In reply to Richard Merrick.

I agree that time for reflection is critical for learning, as I said in this post on conferences and the lack of "white space":
http://jarche.com/2010/10/the-conference-rut/

Michele Martin developed this argument even further:
http://www.michelemmartin.com/thebambooprojectblog/2010/10/on-improving-conferences-the-reflection-session.html

I think part of the solution is incorporating reflection time into our work flows, such as conference design, meeting design and office design.