Conferences are only worth it if you're going to network the hell out of them. It's kinda like business school, you're not going to learn a lot, but you will g

Conferences are only worth it if you're going to network the hell out of them. It's kinda like business school, you're not going to learn a lot, but you will get pissed with some people who will become friends and help you later on in life. (Well, you can learn in b-school but that is debatable). That being said, here's one thing that has worked for me, drop the conference organizer a note and ask them if they need volunteers, or help with organization (most conferences do) - the earlier you do it, the easier it is (obviously). Then you can get to attend for free. Another way is to get a press pass. NY let's bloggers get one these days: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/03/04/bloggers-eligible-press-passes/ http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/03/04/bloggers-eligible-...