[phireal]

> They have a great approach to recommend inviting surprising and unexpected people. I don't work in publishing or journalism and have been twice, for example.

Fair enough.

> Same is surely true of topics presented on stages.

In my line of work (science) the topics are submitted ahead of the conference and then relevant papers/talks are submitted to each of those. As such, anyone is able to propose a topic so long as they can justify its inclusion.

> To attract a mix of industry leaders the mix of weekday / weekend days is a pragmatic choice.

I'm not sure I understand why industry leaders are more likely to attend if it's at the weekend. Surely if it's their industry, it's part of their work and so they can come during the work week.

> It's all voluntary of course!

In principle, at least. Of course, if a lot of important decisions are being make the in voluntary evening activities, then those that choose not to or can't go to the evening events are at a disadvantage. Point taken about early birds.

All that said, I can definitely see the benefit of organised social activities.

> That's because real things are happening, difficult issues are actually being resolved, voices are listened to and progress gets made.

This sounds awfully like the tag line for some startup.

> people who sit at the back or like to take time off for sightseeing

An interest in sightseeing or a quieter demeanor is not mutually exclusive of valuable contributions.