I think a lot of those nerds maybe skipped the dance parties in college, and skipped going to the club as an adult. The experience of being at this kind of event, but where you're the guest of honor instead of an out-of-place spectator, is enticing.

Of course I'm not trying to say all ML researchers are dweebs, but if that description applies to 10% of attendees, you've got a line.

I was at NeurIPS last year, and I can actually confirm that the line to see Flo-Rida went around the block. It's unclear to me whether or not there was genuine interest in the performance, but there was certainly interest in the event.

Say what you will about the world's biggest nerds, but irony, whether purposeful or inexplicably accidental, is not lost on them.

Ninja Edit: New conference name :)