Go to smaller independent conferences and make sure they're organised along ecological and ethically sound lines. First you'll have a better experience. Since

Go to smaller independent conferences and make sure they're organised along ecological and ethically sound lines. First you'll have a better experience. Since the pandemic I haven't been on any academic jollies, but for years I've had a personal policy not to go to large conferences. They are too hectic. Everything is rushed and talks are squeezed. They value form over function and slick presentation uber alles. No time for slow conversation, precarious demos, mooching and mingling. There are two kinds of conferences, the ones where people go to actually confer, and massive industry extravaganzas that are indistinguishable from trade shows. A friend who is a medical doctor once told me of a endocrine conference she attended, 5000 miles away in Africa, with 10,000 attendees that ran for 12 days. She said it left her drained, bewildered and overwhelmed. People don't attend conferences like that to learn anything, they go to be seen, as a footnote in the proceedings, so they can put it on their CV. As a seasoned, senior academic secure in myself and my work I don't need to chalk up creds like fresh post-docs, but my advice to anyone is don't be cowed into thinking big impersonal conferences are "prestigious". Really no one cares. Pick a small gathering, somewhere nice (by a beach, forest or mountain venue), not too distant, where you can mingle and make acquaintances that will last for life. Truth is, many of the most _influential_ "conferences" are really cliquey gatherings where you will meet the "right" people. So get involved in the conference organisation. See who you can invite. That reduces costs, and it gives you some rights/leverage to say what you feel, and to understand the network in your field. If you object to Big Tech being sponsors say so - conference organisers need _people_ as much as they need funding. If you must attend a giant extravaganza, and you seriously, credibly object to funding by big tech, say so in your presentation. There is little or no comeback from politely dissing unethical big corps in your talk - in fact in some places it's de rigueur. Your disapproval ends up in the proceedings online etc, and that's not something company PR likes. Next year they won't offer mission accomplished. As an academic you have a platform, and rights to speak your mind, so use it. Ethics is a very important part of research and you are not restricted in speaking about it. Best of all, start hosting your own small conferences. It's a great learning experience. Many great conferences are hosted on a shoestring.