Ask HN: How many tech conferences a year do you go to?

Zero, I just skipped one yesterday, which would've been on my own time after work. It's good when a company lets their employees attend them, assuming it's not too pricey. They are of little importance to me as I think for me they are an inefficient way to learn. I'd rather read the manual or watch the podcast from the comfort of my home office.

Learning is not really the point of conferences though - meeting others is. I have met some great folks at conferences, many people I know got jobs through them.

So far, local meetups have been an easy (and free) way for me to connect with like-minded professionals. I have yet to attend any big conferences, but I know that connections you might make can be priceless in the long run.

One, maybe two. Self employed and self pay.