  The quantitative description of the scientific conference MECO (Middle
European Cooperation in Statistical Physics) based on bibliographic records is
presented in the paper. Statistics of contributions and participants,
co-authorship patterns at the levels of authors and countries, typical
proportions of newcomers and permanent participants as well as other
characteristics of the scientific event are discussed. The results of this case
study contribute to better understanding of the ways of formalization and
assessment of conferences and their role in individual academic careers. To
highlight the latter, the change of perspective is used: in addition to the
general analysis of the conference data, an ego-centric approach is used to
emphasize the role of a particular participant for the conference and, vice
versa, the role of MECO in the researcher's professional life. This paper is
part of the special CMP issue dedicated to the anniversary of Bertrand Berche -
a well-known physicist, an active member of the community of authors and
editors of the journal, long time collaborator and dear friend of the author.
