When I was a student, academic conferences were often attended by students from university seminars, who would crowd into the conference venue to work behind the scenes.

Reception, venue set-up, guided tours, announcements, and various receptions were all run by students (who were slaves of the professors).

However, times have changed.

Is this another effect of the declining birthrate?

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Now, eminent university professors in various fields,

- personally handles the reception desk,

- carry the food to the reception hall,

- clean up after the dishes.

I am soberly shocked to see such a situation.

At the welcome party, I felt guilty and wondered, 'Am I allowed to eat a normal, stand-up dinner here?'

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I am used to asking an average of one question per presentation at the conference presentations I attend (to solve a problem with my research).

So I think I stand out from the crowd.

I think that some professor has probably memorized my face.

However, at the reception venue, I am used to sitting in chairs by the wall and eating meals, and when I have eaten my fill, I leave the venue as quickly as possible.

I feel guilty.

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As a senior researcher, I should be obliged to give good advice to young researchers, inspire them and build a bridge to future research, just like the professors at the university.

However, I completely ignore such things and use the conference solely "for my benefit."