emmy awards and interviewed countless celebs. “I have eight Emmy awards and eight Oscar-winners under my belt, but who’s counting?” he quips. “Also, I like to write. Good thing because that’s what I do for a living. My parents never could comprehend how I earned my keep stringing words together for the universe to appreciate. Frankly, that makes three of us. But I feel like it’s what I was put on this earth to do.”

Kansas City Young Audiences

3732 Main Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64111 United States
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FX August Luncheon

August 25, 2023 @ 11:30 am 1:00 pm

$25 – $35

THIS is your chance! You have a ton of questions about freelance recruiting, part-time gigs, and contract work. This is your chance to get answers.

At this LIVE, in-person Q & A format, Suzanne will share insight on hiring, interviews, best times to communicate and more!

Suzanne Wolff is the Owner & President of LandaJob—a Kansas City recruiting firm with roots going back nearly 40 years. LandaJob specializes in Marketing, Creative, Communication and Digital roles.

Friday, August 25th

11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Networking

12 – 1 p.m.: Lunch and Presentation

Carmen’s Cafe

• Your ticket includes lunch options curated and selected by the expert chef at Carmen’s Cafe.

• Free Parking Lots nearby with free overflow street parking.

• Members and nonmembers are welcome. Members: $25 / Nonmembers: $35

• No ticket sales will be accepted at the door.

Reserve your ticket on Eventbrite by EOD August 24th (link below).

Questions? Contact [email protected].

About this month’s presenter:

Originally from Omaha, NE, Suzanne moved to Kansas City to attend Rockhurst University, raised her three children here, and now calls Kansas City home. She loves the Chiefs, great food, great music, and hanging out with her family and friends. As a creative professional with over 25 years of experience in marketing, design, and recruiting, Suzanne has also worked as a Graphic Artist, Illustrator and Creative Director. With 12+ years of experience in recruiting, Suzanne enjoys sharing tips and tricks to job hunting, resume and portfolio design, networking, LinkedIn, and more!

Carmen’s Cafe

6307 Brookside Plaza
Kansas City, Missouri 64113 United States
+ Google Map
816-333-4048
View Venue Website