zlacker

I've been to tech conferences as a junior level engineer and, most recently, as a speaker. I don't think I have walked away from a single conference or convention without a meaningfully impactful new connection, project, partnership, or experience — particularly in the "hallway track" outside of the talks.

It has been one of the most glowing examples of "the infinite game" for me, the thing you can't ever win but want to keep playing. Conferences allow us to physically manifest our desire for being part of a community of peers that willingly teach each other. The progressive optimism of the tech community allows for that to happen without being exclusively about trade shows or cash cows.