You do have a point there about travel costs and hiring a speaker. But consider that sending those employees to a conference is not just about training. Those

You do have a point there about travel costs and hiring a speaker. But consider that sending those employees to a conference is not just about training. Those employees are representing the company when they attend, network, and quite possibly sell the company's services or products to others that they meet. If those employee have speaking spots (they're speaking at the conference), then the company has an even better chance at getting the company's name out there in front of a lot of people. In that case, the company can benefit even more when it comes to branding and other benefits that speakers give the company.