Most comments are from practicing Engineers and Architects.  I am registered to practice in about 14 states, most of which require some form of CE.  Free lunches, employ sandwich makers!  Field trips give salespeople a means to generate interest in their products.

The world is changing.  Don't be mired and complacent in the past.  Why is anyone fearful of learning?  The system just isn't that big a problem.  I think LEED is a waste, but it is coming, and my CE is what has educated me to it.  BIM; who knows... will be who knew? 

Yea, it's one more pain in the butt; quit yer cryin' learn something new and move on!  Knowledge is good, knowledge is power.