Writer's Conferences- Why you should TOTALLY go.

This past weekend I attended the DFW Writer's Conference. First off, I have to say it was one of the most AMAZING experiences I have ever had, not only as a writer, but as a person as well!
Below are some of my brand new writing friends! Love these ladies!

If you're considering attending a conference but are on the fence and don't know what to expect, here's a quick list of the reasons why it is absolutely the perfect thing to do.

1. The people you will meet are AMAZING. I made some wonderful, hilarious friends, who are now beta readers and cheering me on in my journey towards becoming published
2. YOU GET TO TALK TO AGENTS. This is crucial in the writing industry..face-to-face conversations, making friends with them, and getting to pitch your book! You may even come out with some requests on your MS! I know I did!
3. It's the BEST learning experience ever. Writing is a craft ( a super awesome, wickedly cool craft) and it requires practice. You will learn so much your brain might explode! Take notes!
4. You get to dress to impress. As writers, we spend most of the time in our coffee-stained PJ's with morning breath (okay, that's a little far) and sloppy bedhead all day. A writer's conference allows you to feel professional!
5. You learn to stand on your own two little writing feet.
6. The Gong Show. At DFWcon, a panel of agents sat in front of us, each with a mini gong, and an announcer read actual anonymous query letters to them. They gonged when they would stop reading.
1. Here's a few tips on query letters. 

1. Don't put cancer into your already melodramatic MS
2. Old people and teens having romantic interests? Ew. Just....Ew.
3. Don't say "my mother SWEARS this book will get me on Oprah. It won't.
4. And please, for the love of God, don't say "buttload" in your query letter. (I love you Janet! You're going to be super successful!)

What tips do you have for Writer's Conferences? Funny Stories? I want to know!