Ask HN: Is going to conferences as a freelancer worth it?

I would say it's worth it. It's an opportunity to learn and connect with the right people. The only tweak I suggest is introduce yourself as a business owner not a freelancer even if you are flying solo.

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From personal experience I'd say it's 100% worth it for the networking alone (as long as you are open, willing, and able to actually do it authentically), not to mention the knowledge gained from the speakers.

Over the years I've earned easily 10x in contracts what I spent on tickets, airfare, and hotels/transportation/food across all events, not to mention gaining new friends, colleagues, and industry connections. I highly recommend finding the right conference(s) and hitting them as often as you can, even if it's just once every few years.

But don't limit yourself to just the big conferences, either. Finding the right Meetups and smaller venues and groups can be just as valuable. You'll get as much out of them as you put into them.

I've gone to conferences as a startup owner, where part of the cost was subsidized by government. They were fun but not very helpful. I've met a lot of people who were excited and wanted to close a deal, but kept dragging it out until I took it for a polite rejection.