[Phanyxx]

Yup. For many companies with a large audience or usebase that are already doing everything else, a conference/event is a natural evolution to keep growing their brand.

Of course, when you increase the number of speaking spots over many conferences, a) the act of speaking becomes more commoditised (so speakers just re-use the same material over and over), and b) the quality level starts to drop.

It's super common for conference organisers to try to lock down people with impressive sounding titles from noteworthy companies just to sell tickets (SoAndSo from Google!). Just because those folks have great jobs at great companies doesn't necessarily translate into a useful or inspiring talk.

IMO, when speakers get into storytelling mode or get really specific, that's when it gets interesting. Would love to see more speakers move beyond that "blogspot" mindset as well.

[thinkingemote]

Often Name from Company is really Nameless from their regional Business Support Department. Simple and dry and minimal content but well rehearsed and presented "heres our product" pitches.