zlacker

Driving 10 hours both ways to an AWS event to look at some slide decks you can already find online and eat some mid-tier catering doesn't seem like a great use of a day to me.

>>hn_205+(OP)
It's not just slide decks, and also the networking at those events is quite good. Swag and catering vary wildly though (even in France where poor catering is somewhat insulting).

>>hn_205+(OP)
Besides the slide content, the purpose of conferences like this is to get to know other people in the industry, have organic discussion, talk about common issues or needs from the vendors, and learn from one another. The sessions are the frame for that. And, if the company you work for is paying for it, then it's a nice vacation, if it's a multi-day event.

>>hn_205+(OP)
Nor me, but if they're going to advertise an event, they should hold it, and if they're going to cancel then they should inform the people who RSVP-ed.

I will add that, if it is on company time, I may use it as a networking opportunity.

>>hn_205+(OP)
Probably live in Texas or the midwest where 5 hours is considered a short drive

>>wlesie+O3
LA - San Jose?

>>hn_205+(OP)
It was on company time, my boss wanted me to attend, and I was much younger than I am now :shrug:

>>hn_205+(OP)
Nothing wrong with a life full of interesting experiences. Looking back, would you rather say:

- remember that Tuesday last October, when I spent 10 hours driving to ... AWS ... or

- remember that Tuesday last October, when I debugged my Flexbox CSS?

>>hn_205+(OP)
The best part about traveling is sampling the local buffet in more ways than one.

>>sofixa+x1
Poor catering is insulting in America too, we just happen to be a society that insults by default.