It can help to look in them when you have some relatives who have disappeared. Most conferences now feature talks which discuss on-line genealogical searching and sources. There are so many places to look, and many of them are so mis-represented in their advertising, that genealogists need help in determining which ones to use. In addition to the lectures, conferences are good opportunities to meet other genealogists. You may find someone who is actually looking at the same families or locales, or merely find a friend to gossip with about your research.
All conferences also feature sales tables of publishers or software producers.
You can handle the books you might want to buy to see if they will be useful. You can also chat with knowledgeable vendors about their products. In all, conferences are a chance to fill your brain with new ideas and enthusiasm for your research. The Ontario Genealogical Society's annual Seminar is being held in Ottawa this year, on May 12-14. The speakers include well known names such as Brenda Dougall Merriman, Brian Gilchrist and Bruce Elliott.