I am not posting in AIBU, this is not a rant or a big deal, nor am I thinking of doing anything about it...just a little winge.
I am attending a conference abroad, paying all my own costs (I am not employed). The conference has three keynote speakers, advertised well in advance. One of them is someone who's work I find really interesting and I was looking forward to meeting him and chatting about shared research interests. I saw the conference programme today and it turns out this speaker will presenting via Skype. Now I know something my have happened, but barring an emergency isn't this really poor practice? Whenever I have given keynotes, or even submitted papers, I make a point of going to other sessions, asking questions, talking to other people during breaks etc. I think this is expected of a keynote in particular.
Winge over.