I never bring technical materials to read for pleasure at a conference. I mean, if I'm not overwhelmed with technical input by 5:00 PM, then I'm at a pretty crappy conference.
But I've found the perfect after-hours and between sessions activity: bringing my accordion to conferences. I mean, the accordion is the perfect instrument! Rather than extol its virtues here, I'll share a pic of my Italian-made, vintage 1942 Grand Voxx taken in my hotel window. An Accordion in the City.
