This past weekend I participated in the TOPLAP Solstice stream - as an admin and as a participant. I love doing these events. It brings me out of my own creative coding bubble and I get exposed to many different approaches and expressions.
I also really like how global the event feels. It reminds me that people everywhere are doing what I do - using technology to create. We all work at this, we experiment, try new directions, fail, struggle at times with technical and creative problems, get excited, and we want to share what we've done. These events tend to bring out the best in people - we are supportive, encouraging, non-competitive, collaborative, open to new things.
I look forward to having access to the archives and watching parts of the 33 hour marathon that I missed!