Are you going to do it with Devconnections? If there are any free nights around devconnections, (because I remember every evening there was some sort of party goin' on already), this sounds like a good idea. Also in the party @ devconn, we should have some well known top geeks go to the stage and geek out - obviously remembering that geeks are bad as comedians, so it has to be impromptu and light hearted.

Kimberly Tripp wrote me back with this comment:

> It would be interesting to see how many people would pay just to hang out? You might need to offer lectures or something and once you get into that you have a whole bunch of logistical nightmares... <

I don't want it to be another conference, but maybe a few topical panel discussions would be good, if we can get the room.

> Are you going to do it with Devconnections? <

This is certainly a good idea, and the though had crossed my mind to piggy back with DevConnections somehow.

Great idea! Count me in (it still stings that I had to miss the Redmond gathering), but I can't do it *after* DevConnections.

I would actually prefer it separate from a conference. There is plenty of geeking out there, and it would be fun to meet somewhere/somewhen else in a different place.

The three cheapest places to fly to for just about every one are Las Vegas, Phoenix and Orlando. They also happen to be places that are relatively cheap to stay at, and to get space for a party in.

Personally, I like Vegas best.

Great idea... whether it's at DevConnections, in New London or whatever, count me in. I can be the token Canadian if you want (although I'm a New Yorker now).

Seriously, either you could have a small cover (less than 25$) for the venue and then people buy their own drinks, or you can charge more and have an open bar... but I recommend the former.

As for geeking out, having a stage and do some jam sessions, stand-up comedy and such would be great. I'd bring my djembe drum and I might also try some stand-up... I'm sure others would join in.

I would steer clear of official panels and such, and while people would surely talk tech there, it should definitely be more of a party than a conference sideshow... kinda like the old Geekfests... I miss those.

If I'm going to hang out with my friends in Vegas, I don't expect to spend any time next to a computer. : )

My thoughts exactly. This is all about fun, networking, and fun.

Great! I live in Vegas, so it will be easy for my to attend something like this. I just wish MS would have more stuff here (such as the PDC).

I don't think that you should put a big emphasis on "attendees". Advertise it, let people know that they can come hang out with some cool people, and geek out however they want. I see it as a way to hang out with friends, do some fun stuff, and maybe--but not importantly--learn some stuff. The social networking part of the conference experience.

Hey Carl,

Great idea! Looking at those who've responded so far maybe the weekend should be for Canadians only. Oh, plus you, Rory and Geoff... and I guess Chris should come too since he got screwed out of the Tablet contest... oh, and Don Kiely because anyone who lives north of Medicine Hat has to have some Canadian in him...

Just thought I'd mention that there are great airfares to Fairbanks during the winter!

Great idea Carl.

I have already booked for Devconnections so that would be great timing.

You might want to check with the hotels regarding space. If you can get 200+ people to stay at a particular hotel and possibly gamble, I bet they will give some free space for meeting times and probably some discounts on the room as well.

If my schedule permits, count me in as well. I also find the foocamp idea fascinating. Get some sponsers to give away some goodies and I believe plenty of listners would find that a $99 value for the weekend. A bunch can probably write it off as a company expense.

My .02,

-mark

I know it may not be practical, but I think it would be fun to do it on a cruise ship. During the off season they aren't too expensive. Carnival's Fantasy class ships have a card room and library that are almost always emtpy. We could cut a deal with the cruise ship for discounted Internet access.

Dan

Hm.... www.geekcruises.com ?

The cruise is a good idea if you want what Geek Cruises offers but I don't think it works for what Carl's talking about. You can't really cruise for a weekend or on a tight budget while Vegas allows the option for both.

Sounds like a great idea...If you can get Markus Egger to wear lederhosen and give yodeling lessons you could probably charge at LEAST $99.

Great Carl!

My wife and I are planning on a trip to Las Vegas, maybe I can try to go on the weekend that you guys are going to be there.

I think it would be great to ensure that the bulk of the events were held where the under 21 crowd could attend. There are a lot of brilliant young programmers that are financially cut out of most conferences. I do not know Nevada's laws regarding minors.

And Fairbanks is beautiful in the winter. It would be a great place for it. The Princess or maybe Chena Hot Springs should be able to hold us and we could go out walking on the river.

I don't know if this is possible, but maybe we can do this Vegas thing the weekend after Chris Sells' XML Dev Con (Oct 20 & 21)? A bunch of us will be travel out west anyway, and then we can fly down to Vegas, hang, and then go home. Probably not enough time to pull it off, but I thought I'd suggest it.

I would pay to go to Vegas just to hang with the DNR crowd, regardless of whether their is a confernece going on, but that would make it easier for me to get work to pay for travel. Looking forward to seeing more details.

Can't see the cruise happening - but can't find a good reason why Vegas isn't the best choice.

Hey, sounds like fun!

Count me in I have needed an excuse to go to Vegas why not do when you can get the good speakers if they have COMDEX 2004 it had been scheduled to open November 14 I am not sure if it is still.

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