1. I was introduced to a design community that I knew existed but didn’t know how to find.

2. People who are already well established were there simply to share their expertise, hear from other creatives and be a part of our community.

3. I became a better designer, coder and business woman in the course of one day.

4. I realized that I am not alone in some of my concerns and insecurities related to marketing myself.

5. I met and exchanged cards with some of the city’s biggest movers and shakers.

6. I had many opportunities to share my experience and ideas regarding design, e-commerce, sales and marketing, pricing structures, balancing work and family…etc.

7. It was made clear that the city of Santa Cruz is investing in the future of our creative community as a new, growing industry.

8. I was completely inspired and stoked to forge ahead with all my ideas.

9. I was encouraged to set up meetings with people who have shared and mutually beneficial interests.

10. We were given coffee (with soy milk even), breakfast, a nice cafe lunch, a cool T-shirt and treated to an after party with pizza and beer…all for FREE – Thanks to all the sponsors.

I’m looking forward to my next BarCamp and the next Freelance Camp. It was awesome.

More info: http://barcamp.org/Freelance+Camp and http://www.freelancecamp.org

This article was originally written on Cat Johnson’s blog: http://catjohnson.wordpress.com/2008/08/19/10-reasons-that-freelance-camp-ruled/