Went to my first convention the other weekend - CONfusion in Novi, Michigan. I've considered going for the last couple years but somehow always found an excuse not to, despite the con always being held less than an hour from where I live.
I had an incredible time.
Aside from the fact that the panels I attended were excellent and I was able to meet up with several people whom I've long wanted to meet face-to-face, the con experience filled a notable void in my life. I don't know a lot of other SFF writers personally. I know plenty of other writers, but they often write in wildly different genres, modes, and mediums than I do. There is plenty we can share, but plenty also that we cannot. Thus, when I want to talk about writing in a manner more specific to what I do myself, I turn to the internet. Good enough in a pinch, but nothing beats a real-time, meatspace conversation. Time to plan the next trip!
