For some, getting an opportunity to have one important meeting or forge one key contact is infinitely more valuable than the cost of flying halfway around the world and suffering the indignities of an $8 convention floor hot dog or a thumb-scalding tray of nachos -- or, for our friends across the pond, waiting in line at a kiosk while a bleary eyed teen finishes his unfiltered cigarette and espresso so he can finally hand you an 8 euro baguette cradling one slice of cheese, one slice of pork fat and 64 cornichons.

My point, you ask? Well, my point is that for every demonstrable and quantifiable reason for attending industry events, there are a number of important qualitative and less overtly tangible reasons to attend. This duality shows why FMX is such an important event. On one hand, the sheer volume of carefully programmed presentations, workshops, panels and demonstrations provides an abundance of valuable information for attendees. On the other hand, the opportunity to actually meet, network and forge relationships with key people at so many well known companies is virtually unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Whether by choice or by chance, you're bound to meet someone interesting. Photo courtesy of Reiner Pfisterer.

As the event's chair and leader, Dr. Thomas Haegele, sees it, FMX provides participants "the opportunity to hear and learn about everything new, but equally important is the opportunity to see and be seen, to meet people, to present projects, to find like-minded colleagues, to exchange ideas."

FMX has always been known for providing attendees with an overabundance of conference riches -- the most common "complaint" you always hear about is the constant struggle to attend everything people want to see. The Rolling Stones complained "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and at a typical FMX, when it comes to scheduling your days, that's certainly the case. However, it's safe to say what you do end up "getting" is always much more than "what you need."

If the heart of FMX is the staggering volume of high octane conference programming, then the soul is the tremendously inviting and homey "vibe" that envelops the event. We have Dr. Haegele, his wife and general manager Renate and their hard working, highly efficient and always cheerful staff to thank for that.  FMX is as high profile a gathering of top creative professionals, educators, technology mavens, recruiters and students as you will find anywhere -- the density of talent is unmatched and the feeling that you're part of something unique is palpable. As you're running from one session to the next, you realize that you're listening to, talking to or bumping into the creators of a large percentage of the most recognizable, sophisticated, challenging and commercially successful entertainment on the planet. How can you not feel you're part of something quite special?

Dr. Haegle summed up the event this way: "We try to give an overview of all the new things that have happened over the last year with regard to visual arts, global production, science and technology. We are happy to have great speakers from big and small companies alike, willing to share their experiences and their knowledge. And we have all this in a wonderful setting that allows everybody to freely exchange experiences, to network and to celebrate."

Speakers like FMX 2009 presenter Chris Williams, director of the Disney short Glago's Guest, pack the schedule. Photo courtesy of Reiner Pfisterer.