daveJSF

This is where I've made some of my best friends from conferences. Hallways, restaurants, and bars. :)

That's the reason why I created an online course about this. I include lots of ways to follow up and stay connected after the conference. That's key.

The first thing in networking is showing up. The second is following up.

I was hired as the keynote speaker for two VMUG User Cons. I explained to the organizers that I'm more into business networking and not infrastructure networking. They exclaimed, "that's why we want you!" They wanted me to get their members connecting with one another and meeting new people.

So... yes even programmers need people. :)

Can't you measure culture by your company employee retention rate quarter over quarter or year over year?

This is exactly why I launched an online course. So people can set goals and know how to meet new people. It's not pushy, traditional networking stuff either. It's to build true relationships with cool people who can lead you to new business opportunities later. Networking is about helping others first.

I can't speak to the carbon footprint, but there is so much value in attending conferences if you are connecting with new people.

Exactly. It's about the relationships you make there.