For those of you who don't know me, my name is Sarah- I'm the Marketing Director for Cubebrush. Although I LOVE art, my background was in radio marketing before joining the team. The last two years have been an incredible learning experience. I've been so lucky to learn so much about the art community and I was so pumped to attend IAMC 19 in Paris. 

Admittedly, I felt a little out of my league. There were so many incredibly talented artists. So much to see. So much to learn. 

If you're debating IAMC 20' here are 5 takeaways that might help you decide:

Yep- that's me talking to our Art War 3 Community Pick Winner- Adrian Pickthall. For the record, I ONLY got Starbucks in Paris because I needed a very large coffee. 

1. It's Intimate

Having been part of several large conferences in my career, I was expecting something similar. You know... tables aligned with people handing out free pencils and candy, but no, this was different. There were definitely tables but each vendor had something different to offer. From showing off new products to portfolio reviews by HR teams, each vendor took their work seriously and dedicated time to every person who walked up. It felt intimate in that you forgot it was an event where people bought tickets. It felt like an 'invite only' situation. 

2. Top Artists ARE Accessible 

Another shocker to me. Again, at a normal business conference or event, the popular speakers come in, do their speech or talk and promptly dip out, never to be seen again. Not the case at IAMC. Artists from all over the world (some with an exploding social following and award bursting resumes) would finish their talks and then mingle with everyone in the lobby, enjoying conversation and coffee. It's still crazy to me. 

3. Portfolio Reviews Are No Joke

I'd heard that some companies would be doing portfolio reviews. I expected a quick overview with a few tips. Nope. This was a full review, with actual HR personnel from studios. One studio, in particular, needed more table space because they began sitting down with each person to go over their work page by page. 

Word of advice: If you go to IAMC 20, bring your portfolio. Never hurts to get an opinion. 

4. The Location Was Great

It took place at 'Salons de l'Aveyron,' which is in a more business(y) area of Paris. The suggested hotel is within a few blocks and the entire walk is alongside a park. There are a ton of adorable restaurants nearby for lunch or dinner or the amazing after parties. Did I say after parties? Yep. Every night after Master Classes have completed there is a restaurant where everyone can gather to hang out and talk and relax. 

5. It's One Big Collaboration

Everyone was working to help everyone else. As I walked around the space I'd see groups of artists in corners or having coffee with computers open. People on the stairs or at tables. It's a place of collaboration among artists. 

Overall, IAMC was such an incredible experience. I've spent many years in marketing and I can't name another industry so supportive of new talent, endearing of current talent and optimistic. It was such a feel good event. Definitely not something you feel you HAVE to attend. More like, you want to be there for fear of missing something/someone amazing. If you haven't been you should consider a ticket for next year.