The author underscores the importance of in-person conferences for professional growth, particularly for engineers. They outline personal and general benefits of conferences, such as learning new approaches, networking, and gaining unique industry insights. A Twitter poll showed engineers’ disappointing level of conference attendance—owing mostly to employer restrictions. The author advocates for companies to invest in continuous learning opportunities like conferences, as avoiding this could result in technological stagnation. For individuals, the piece stresses the value of engagement at conferences through interactions with speakers and fellow attendees.