Probably it will be better to hold such events after the ICO. If there are many projects participating in the conference. I do not think that it is too expensive. But it can be a good advertisement.
I think that now the team has a shortage of time. As soon as they have the opportunity, they will participate in these events.
This is the right strategy. The main priority is the implementation of the project, work with the community will be important at the stage of promotion of the finished product.