Another big difference between UK and US academic conferences in my experience: In the UK senior and junior academics were invited to the same drink/food receptions. In the US not only were grad students not invited to the main reception (even those who were presenting) but ... https://twitter.com/EtheHerring/status/1380147336760938496

I once got an email asking me if I would serve wine at the main "grown up" reception and told that this would be a great networking opportunity. Once again, I had been selected to present at this conference. WTF

OH AND OF COURSE I WAS EXPECTED TO DO THIS FOR FREE. I guess I was going to be paid in "networking"?

I would like to add that the whole vulnerable junior academics getting drunk in the same space as powerful and potentially predatory senior academics thing is a whole other can of worms and I have and know of many shitty experiences to do with that dynamic as well