People talk like the only harm that can come to a woman from being hit on at a conference is actual or feared sexual assault.

What about that sinking sensation where you thought someone was responding to your work-related strong points but it turns out he just wanted to date you? (Even if dating you is totally innocent and not insulting at all?)

I mean, how would you feel if you struck up a conversation with me at a conference, had a nice friendly talk, and when I saw you again I assumed you were going to come fix my computer for me? Nothing wrong with fixing computers, it's not insulting to assume you fix computers, I backed right off as soon as you said no thanks, but you thought you were making professional contact and it turned out that I wanted something from you.