Ask HN: Attending Conferences - Is more of your focus on learning or networking?

[scalyweb]

I'm interested in the feedback for those who attend conferences and also those would like to but are prevented by some hurdle/conflct.

Is a conference for you more of a social event or an opportunity to learn? Or perhaps something else entirely?

[mgkimsal]

Years ago it was primarily to learn - both technical info at sessions and learn who the players in a particular industry and/or region were.

For most tech/net related events for me these days it's mostly social - personal and networking - and very little about actual tech issues - perhaps 10% of the sessions are of keen interest in that they'll impact my day to day work/life.

Another aspect is speaking - I enjoying presenting on certain topics at conferences.