I just want to point out that the value of the conference is greater than simply an airline saying they want pilots. Seeing as the industry is run on personal contacts and recomendations it represents an incredible opportunity. You are able to catch up with people that you have worked with or trained with or knew in a past life and the people they know and so on.... As they succeed so they may well remember and recommend you when they move on, and hence that is your 'in'.