[ajug-members] Java DevCon 2006 Planning

[Burr Sutter]

We (the user group) have to make a commitment for a location and date for
our annual conference (Java DevCon).  Last year we had over 250 participants
and we had to turn some away.   Sun would like us to budget for 350 or more
attendees this year and we have considered advertising it more widely as
well.  We do have folks that travel in from out of state for this event and
it is growing in popularity.

So, the bigger the event, the bigger the gamble.  Cobb Galleria can give us
a spot on April 28th which is a Friday.  Fridays are less than ideal because
we need to finish eariler in the day by 4 pm so people can start their
weekend.  In order to accomodate the shorter day, we might go to 3 tracks or
we might go to a second day (perhaps even later in the year).   Our target
is still the $75 price point.  The overall costs are offset by AJUG's
sponsors and the Java DevCon exhibitors.

Other venues can't necessarily handle that many people for food and
seating.  UNLESS, we no longer eat and have our big ballroom sat "in the
round" (at round tables).  Personally, that has been an important asset, the
seating arrangements allow for people to talk and network during the meal
times.

If we went with theater style or classroom style seating then we have more
flexibility.  If we went with theater style seating for all the rooms then
we can work a deal with Crowne Plaza Ravinia or the Regal Cinemas Hollywood
theaters off I-85!

Our budget for this event is approximately $20,000 with downpayments that
typically exceed $4000 which is a lot to float on my Amex card!

What are your thoughts?

Burr
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