How Badly Do You Want to Go to TED?

TED, the elite meeting of big thinkers in a wide variety of fields, including media and technology, has put one ticket up for auction on Ebay. As of this post, the bid is $33,535.00.

The normal cost of entry is an invitation and at least $6,000. Though the conference has a good reputation as a place to be inspired and to make influential contacts, I ask you: What meeting is worth more than five times the normal cost?

Perhaps this is all the more reason to look to not-so-glittery gatherings, such as unconferences like PodCamp, and Good Experience Live.