Do tech conferences matter?

Web 2.0 conferences made big splashes on both coasts this past week: Ad:Tech in NYC and Web 2.0 in San Francisco.

I covered the East Coast Ad:Tech goings on and fellow ZDNet blogger Dan Farber covered the West Coast Web 2.0 action.

I reflect on the NYC tech conference in Ad-Tech: Web 2.0 ROI reality check and note:

Ad-Tech NYC was a microcosm of life in the Big Apple: maddening crowds, thousands of loud, diverse opinions, high-powered corporate suits rubbing elbows with trendy creatives, deals negotiated and parties, parties, parties!

BUT WHAT ABOUT BOTTOM-LINE RESULTS?
WHO GAINS WHAT FROM TECH CONFERENCES?

Conference organizers win when they achieve sell-out attendance.

How about exhibitors? Do they bring sales back to the home office once the show is over, or just a high-ticket bill for their expo booths?

How about attendees?, Do they emerge from days of keynotes and panels better informed, or just exhausted from info overload?

How about speakers? Do they reap PR benefits from their appearances, or is it just time spent away from business?

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