They don't have to attend the conference.

Regarding the meals, I'm sure they can attend, but there may be a fee. I highly doubt the girl has to pay though as she's like 2 or 3 years old by that time.


Excerpt from Robert Crais' "The Monkey's Raincoat:"
"She took another microscopic bite of her sandwich, then pushed it away. Maybe she absorbed nutrients from her surroundings."