Every year I attend (and speak at) the Financial Blogger Conference (aka FinCon). It isn’t just for personal finance writers and devotees, though, because it touches on topics important to bloggers, vloggers and freelance writers of all stripes.

Topics such as good writing, effective interviewing (the topic of the panel I chaired), writing and publishing books, creating a niche brand, how to check a source’s credentials, social media, creating top-drawer YouTube videos, affiliate marketing and financial independence.

The conference took place in late September in Orlando, Florida. If you wanted to go but couldn’t, here’s another shot: The FinCon18 Virtual Pass.

You won’t get the in-person networking, the Freelancer Marketplace (which was great – kind of like speed dating for self-employed writers) or the chance to sit in the 16-foot inflatable flamingo. But here’s what you will get:

 

Keynote presentations by Rachel Cruze (Dave Ramsey’s daughter) and author Chris Hogan

“Big Idea” talks by Tai & Talaat McNeely (His and Her Money), Mr. Money Mustache and Emma Johnson (Wealthy Single Mommy)

FinCon Central talks from Joe Saul-Sehy, Stefanie O’Connell (“The Broke and Beautiful Life”) and Joshua Becker (Becoming Minimalist)

Half a dozen 90-minute workshops, such as “Demystifying Google Analytics”

Nine discussion panels on topics such as “How to Successfully Transition From Employee to Solopreneur” and “Building a Blog and Brand With Multiple Revenue Streams”

Eight podcasting-related sessions, including “How Small Shows Can Profit” and “Creating a Niche Brand and Active Community that Sponsors Adore”

Eight “money conversations,” in which experts discuss subjects like “Financial Independence Through Real Estate Investing and House Hacking”

Eight video-focused sessions with topics like “YouTube: How to Create Videos That Convert” and “How to Rapidly Create Quality Videos”

Nine advisor-related programs, such as “Understanding the Mindset of Social Media Users”

Nine “success story” programs, with presenters sharing wins such as “From $0 to $15,000 per Month With Online Courses”

13 sessions on topics like “MBA for Digital Entrepreneurs” and “How to Flourish With Facebook Ads”

22 bonus programs, including “How to Write and Launch a Best-Selling Book on Amazon” and “Hiring a Virtual Assistant”

Those keynote presentations are available for one month after purchase. The rest is available forever.

 

See you on Facebook?

 

Those who buy the virtual pass also get access to the FinCon Facebook page, which keeps those conference connections fresh throughout the year. If you have a question about anything money- or writing-related, this is a great place to ask.

I’m on the page myself (probably too often, some days) and have gotten writing tips, information and, sometimes, interviews with experts. More to the point, I’ve also gotten writing jobs from the FinCon FB page. One recent gig has earned me $2,900 so far this year, and additional assignments are in the works.

Anyone who’s interested in becoming a personal finance blogger, vlogger or podcaster – or who is already one or more of those things but wants to step up the game – should try to attend FinCon.

And if you couldn’t go this year and want to see what you missed? Consider the virtual pass. It costs $199, which is a business expense.

I also encourage you to check out the FinCon website throughout the year (or at least starting in early spring) for a chance at winning a scholarship to the 2019 conference.

Next year the Financial Blogger Conference takes place in Washington, D.C., and I hope to keep my attendance streak alive. Maybe I’ll see some of you there. Don’t expect to see an inflatable flamingo, though.