In my experience diligent programming and going to conferences (or giving talks at conferences) are inversely correlated. Many conference pundits do little to no actual programming in the first place.

I'm not sure exactly what you're driving at, but for conferences like CppCon (and similar), the driving factor is usually technical interest and not just a way to waste time away from work (while drinking every night or whatever[1]).

So... could you explain what you're insinuating so I could respond to that instead of just guessing?

[1] Not sure about CppCon, but all "technical" conferences I've personally been to did have a lot of late-night drinking, but that was secondary to the technical stuff.