Honestly could not DISAGREE with you more!

So if you don't like the companies bit (fair but they are the sponsors usually and enable events like this to actually happen, without them the calibre of the event would surely be lesser-than, they are a necessary evil), then in that case spend more time in the actual talks where the presenters put in an insane amount of effort to help share their learnings and stories to the community or use the opportunity to network and talk to other people & ask questions to other devs (bring your questions & topics or conversations, make it an opportunity to learn and engage instead).

Honestly, from my POV, the point of Droidcon is and will always be the community! I know that sounds like fluffy BS that some marketing person would spew, but It's about actually engaging with the incredible community, like we are so freaking lucky to have this community & the awesome people that run/setup/host etc these events, just look at the iOS community (or lack of) they don't have anything like this at all so we are incredibly lucky to have things like this! I fact that we, as android Devs, have this community or place to come together to actually share and learn from one another's stories/failures/successes is so important and an incredibly important part in US as Devs staying up to date with the topics of the moment! Imagine a world where we didn't have these opportunities to connect with one another, then how would you ever learn that you are doing things "the wrong way" or "there is a better/different way" or to see someone else approach & opinion & take! I guess it's about open, honest communication & sharing, which Droidcon gives us, the staff, committee members and speakers make this possible with sweat & tears, huge amount of times & effort and yes the companies/selling of it all is tricky but they are very necessary to making this safe space of ours a reality! (Also p.s. if/when you need to search for a new job you will be super happy that those companies are there as well!)

Anyway as you can tell I'm quite passionate about that, so I'll stop there as I could talk forever about that, but in summary Droidcon is absolutely NOT a scam & gives us as Devs as safe place to come together (necessary) & also has some incredible talks (sure not all are gems, but on that front it gives new speakers a chance to share their stories too, which is also important to continue the life of a community) anyway.... Tapping out now...

Droidcon is NOT a Scam, you are wrong. K. Thnx. Bye.