However, the muppet ratio for me is also very much mediated by the level and type of moderation at the event. If the moderators/organisers let the muppets have the floor, then the value of the event vastly diminishes.

Moderators need to realise that people’s time and attention are actually very valuable things, and that this is often worth much more than completely open participation and making people feel good (allowing muppets to speak).

But enough complaining – there are some very good events out there!