Re: Launching a Conference

> What would it take to convince you to come to Dallas next April/May?

Well, FWIW, the MySQL Conference is in April.  So, I would say #1 don't 
put it against or right after/before an established event.

As an attendee, the main draw is the speakers.  If you have good talks, 
people will come.

> What conference features would you desire?
 > What non-conference features would you desire?

Wifi is a must.  If you do not provide lunch, be sure there is a lot to 
chose from in walking distance of the event.  If you are going to have 
sessions that are advertisements, be sure and put them in a track to 
themselves labeed "Products and Services" or something.  O'Reilly does 
this and it works well.  Try if you can to after hours parties so that 
the attendees will remember the good times they had.  You know, 
basically, go to OS Con in Portland and make it just like that. =)  But 
with better wifi and more power bricks.

> What hurdles, surprises and horror stories should I brace myself against?

While I have not run a conference, I have run user groups.  Don't be 
upset if the turn out is low to start with.

-- 

Brian Moon
Senior Developer
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It's good to be cheap =)