2021 update: I attended my third FinCon, and I wrote about it here. Reading this makes me a little nostalgic for pre-pandemic optimism. 🙂
A few weeks ago I attended my first ever FinCon and it was amazing. I am still recovering, but in a good way.
What is FinCon?
FinCon, for those of you not familiar with it, is a conference for “money nerds,” as people in the personal finance space are fondly known. The slogan for FinCon is “Where Media & Money Meet.” The goal of FinCon is to “Help financial influencers and brands create better content, reach their audience, and make more money.”
In the summer, I listened to this Laura Vanderkam podcast episode — “Going to a Conference? Do This.”–in which she recommended that people not worry so much about attending every session at a conference you are attending, but rather seek out time one-on-one with attendees, like having coffee with others.
At the time, I had already signed up for FinCon, and started pondering how I could make that happen. The Facebook group for FinCon has nearly 4,000 members, a podcast, regular emails, an app, and I just felt overwhelmed by it all.
At some point during the summer, I realized that since this was my first FinCon, I would just go to soak up the information, the atmosphere, and keep an open mind about what I would learn.
I am so glad that I did, and I am even more glad that I went to FinCon.
My experience at FinCon
The conference was held in early September in Washington, DC. I was able to get a room at the Washington Hilton, where the conference was held. That was a smart move.
I could write volumes about FinCon, all I learned ,and what happened, but let me try to focus my thoughts on a few big takeaways from my first FinCon. This could be helpful to others attending FinCon in future years, anyone attending a conference of any kind, and
Money nerds are congenial.
FinCon is for financial journalists, influencers, and services. Virtually all of the people I met, from my fellow FinCon-goers, the speakers, and the vendors, were terrific and friendly. I truly feel a part of a community of people.
Managing your energy and time is vital at a big conference.
One afternoon I hit overwhelm with people and sessions, and I took a long walk in the neighborhood (Dupont Circle). That was also the day I met my sister who lives in DC for dinner and talking. Worth it.
The Virtual Pass may be a good idea.
The sessions themselves are pretty darn valuable. But as noted above, you cannot attend everything, and you may want some time to yourself.
At first I wasn’t going to get the Virtual Pass for FinCon 2019, because I thought, when am I going to have the chance to watch all of those.
But I decided to do so for two main reasons:
*missing a few sessions and getting to see them has been super helpful. For instance, I met Michelle Black in an elevator and asked her to give me the “elevator talk” of her session, since I was meeting a sister during that time. So her talk is one of the first ones I watched. Solid information about freelance writing!
*some of the sessions I did attend, I want to rewatch (for example, the Steve Stewart session on podcasting was chock full of info).
For those who are coaches or advisers, it’s good to schedule clients right after you get back from FinCon.
I actually had scheduled a first-time session for a married couple for less than two days after I got back. And I LOVED IT. I get so much energy from helping people with their financial lives.
There is so much more to be said about FinCon, from the unique products and services offered to people, to all the bloggers, podcasters, and others I connected with.
For those involved in the financial industry of any kind, I highly recommend FinCon. I already signed up to attend FinCon 2020, which will be in Long Beach, CA.
Have you ever been to to FinCon? Do you have any questions about it?
