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Val, MAVO2024 was not only a career-changing, but a life-changing experience for me!! From being able to meet & chat with you (Amazing Val!) in person, to all of the great VO people gathered in one location, to the wonderfully intimate small-group sessions, to hearing NAVA President Tim Friedlander speak, to table discussions and meals with other attendees who share similar paths, MAVO2024 was the way to go!! I definitely learned new info and VO techniques by attending panels and in every session, but some stand-out favorites were the classes where I felt as if I made a personal connection--LuAnne Regis, Andy Roth, Anne Ganguzza and Celia Siegel. Everyone was so positive and encouraging--very much appreciated, as this was my first in-person VO Conference--thank you Everett Oliver!! Another highlight was participating in the MAVO Radio Players audio dramas--so fun and it helped develop camaraderie--thank you Holly Adams for a great experience!! I was so very sorry Roy Yorkelson had to leave--but Patrick Kirchner really stepped in quite well. Also came away with the fun swag bag, and some great give-aways--thank you NAVA, Celia Siegel and Donna Vincent Roa!

- Suzanne Thomas

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The MAVO Conference draws outstanding speakers and provides what Val describes as "the boutique experience." The classes are small and you get personalized and directed feedback from the session instructors. I could provide a testimonial on all of the wonderful classes that I experienced, however, I would like to offer a special mention for Daniel Ross's Mastery Session: "Make BOLD Choices." In this animation class, he showcased a dynamic and interactive teaching style and really knew how to draw out the best in someone's performance. You could see the character growth and transformations happening with each student. What a delightful and truly educational experience!

-Donna Vincent Roa (DVR) | Voice Actor | www.dvr.actor

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This was my first Voice Over Conference and I am so happy that I went. I was not expecting to learn as much as I did and meet so many amazing people. The master class instructors and panel speakers were not only knowledgeable, but they were great teachers and were welcoming to veterans and new comers alike. I took two classes in subjects that I had no idea about (Jessica Blue's Dubbing and Stacia Newcomb's Puppetry) and I learned so much and saw how voice over really has so many genres and uses. I'm definitely going to take classes in these genres in the future. This was a lot of fun and a great experience that opened me to new possibilities and inspired me to get after them!

 

Thank you for all your hard work at the conference. 

The volunteers were also so helpful.

I also want you to know that MAVO exceeded my expectations.

I was a little nervous beforehand, but it was definitely the MOST welcoming conference 

I have been to. (it is my 3rd in-person conference). 

The small group/boutique is so special and so nice for someone like me 

who is newer. Everyone was really friendly. 

 

I also liked that the number of offerings was not overwhelming, 

and that there weren't like 3 things all at one every hour.

Thanks again,

Sara Susskind

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First off, a huge THANK YOU for a great weekend. I think every conference I have attended had a good impact on me, but this time around, THIS one’s a bit different. After a year plus of group workouts, and privates, I finally met Everett in person, and that was big for me. Also, I’ve got stuff written in my notebook for plans between now, going into the new year, and for the first time in ages, I think I may have a really good direction and a more positive outlook… I guess I have a Tim Friedlander to thank for that. Secondly, it was really great to be in the dubbing class with you. I think that’s a direction I want to pursue, if anything, to diversify my VO talents. (I also found out that Jessica Blue loves penguins as much as I do!) Sorry I didn’t get to chat/catch up with you at all this weekend. It was a bit hectic. But I hope you got to decompress. You’ve earned it!

- Rama Rodriguez 

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Thank you for all the hard work you did to put MAVO together. I enjoyed the experience thoroughly. I learned so much and made new connections that I don't think I would have ever made if it wasn't for MAVO. As someone new to Voiceover picking a conference to attend was no easy task, but I am so glad I chose MAVO to be my first. Thanks to the smaller Boutique style I never felt overwhelmed or out of place. You and your valenteers were warm, welcoming, and helpful. I will be attending again next year. 

