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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

How so? People who attend these don’t have families? Or the topic is more hobbyist?

These are community driven and most of them have child care or other opportunities to bring partner/s and kid/s. eurucamp had child care for example and I think we also had a partner ticket.

That is complex awesome, but it misses the point if your significant other and/or family doesn’t want to go there :)

So true. (My partner never wanted to be attached to my "work".) But we both know that there are tons of conferences out there and if you don't want to go on the weekend, you probably don't need to go on the weekend. There are others with a similar program on weekdays ;)