[Lukasa]

I can't speak to consultants, but as an experienced conference speaker I can tell you that it vastly improves my employability.

I cannot stress enough how much some modicum of "fame" in a community greases the wheels of employment. You don't need to be at the Guido van Rossum level of famous to get this benefit: just being known and respected by enough of the "right people" helps enormously.

Software engineers often underestimate how much of our industry is built on "who respects you". If respected people trust you to know what you're talking about and to do good work, it makes it much easier to find good jobs and get well paid.

(For those who hate public speaking, similar benefits accrue to those who write great blogs or notable, innovative OSS projects.)