- Zenaida Ferguson

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​What can I say, I'm still on Cloud 9. I'm so glad Everett Oliver turned me on to this incredible event. I have done many events like this for various businesses I worked in. But MAVO had a certain intimate charm that resonated with many of us.

To hear Tim Friedlander's Keynote had me misty eyed. To listen and learn from so many of the wonderful panelists like Michael Scott, Elaine Clark, Carin Gilfry, Dearbhla Trainor, EO, Andy Roth, Anne Ganguzza was electrifying.

I was inspired, educated and just fulfilled.

Being a part of the radio plays was a joy. It's so great to be able to showcase your talent in front of an audience of peers and casting directors. Kudos to Holly, Roy and Patrick for all they did to make Friday night a hit.

I walked away with new ideas, a fresh perspective and a lot of new friends.

This experience is one I will forever cherish. Thank you Val and all the volunteers for making MAVO so uniquely special.

Keep Shining 🌞 Dinesh "Dee" Alvis

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It was my first conference and Val was so great and hard working to make it run smoothly. I asked if I could volunteer so I would get the most out of MAVO and I did. I met so many awesome VOs in the industry like Andy Roth, Tim Friedlander, J.Michael Collins, Tom Dheere, Uncle Roy, Sean Mahan and Luanne Regis. There are too many to list! I learned a lot in their sessions.

- Susan Brule

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If you want to meet everyone at the conference from your peers to presenters and everyone in between, then this is the conference to be at. Everyone is approachable, friendly, and ready to share their wisdom, and you'll leave with new friends, information, and motivation to rock your VO career.

- Lisa Swinton

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I've been to every MAVO but the first one. Val ensures they get better and better and this year topped them all. The comradery amongst the voice actors and presenters was second to none. Everyone was there to support everyone. "That's what friends are for" I especially enjoyed getting to know and work with coaches I hadn't before, like Dervla Trainor and Elaine Clark. Tim's keynote was one of the best I have heard in any forum. Whether you are brand new to the industry or a seasoned vet, the boutique nature of this conference makes it so worth the time and money to attend .

-Steve Grumbach

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MAVO is just perfect. For those of us who are on the cusp of going from hobby to new profession this is the perfect setting. MAVO helps to build foundations for future success. Other conferences are wonderful places as well but MAVO just feels like family. You can attend master classes with some of the biggest names in the industry and the setting is just the right size that when you pass them in the lobby or see them in the restaurant. They say hi to you and know your name.

- JD Armstrong

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MAVO was a great opportunity to learn and to network. The sessions and presenters are top-notch, and because it's boutique sized, you have great opportunities to get to know people and top industry professionals without it feeling overwhelming. I'm so glad I decided to come:) I'll be back! -Colleen A.

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MAVO exceeded my expectations!!! I am SO happy I went and look forward to going again - just wish I could clone myself so I could attend multiple simultaneous sessions!

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Great opportunity to meet and engage with fellow talent from the East Coast!

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MAVO is unique in the VO conference world because of two things:

1. Its intentional limited size means you get to spend quality time with speakers and each other in a way not possible at the other conferences. If you've never been to a voice over conference and are considering it, MAVO makes the perfect first conference. It was my first and the limited size was such a joy. Had I gone to Atlanta or even Dallas as my first conference, I think I would have been overwhelmed. MAVO allowed me to get my feet wet in a small, intimate environment.

2. Val Kelly goes out of her way to find speakers who are not the usual suspects you see at other conferences. It's super refreshing to hear from speakers who are not regulars on the conference circuit.

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MAVO was, yet again, a warm and welcoming conference. With something for everyone and an opportunity to dig deep and discover. Thank you Val and all your “Valunteers” for all the obvious effort. Grateful for the friends new and old and the family feel. -Ana Clements

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I absolutely loved MAVO! The boutique size really gives you the opportunity to connect with everyone.

