Forums, conferences and the like

[TechMonkey]

I don't mean forums as in this hallowed digital establishment, but the kind I seem to get constant emails about that are bringing the top C-Suite minds together to connect, or round table, or discuss. I seem to get loads of them, they are free and sometimes look interesting, but my first thought is that they are just a money-making device for the organisers and I would be the product being served up to the suppliers on a platter.  It is very flattering to be included, but are they worth the time or slap-up meal/drinks/networking?

 

Then there are the conferences that seem to be run all the time for AI, Security, specific tech or manufacturers, or general IT future gazing. Excluding BETT, EduGeek and ANME conferences, do others find the time to attend these?

 

I sometimes wonder if I am missing out.  I also know I am not great at networking so often consider going to get out of my comfort zone and work on that, but I also feel that they would just be either a bit of a jolly or just a waste of time.

 

Am I missing out? (Classic Betteridge's Law I'm sure)

[Steve21]

Been to a couple previously and found no real point to most of them - They're normally not direct from the company/product, but a reseller who hosts them on behalf so just mainly just advertising "insert product" that you'll definitely need and should buy into (Which we've also had issues in the past when actually deciding to buy a product and finding that vendor has reg dealed you due to events)

In terms of actual learning/technical etc it's more Glossy Sales PowerPoints at the overarching problems, rather than something you feel you go away learning from (95% of Cyber Attacks can be stopped in 10 seconds... but now to buy product to do so etc)

Obviously each to their own, and depends on how far the event is, but not had much luck with vendor based events before, much more prefer local meetups with schools in the areas etc

Steve