Very few writers have laid out the "social needs" of conferences.

I watched a bit of the first impeachment hearings for Mr. Trump. I saw a room full of people making $100,000+ a year (or interns who will eventually be making $100,000+ a year--who could afford to work for nothing because of a good support system). These people were paid quite well for something they really enjoyed doing, which happens to have a lot of socializing.

But the event was so out of touch from the real world.

Who decides who gets to be at these meetings, hearings, and conferences?