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MAVO 2023 exceeded my expectations!! I was blown away by the community, support and quality of attendees and presenters! I highly recommend this conference for beginners and pros alike!

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MAVO is such a unique experience - big enough to make you not feel alone in your creative endeavors, yet small enough for you to meet everyone in the room. The intimate class sessions offered by working professionals allow for one on one experiences that are invaluable, whether you're just starting out or have been at it for years. 10/10 would go again.

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I always enjoy myself at MAVO. This boutique conference feels like home every time I attend. The people are kind the teachers are welcoming. This is a great place to learn and grow.

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The 2022 MAVO conference was absolutely fantastic. Val does a great job with this conference and you can tell she is passionate about making MAVO a success. The staff does a great job behind the scenes and were very helpful. The speakers were amazing and got so much good information. I made some friendships that I hope will last a long time and had an absolute blast! Thanks again!

-Jason Thomsen

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Yes, this is worth the investment! This smaller more intimate conference really helped invigorate me in terms of my VO career and kickstarting it.

The speakers were well-known in their field and very helpful, there was a lot more one-on-one networking, and the attendees were very open and sharing.

And Val and her team kept things rolling very smoothly.

I highly recommend this conference, especially if you're in the DC area!

-Judy Lewis

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MAVO, be ready to be a sponge & then do some cleaning. It is packed with giving Artists, Tech, Innovators who are there to share, and they give beyond the session you attend. Its size is just right to feel a part of the Voice Over World Tribe. Get ready to feel challenged, to play and to be empowered and realize you are supposed to be here, and we all are glad you are here.

-Ali Cheff

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MAVO2022 was an experience like no other! I absolutely loved the ‘boutique’ vibe of this conference..it made networking so much easier with peers and presenters alike simply because of it’s intentionally smaller crowd. By the end of the weekend, I felt like we had all become ‘family’. Can’t wait to be back at MAVO2023!

-Rho Marsh

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For either a first timer or a seasoned conference attendee, MAVO22 had everything except crowding. Each session was planned with just the right amount of people so everyone had an opportunity to work with the presenter. It was intimate and so very much fun! Thanks to Val Kelley and her cadre of "VALunteers" for a well-planned, well run, awesome weekend!

-Stephanie Johnson

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I got more out of the intimate size of MAVO than any of the gigundo conferences, not only from the sessions and workshops but the social activities as well.

-Jim “Big Dog” Cooper

 

I'm new to the industry and I was on the fence on if I should attend or not. I"M SO HAPPY that I decided to go to MAVO2022. I met so many awesome people and made some great connections.

-Julie Ayotte

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I was lucky to find out about MAVO and receive a ticket thanks to David Cui Cui. I'm a slow starter who likes to move incrementally, and MAVO was a wonderful dive. I knew the VO community was a supportive one online, but meeting so many passionate and encouraging individuals was beyond my expectations.

So much heart. Val Kelly has created a place of learning, fun, and community. I was inspired, challenged, and am now motivated to keep the momentum going and become a VO professional who helps others wherever and whenever I'm able.

Seriously, it's become very hard to go back to my day job. Thanks for the memories, and I'm looking forward to MAVO 2023.

-David Lee Hawks

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I've been to everyone but the first MAVO and they keep getting better and better. The size is perfect for learning and networking. Big enough to provided top rate speakers; small enough to allow them to meet you and work with you in breakouts and master sessions. The size also allows awesome peer to peer networking.

-Steve Grumbach

 

MAVO2022 was fantastic! The best part was the people in the community Val Kelly created - I was genuinely surprised and delighted to know how kind and dedicated every one are to help each other. I learned a lot from each sessio.n. I'm more excited and encouraged to purse my dream than before coming to MAVO2022. Thank you so much!

-Mariko B.

 

Highly recommend. Wonderful people. No negatives.

 

Absolutely awesome event! The small size enables you to really learn and network.

