Adam,
That thought crossed my mind also. I even checked the Carnival site and they do have meeting facilities and group bookings available. For a single attendee it would be a value deal....not sure how it would compare for a family. There would be children's and spouse activites available on board while we had our meetings. Personally, I get so little time away from the office that, if I am going to a conference, I am going to want to combine it with some other vacation-like atmosphere. I think a cruise is a great idea.
Leslie