If anyone is planning on going to the conference, why don’t you post a note here. Maybe this year we’ll finally get a “community gathering” scheduled.
I expect that I will be there, along with several other Integra Solutions folks. Anybody else?
Dave
Dave Rathbun 
(BOB member since 2002-06-06)
I am getting ready to register I just need to confirm with my boss that it is ‘still a go’ for me to attend. This will be my first Business Objects conference and I am looking forward to going. I would also like to meet the other contributers to the forum (and listserv)
Michele Pinti (BOB member since 2002-06-17)
Not me unless something miraculous happens…
Cindy Clayton (BOB member since 2002-06-11)
I got to meet some new faces last year (Cindy, for one). And see some old friends. With this dedicated discussion area, maybe we can actually set up an agreed-upon meeting area this year.
Dave Rathbun (BOB member since 2002-06-06)
Me… Oh that was the BEST part. I met Dave, Steve, Anita, Luis, Mike, Stephanie, Julie, ChrisP, and I’m leaving out about 10 or 20 people 'cause the memory goes first when you get to 35! Man I wish I could go again!
Cindy Clayton (BOB member since 2002-06-11)
Finalized my travel plans last week. FYI: some colleagues of mine suggested flying into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) rather than Miami (MIA)
Chris Pohl (BOB member since 2002-06-18)
What is offered on Sunday at the pre-conference, is it worthwhile ? I couldn’t tell if there is an extra charge to attend and how does one register for Sunday?
The answers are probably there and I just didn’t take enough time to find them… 
Michele Pinti (BOB member since 2002-06-17)
There is an extra charge for Sunday, something they don’t do a good job of displaying.
A little history… the pre-conference stuff started out as standard BusObj training classes. At some point (I don’t know when) they started creating custom material that was available only at the conference. Last year I got to talk for a whole day about the difference between dimension objects, detail objects, and measure objects, and how to link data providers, create cross-universe queries, and so on. It was fun.
They asked me to do the same class at the pre-conference session this year but said that the class would be lecture only. They are not going to provide workstations for the students. So I don’t think I will be doing the same material. 
Dave
Dave Rathbun (BOB member since 2002-06-06)
So do you think that the info on Sunday is for beginners or your not sure what will be presented yet? I don’t want to miss anything that I could use. Or … maybe I should sign up and go site seeing 
Michele Pinti (BOB member since 2002-06-17)
We always go down the Saturday before anyway, just to get a cheaper airfare with a Saturday stay. The extra night in a hotel is generally cheaper than flying in on Sunday.
I hear there’s a sight or two to see in Miami. 
Dave Rathbun (BOB member since 2002-06-06)
I have been to the last 3 conferences. The pre-confs I have attended were very helpful to me. (Dave’s was one of them) The cost is about the same as a one day class - around $500. Seems it’s a little more each year. But we had workstations. I need the hands-on. Wonder why they decided to do away with the workstations?
Peggy (BOB member since 2002-06-21)
Easy answer: $$$
Dave Rathbun (BOB member since 2002-06-06)
I attended Sunday sessions at the last 2 conferences and hope to again this year. The one I attended last year was great - a whole day to really understand the architecture, implementation and administration of WebI.
Have they posted the sessions they’re offering on Sunday this year? I can’t find a list on the BO website.
Norm Rosen (BOB member since 2002-07-10)
I couldn’t find anything yet. I would like to go but don’t know whats offered or how to sign up 
Michele Pinti (BOB member since 2002-06-17)
Me… <hmph!> hard to believe that $500 a head, not to mention the pricey conference admission couldn’t cover the cost of workstations.
dollars for workstations = (admission$+500) - bagel$ - oj$ - (receptioncost$+vendor_sponsor$) - pillshapednecklace$ - painter$ - …
Cindy Clayton (BOB member since 2002-06-11)
It is not just the cost of the workstations. They had to do a lot of work getting the worstations set up and configured for 13 different classes. The logistics of packing / shipping / setting up 13 classes * 25 workstations was not insignificant. They paid for an extra couple of days in the hotel for all of the BusObj folks that had to go early to set up.
I still feel like the class would be better served if there were workstations. But that’s not the only cost involved.
Dave Rathbun (BOB member since 2002-06-06)
Oh I was just teasing Gave me a chance to make a fake forumla
Cindy Clayton (BOB member since 2002-06-11)
I think they are also at a loss for what to teach. They have been redesigning their courses again, but haven’t had much new software out.
They’ve also let alot of trainers go.
Steve Krandel (BOB member since 2002-06-25)
Me… <hmph!> hard to believe that $500 a head, not to mention the pricey conference admission couldn’t cover the cost of workstations.
dollars for workstations = (admission$+500) - bagel$ - oj$ - (receptioncost$+vendor_sponsor$) - pillshapednecklace$ - painter$ - …
:-)[/quote]
I agree completely. We should tell them.
Peggy (BOB member since 2002-06-21)
You don’t need a miracle. Be a presenter. It doesn’t even matter what you present. Once your name is listed, people will show up!
Elena Holland (BOB member since 2002-06-18)