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“Time and life conspired against me for years, and MAVO2022 was my first real VO contacted 10 years in the biz. Being in the area I live it was a no brainer to go this time. And I was so happy to meet and learn from so many. Truly a fun time with a great collection and breadth of knowledge. I already bought my early bird ticket for 2023!”

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This is my fourth MAVO, and it's easily the best one yet! Fantastic guest speakers, but also the level of talent and friendliness among the attendees was really inspiring!

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Val and her "VALunteers" proved again how VALuable the boutique MAVO conferences are to the voice over community, and to us as individual voice actors and supporters. I'm already in for MAVO2023!

-John Florian, VoiceOverXtra

 

Hooray! Hooray! Come on Let’s PLAY!!! Wow! Wow! Wow! MAVO knocked it outta the park and brought everyone sliding in HOME as the crowds went Wild! What  a WIN!!!

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Being a part of MAVO2022 was exceptionally rewarding. When I was lucky enough to become a speaker, I had no idea there would be global participants. I was excited for the standard reasons: reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. Val not only crafts a line up that spans genres and wows those of us who are already excelling, but she attracts voice talents from across the United States and as far as the UK and Japan. I learned so much, was so inspired, and left with a renewed sense of optimism for an industry that I love so much. Bravo to Val Kelly and MAVO, what an incredible experience.

-Laura Schreiber, Voice Actor, Coach, and Video Demo Producer

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Thank YOU Val!!

I know you put your heart and soul into this and I hope we all 
did you justice! You are amazing and send you lots of love!!

Thanks again,

Marc Graue

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Hey Val,

Just a quick note to say a big thanks! I’ll fill out the survey but I wanted to let you know that I had a great time and it was so good to finally meet you IRL! Thanks so much for everything from the tiny touches you did to make us feel so welcome (English Breakfast tea!) to the organizational side running so smoothly. If there were glitches, we certainly didn’t know about them so you killed it. I’m so honoured that you chose me to be one of your speakers this year. Awesome conference and so much great feedback from the actors. I actually sent out auditions to a handful of the voice actors over the weekend!

 

Talk soon,
Kim Hurdon

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Hey Val,

Firstly, I just want to say the biggest thank you for having me involved with MAVO, it's been one of the best experiences of my year.

You have brought together some incredible people and introduced me to all of them, which I am eternally grateful for.

The friends and colleagues I have made from MAVO extend from your hard work, diligence and friendship, so thank you so much for that.

 

Secondly, thank you for pushing me to deliver the best possible sessions I could.

The standard was so high, especially in yours, Jason and Laura's sessions, and I've been inspired to push my delivery even further.

I've been back and on set the last couple days, but I'll be in the booth and pushing myself immediately!

 

Lastly, I'd love to discuss staying involved with what you are doing throughout the year and heading towards MAVO 2023.

I'd love to be able to add value (where I can) to what you are doing and developing.

Also I thought it might be cool to discuss a US/UK collab (especially considering how great you, Rachel and Lillain are already!).

 

The whole experience over the 3 days was incredible and I loved every second of it.

I am super grateful, appreciative and motivated by my inclusion in the event and can't wait to work with you more soon.

I will of course be more than happy to do the survey and to keep sharing things on instagram etc.

 

Thank you so so much,

Talk to you soon,

Have a great weekend,

Jamie Chambers

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MAVO 2022 was an amazing event to be a part of! 

 

Sometimes, the best way to advance your career is to get OUT of the booth.

Mid-Atlantic Voiceover conference has networking, classes, and coaching, which are all critical to your Voice Acting career. This conference is a great place to get to know your peers as well as the presenters on a more personal level.

 

Everyone from beginners to seasoned vets, coaches, instructors, and presenters, are there to meet you, work with you, support you and help you grow your career. No matter what your experience is, no matter what genre you want to work in, this is the conference for you. 

 

Everett Oliver

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