A local tech meetup I go to has managed to get some very well-known and accomplished speakers. They don't pay speakers fees, so having a large personal network

A local tech meetup I go to has managed to get some very well-known and accomplished speakers. They don't pay speakers fees, so having a large personal network is really useful. The local tech community is large, and a few senior tech leaders are involved with the meetups. The meetup is also involved in running a conference. And some companies are willing to pay travel expenses for their employees to come out and speak. It's good for marketing and recruiting.