The conference was free (to my surprise) and open to the public.   It's just that few people showed up.

http://events.bc.edu/event/amoris_laetitia_beyond_veritatis_splendor_and_familiaris_consortio#.WdwqnFuPIdU

I call it a failure of marketing; but such events aren't going to be promoted on most Catholic media, which only allows advertising of "Elevate" conferences and other money making ventures.   

One attracts more Catholics with culture warfare than with progressive Chautauquas.