Summer Conference Blues

(Warning: Major #FirstWorldProblems grumbling ahead...regularly-scheduled content resumes tomorrow)

I want to go to a conference. Very, very badly.

It's been some time since I've met my scientific brethren to talk, dine, listen, exchange ideas, and play random pickup sports.

I miss you all terribly!

I've never actually been on one.* Would love it.
Source: Forbes.com

Young professors stew in that perfect mix of nerves, excitement, and exhaustion as they're expected to fly here and there to give talks, consult, and generally build their tenure case. Big Pharma, too, makes a point of sending their best out into the world to scope out new drug leads or build academic connections for future hiring.

Tiny companies? No travel budget. No conferencing. Do not pass Go, don't collect that per diem.

It's a Catch-22 of sorts - Without conferencing, you don't meet new folks who could potentially get you the kind of jobs that would send you to conferences. Rinse, repeat.

So, dear readers, I'm wondering: Does anyone know of industry awards one can apply for for travel / registration assistance? I'm aware of ACS' Young Investigator Symposium, and I think some industry-types get invited to Lindau.

Help me think of a few more?

*To clarify, I've never been on an Airbus, or flown to a posh international destination. I've certainly been on planes enough, see: job search.