Utopyacon2015: Networking and you

This past weekend many experiences were learned at my first UtopYAcon, one being sleep is a good thing. Topics in the panels ranged from writing through depression, marketing, audio books, to he said/she said. It was four days of fun, learning, and networking. 


While there I got to see people I've met at conferences in the past, meet those I've socialized with on Twitter or Facebook, while also getting to meet some new faces. Each day was filled with discussions about family, writing, stories, upcoming events, advice, and nice to meet yous. 

This experience also made me remember two years ago when I questioned whether or not conferences were important. Sure, there are panels you can attend and appearances to be made, but can't I do that all on the internet? There are marketing books I can buy and I socialize on all the major media sites, so why spend the money? 


Trust me, it's not the same!


Much like anything you hold a interest in, connecting and getting together in person with your people, those who understand you, is invigorating. It renews your spirits. Gets those wheels to turning again. You get to meet readers, people who want to know more about upcoming books. People who become cherished friends. 


Networking on social media is important, but so is networking in person.