It used to be that a few times a year, I’d be invited to a vending machine conference. The reason is I once gave a talk at the Smithsonian about vending machines. In some way, the algorithms portrayed me as an expert to conference organizers in China. All expenses paid five-star hotel, fantastic chance to meet other industry buffs. In a parallel universe, I accepted at least one and went all George Clooney on the conference dance floor.