I am required to take a certain number of hours of continuing legal education (CLE) classes each year, in order to remain a member in good standing of the state bar and keep my attorney's license. Since it's a professional requirement for our law faculty, the university underwrites all the costs.
My fees for the seminars are paid. Travel, lodging and meals are paid. If I were being paid by the hour, rather than a flat salary, I'd also be paid for the time spent in these seminars. And if I worked for a state university, it would be public tax money paying for all these expenses of my continuing education.
I hope this clears up the matter for you. If Abel claims that she was paid to attend the "Fistgate" seminar, I would say that she's probably telling the truth. And that would provide further support for the contention that it was a public gathering.
Sometimes the truth hurts. Other times, by God, it stings. Doesn't it?