[Olog-hai]

The only reactions that stories like this provoke out of me are laughter and scorn.

[21twelve]

I'm guessing two-thirds of the scientists are pissed. Those that were going to give talks to promote their names, and those that were going to see some of the sights and drink.

One-third probably are glad they didn't have to leave their family to have rubber-chicken dinners and listen to boring talks.

While it is important to know what is going on in one’s various fields of endeavors, I'm not sure conferences are the most useful way of doing it. Yes, there can be many interesting presentations, but I doubt much of it sinks in or is useful.