The Blog observed some key differences between east European and west European ICIS petchem conferences, while sitting quietly in the audience at last week's ICIS-MRC Russian Polymers Summit in
1 East: Loads of very direct questions from the floor, even complaints and personal digs.
West: A small number of courteous questions couched in legally acceptable language.
2 East: Direct answers from speakers, often admitting fault.
West: Careful diplomatic answers and promises to discuss off-line.
3 East: No texting during presentations.
West: Widespread texting
4 East: Jackets on throughout day.
West: Shirtsleeves.
5 East: Everyone stays in conference room throughout the day, even till the end of the last paper.
West: Diminishing attendance in preference for networking, and mass walkouts during technical papers.
6 East: Moderate attendance at post-conference cocktail party, and low take-up of free drinks.
West: Strong attendance at cocktails, plus industry gate-crashers who wander in because they were "just passing", and a hard core of delegates who stay on past the closing time while the hotel staff are trying to clear up.
This is so true, Barbara. One has to wonder why we bother. Or is it that we think we know everything?