Business conferences; vital or just work avoidance?

[Four Cofffee]

I used to think they were an important part of business life: learning new things, networking etc. Now I just think they are a chance for some people to get out of work and get laid/drunk on the firm.

My evidence. I was asked to 'present' at a number of conferences. Naively, I accepted. I submitted the required papers and PPT, cleared my other work and travelled half way across Europe. Most of the people there seemed to spend their lives at these things and were more concerned with the size of the hotel bed, shopping and potential sightseeing than the conference. Some were obviously in relationships with other people at the conference (and I don't mean they brought their wives with them). I overheard 2 of the organisers planning for next years event to be in Helsinki simply because it was 'a really nice place' they had only been to a few times. Both of them had come via Japan and were off city hopping before going back to work. Bizarrely, at one conference, despite the fact that 70% of the people wee from the UK they held it in Vienna and the next one is in New Zealand.

So, vital business tool or excuse for the work shy shagger?

Edited by Four Cofffee on Sunday 6th June 09:58

Edited by Four Cofffee on Sunday 6th June 09:59

[sday12]

So, let me get this right, you're on a beano and you're complaining?

[GreigM]

I think it depends on the type of conference - general business conferences that cater to management types in my experience 10% will treat it seriously and get benefit, 60% will turn up out of obligation, pay no attention and leave at the earliest opportunity and 30% will sign in, get the info packs to show back in the office then ps off to the boozer.

For more specific skills/technical conference (JavaONE for example) the rates of those interested are higher, but still no more than 50%

[Four Cofffee]

sday12 said:

So, let me get this right, you're on a beano and you're complaining?

Yep, I own my company.

[sjg]

Techy ones are even higher IME - have to fight harder to get it funded and I know a number of people that either part or wholly fund trips to things like Teched out of their own pocket.

(oh, and as you might imagine - there's plenty of drinking but not much opportunity for the shagging bit)

[Four Cofffee]

How many conferences still pay speakers or at least waive the attendance fee?

I have noticed a tendency now for organisers to make speakers attend as a delegate and pay their full fee.