So I just went to a (non-SEO) conference. I went out drinking every night with various attendees/staff/speakers. My friends later told me, “We didn’t know you would make this conference a shit show!”
Which I thought about, you know, I didn’t mean to go out every night and drink heavily (and cajole others to do the same). However I don’t regret it — and not just because it was fun.
The thing about conferences is, many of the other attendees/staff/speakers are people you will only see two or three times a year (at conferences). Everyone at a “themed” event obviously shares a common interest, so theoretically you should be able to network just fine. In practice however this doesn’t happen in the sessions/panels, but instead happens in the evenings when everyone’s letting their guards down. Further, if we’re talking gossip, rumors, or trade secrets (the 3 most valuable types of information!), it’s much more likely to come out if a person is imbibing moderately to heavily.
Then at a panel “the day after”, the partygoers look at each other slightly differently; they share a common bond (well, an additional common bond). This interpersonal bond facilitates business deals, further information sharing, job offers… basically all the reasons you’re networking in the first place.
And for all you player haters out there, know this: imbibers earn more.
So for God’s sake, if you ever see me at a conference, order a round or three… chances are you’ll get a 5000% ROI with the resulting tidbit I give you.