NetBeans conference

Hi All,

We have had several suggestions on our discuss lists to host a NetBeans 
conference and I have been exploring a few options. There is one that is 
very interesting and we need to move fast on this if we want to persue 
and get some traction. I am currently looking at the possibility of us 
hosting a NetBeans conference at the same time as JavaOne in San
Francisco in June 2004.

Holding a NetBeans conference has great benefits in meeting and learn 
from each other, learning from technical sessions and bofs, 
understanding the technologies and innovation already available in our 
community, sparking off new ideas/innovation/improvement/changes 
necessary, having the opportunity to provide direct feedback and finally 
having some fun meeting over a few Beers/drinks  ;)

One of the additional benefits of this option is that NetBeans.org can 
focus on the conference content/sessions (technical and community) and 
promotion. Much of the logistics work involved in the organisation of a 
conference will be done by the organisations involved in the JavaOne 
event organisation. As we are looking at our first event, we could 
really do with some help here.

Other benefits to NB members will be a discounted JavaOne access, and 
access to JavaOne registrants to the NetBeans conference.  So a good 
exchange of learning for all Java developers.

This option will also enable us to have a good space for a NetBeans.org 
pavilion at JavaOne where the Partner companies in our ecosystem can 
come and demo their cool plug-ins and products based on NetBeans, and we 
all get to see/play with some of the innovation with NetBeans rather 
than just read about it.

I will be back with more comprehensive information next week as I learn 
more and to get some feedback, check the level of interest in attendance 
and see who would be interested in the event and then interest in 
participation as attendees or  speaker, or helping with organisation, 
marketing/promotion
and demos etc.

Any questions and if you would like to help please let me know.
Hope to have more details next week.

Best Regards

Zaheda