For me (a nearly full time open source developer) the more technical conferences are a way to stay inspired, resolve /dissipate conflicts and try to figure out

For me (a nearly full time open source developer) the more technical conferences are a way to stay inspired, resolve /dissipate conflicts and try to figure out hard plans. I've yet to find anything that comes close, especially with people otherwise distributed across all timezones. And yes, I find the hallway track more important than the talks. None of that is served by local meetups / watching talks online.