networking

I just laid down some serious cash out of my own pocket to go to a professional conference. I should do this more often, I guess. It's difficult to justify it based on results. Does the conference pay for itself, in the long run? I have my doubts. But I expect it will considerably improve my mood, at least for a little while, and I can really use that.

Before going, I should to do some reading about how to network effectively. Without feeling (or acting) like a leech.