A few weeks ago I wrote an Opinion called “From Web, to Real World,” in which I discussed how content is flowing from the Web into more familiar objects such as books, posters, and even pillows.

One example of this comes from icanhazcheezburger.com, an internet startup who has begun to expand outside the web with books such as I Can Has Cheezburger?: A LOLcat Colleckshun.

Recently, I went to one of their book-release parties where I exchanged cards, talked web-nerdiness, and had a really good time with other geeks and fans. This experience got me thinking about another way that the web is creeping out into the real world, into "meatspace" (aka, actual face-to-face interactions)—and how important this face-time is to a developing designer.

Getting away from our screens and actually meeting people is critical to learning and growing.

Conferences

Conferences are a great way to learn about new ideas and emerging technologies. Notably, a lot of the best learning happens off-stage and outside the conference room, when you meet other attendees.

Depending on the size, scope, and focus of the conference, you might meet people from around the world, across the country, or even your own backyard. These interactions lead to a more global and “holistic” understanding of the conference—as well collaborations and, sometimes, good friends.

The benefits of such “schmoozing” are long-lasting and important, to both you and your team or company. I can't count the helpful blogs I subscribe to simply because I saw an inspiring speaker at a conference such as An Event Apart, The Future of Web Design, or MIX; or the smart, inspiring people I've met.

Meetups and User-groups

In addition to conferences, I try to regularly attend “Meetups” and user-groups around the city. These are usually put together by designers and developers who want to foster community around a particular topic (such as web design or social media), technology (such as Silverlight or Flash), or even company (such as Adobe or Microsoft).

Even though attendees' backgrounds vary greatly, everyone shares a common interest—so it’s easy to get a good discussion going. I like the sense of camaraderie and general openness to new ideas, ways of approaching problems, and insights into emerging trends.

Beers

Finally, we get to beer. Or martinis. Or whatever. The point is this: it's often the most casual conversations that spark something new.

For instance, a while back I was talking with a designer I knew only professionally up to that point, when he happened to mention a favorite restaurant here in Seattle that I, too, enjoyed. We decided to go there for a quick happy hour after our last meeting. By letting down our guard in this way, we were able to work out some issues we'd been having with a project, as well as become better friends.

Putting Yourself Out There

We all have different personalities and quirks, and it can be hard to “put yourself out there.” Still, it seems so worth it to extend your hand and take the risk of making a connection, learning something new … growing. What have you found that forces you to learn and grow with others? School? Online communities? Social-networks? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or follow us via Twitter at @Mixonline.