For some obscure reason I love being involved in conferences. It could just be that I spent too long as a conference administrator, or it could be that it is an easy way to have reasons to talk to people and be helpful. I noted this fact at XPDay, when I realised how much I had enjoyed being a student helper at VL/HCC 2006 and XP2006.
Unlike many people I do not view it as a step down (from being paid to organise the darned things) but instead see it as a busman's holiday. I get to go to a conference, get to be helpful without taking on the responsibility, and generally save £300+ in the bargain.
I will continue to student volunteer (in cases where I cannot help with the organisation) for as long as I remain eligible. I have already put myself forward to help out at QCon London, will shortly for Agile 2007 and hope to eventually for XP2007 (even if it does clash with my helping out at Glastonbury Festival...)
This should be a great year for conferences.
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