Like to add my thanks- especially because of the trials and tribulations of travel that had to be overcome. To point to 2 small items- the inconspicuous fellow taking notes who seemed like he might be a reporter- may be more important than 30 people in the audience- if he really turns out to be a reporter and one  who likes what he heard and spreads and multiplies what he heard. I guess we'll see. Secondly- mostly what happens of consequence at meetings like this happens behind the scenes and in the hallways, rather than the conference hall. So hopefully, if they "talked to a lot of people"- at least one of those conversations might bear fruit. Possible.