I have to admit I don’t really understand why people schedule IT conferences on weekends, at least not in countries that have reasonable vacation policies.
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I get that not everyone can go visit a conference on company time, and some (or maybe many or even most) have to use their free time to do so. I don’t think it’s a huge difference whether you’re going for a weekend or use two days of vacation, though?
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OTOH, many people (including me) spend a lot of time working during the week, like to spend weekends with their families, and thus avoid conference events on weekends.
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So, what am I missing? Are there more people who can make it to weekend conferences? Is it related to how “professional” the topic is? Is it an age or gender thing?

Sep 11, 2019 · 10:09 AM UTC

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Replying to @stilkov
I don't know if you subtweet about that conference next month in Düsseldorf, but if so it had to do with when the venue is free to be used :)
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No, although it could have been. I subtweeted about a different one :)
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Replying to @stilkov
I think it depends on the conference. A format like @eurucamp or now @heartofclojure (more community driven) is better off on the weekend, with their special siesta and activities.
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How so? People who attend these don’t have families? Or the topic is more hobbyist?
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Replying to @stilkov
A lot of people treat weekends more disposable than holidays. As a frequent conference speaker, I still try to keep weekends free though
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Replying to @stilkov
The problem with using my vacations for a conference is, that my wife and I always having trouble to manage all the kids vacations. It feels like stealing the kids their vacation.
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Replying to @stilkov
I’m with you on this. I think weekend conferences are more common in countries with less paid vacation (i.e. the US) or deliberately cater to attendees who don’t have commitments on weekends (like me) or whose concept of work-life-balance is ok with conferences on weekends.
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Replying to @stilkov
I have 100 fixed weekend days and 20-30 flexible vacation days. Flexible are more precious than fixed.
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Replying to @stilkov
If I remember correctly the organizers of @droidconVIE were genuinely surprised that more people do indeed prefer weekdays - and have moved this year's conference to weekdays only! But Android probably attracts a younger crowd than more "serious" topics...
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Replying to @stilkov
The numbers who come to weekend conferences as opposed to during the week are certainly similar. @BOBkonf and @clojured are typically on Fri and Sat respectively, and @clojured usually gets a few more people.
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