Innovation conferences: Are they worth attending?

It is no secret that I have mixed feelings about innovation conferences. I have attended many but have grown tired of them in recent years for reasons that I will try to explain below. I definitely believe in the value of sharing knowledge so I ask you to see this as a discussion starter on how to maximize the value of innovation conferences and even better – how to improve them.

1. Organizers focus more on the ego of the speakers and the exposure of their sponsors rather than the outcome of the participants. Look at the many bright people you have in the room. Why do the organizers not make a better effort in getting them involved during the conference? It is ok that thought leaders who...