Paula, I started with Naprosin. Had thrown out my back just standing (on concrete, of course) at Sunday night's party, so I needed heavy-duty help.

Jodi, thanks. Barefoot is just so much better. 🙂

Are you back in the pink, Devon? Glad to hear it.

I think I'll be working much more with them. They were calling me their "fourth editor" by the end of the first day.

Amen to that! I think next year it will be all bar networking. Not that walking around the floor didn't net me a TON of work, but it's just easier on the feet.

PS — and in the bar, I learned to get them to sign an agreement right there, so it's not just "bar talk."

I had the flu this week, so it wasn't one of my best weeks. But that's okay — I got to spin some great ideas while lying in bed.

Now — the follow through.

I like conferences, but I usually only go to seminars the first day and spend the rest of it in the bar, where the real deals are done! 😉

And hooray for comfy shoes (or no shoes at all).

I attended several Chicago-area conferences (for free) when freelancing for a business trade. One thing I learned: collect business cards, not folders and samples so there's less to lug around. And take some ibuprofen before your legs or feet start aching.

Back then I didn't have the sense to set up meetings ahead of time, so I used the conference as a way to find article fodder. I think I wrote an article about working a conference for The Writer, way back in the late 90s. Totally outdated information now, I'm sure.

Lori, I have bad feet anyway, so I never care what anyone thinks about my footware. I HAVE to wear flats, and they have to be comfortable. And I still end up with blisters and feet so sore its about a week before I can put on any shoes at all.

Congratulations on the article successes – wow!