Killing The General Meeting: How to Make a Lasting Impression and Build Industry Relationships

Date: Sunday, 27 April
Time: 14:00
Room: Tuke Hall
Filmed: YES

You’ve been writing, pitching, and hustling, now it’s finally paying off, and you’ve landed the general meeting. But what exactly is a general, and what’s expected of you? Should you go in prepared to pitch? Ask industry questions? How much small talk is too much small talk?

A general meeting is a casual, get-to-know-you conversation with an executive, producer, or representative. It’s not a formal pitch meeting, but rather an opportunity for them to learn about you, your background, your writing style, and the kinds of stories you love to tell. These meetings are key to establishing relationships that can lead to future opportunities, so knowing how to navigate them with confidence is crucial.

In this panel, we’ll break down everything you need to know to kill your general meetings. We’ll cover what they are, how you land them, and how to approach the conversation. You’ll learn when and how to pitch (hint: it’s all about reading the room), how to make a genuine connection with the exec, and what to come prepared with to leave a lasting impression. We’ll also discuss the delicate balance of small talk, the kinds of questions you should ask, and the ultimate goal of a general meeting, building relationships that open doors down the road.

By the end of this panel, you’ll have the confidence and know-how to walk into any general meeting prepared, polished, and ready to turn a casual introduction into a career-changing opportunity.