[black-tea]

The point of the catering isn't just to fill your stomach, it's to have lunch with people who are interested in what you are interested in, ie. to network. If you don't see the point of that, then yeah it's really not going to be worth it for you.

[adsadadsad]

I've been to a few regional conferences so perhaps out of touch, but in those scenarios it's usually either yawn yawn buffet or in most cases a bag with some posh sandwich etc.. in with sponsor logos all over it. I get what you're saying but I can't help but start picturing a table cloth lunch with waiter service as you discuss the merits of the last talk over a fine wine on a table for two/three? perhaps this happens at build? strangeloop?aws:invent? How much of a ticket price is attributed to catering in either scenario?