Booking Conferences

Haven’t written in awhile because I was getting ready for a booking conference. Don’t think I’ll be going again next year. When I started doing the conferences everything was contained in the hotel, and the showcasing was packed. Now, however, the protocol seems to have shifted; the big players spring for dinner and a (their) show for the presenters….ergo, no people to view the showcasing at the hotel. Wondering if anyone else out there has done conferences and what’s their take on them, i.e., have you had success/failure; how do you view the atmosphere; is this a worthwhile expenditure of time for the solo artist? Love to hear your thoughts…