Haha, nice point. This is ridiculous to think that conferences are pointless. Especially if you take into account that finding business and govt partners is the key since the project was meant to be focused on B2B/B2G sector.
Yes if you have a good product and team, but this is not the case, so yes it is pointless in Universa's case, as they have neither.
If I was in charge, I would immediately cease all travels and sort out the development team, website and invest in building the community with proper people (unlike the universa team here) - They would be out the door quicker than AB buying a plane ticket!
Basically AB has not bothered to focus on these areas, relied on very sparse development team / no project management and decided to go and get deals with a product that is FAR FAR behind in development.
And don't insult us with success stories, getting some 3rd rate country on board with a NDA and a vague partnership IS NOTHING TO BRAG ABOUT.