Since the 1970s, I've been a big fan of attending conferences as a great way to learn, network, socialize and enjoy a new environment. It's always refreshing to get out and see a whole new world.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I believe we are going to move into a situation where the more effective conferences will be smaller, more specialized, more focused, with occasional large gatherings to get the attention of the larger world.
I feed on conferences.
My favorite conference so far has been Davos, the World Economic Forum. The people there were really incredible.
One of the nice things about living in Silicon Valley is that I end up at all these conferences and things, and I get to listen in on the zeitgeist.
I attend Internet conferences all the time, and they literally make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
I love interviews, meeting fans, teaching workshops, giving speeches... all of it.
I love going to conventions, and I love spending time with the fans and going to parts of the world where I wouldn't normally go.
I don't really rate press conferences. It's not as though I leave the room fist-pumping my way down the corridor after a good one.
There are a lot of lousy conferences that pander to sponsors. They end up creating an opportunity for boring speakers who are paid shills for their companies. We still get a few of those, but we really try to police it. Think about who the audience is and what works for them, and deliver high-quality content.
I don't actually go to that many conferences. I do that a couple of times a year. Normally, I am not recognized; people don't throw their panties at me. I'm a perfectly normal person sitting in my den just doing my job.