It was suggested to me that I reprise
my FAQ post from last year with updates. If anyone has anything to
add, feel free to comment:
Q: Why are you guys doing this?
A: We are not really sure. It
seems like a great idea, then takes up a considerable amount of time and
a week before Eileen and
I swear we will not do it again. Then everyone turns up and its great.
So in short, we are doing it for the Karma. Everyone that
I know that will be at this event are great people and good fun. It’s
worth it. That being said, planning a 3-day, 500 people event with
20 sponsors has easily taken up 5 months of spare time for Eileen and I.
It would also not be possible without Matt, Bill, Warren, Kitty,
Julian, Volker and many others.
Q: Where should I stay?
A: Suggestions are on the website
Q: Can you tell me what is the best
airport to fly into?
A: Dublin Airport (DUB). Fly in
on the Tuesday and leave on the Sunday. Then you can see a lot of
the city. And if you have not been here before, it is a wonderful
city.Information on getting to the city is on the ilug website.
Q: Any suggestions on things to do
in Dublin at the time?
A: Plenty – How strong is
your liver?
Q: How did you get all these world
class speakers?
A: Kimonos and Sake. Ask me at
the event. But, for the record, these speakers are the people that
people queue to see at paid events. You have access to the best in
business. This includes best presenting style and content combined
into funny, entertaining, passionate geeks.
Q: How is the event free?
A: Sponsors are covering the cost. The
two primary sponsors are IBM and Blackberry. They have been great
for us. There are another 18 sponsors though – buy their stuff.
Q: Can we pay some sort of token
cost? We feel guilty for not contributing to this (yes this is asked)
A: Thank you. We are not
sure how we can do this but if we think of something, we will let you know.
Last year, gifts were arranged behind my back. There is no
need this year (My Mac is wonderful). How about you "pay it
forward" and do something nice for a charity or someone you know when
you get home (or even at the event). Keep the vibe good.
Q: Don’t lie – you are in this to
make money
A: No, we are not. It is a strictly
"not for profit" gig. Our books are "open" for
sponsors.
Q: It is a bit unfair that someone
that works for an IBM Business Partner in Ireland is arranging this event.
Obviously this is a sales gig for your employer
A: Go away… It would be MUCH
easier if it was. My employer is not a sponsor (they want to be).
This is to stop that annoying question. In turn, to keep it
fair, I don’t permit any BP to sponsor as a services company. That
may change in the future but not yet. I have had to turn down BP
sponsors even when we need money, just to keep this event from turning
into a services sales day or just to stop accusations of such. I
even take leave to organise the event on the week it is on.
Aside from that, I have not seen anyone
else stepping up to arrange it.
Q: Can we sponsor?
A: Nope. The sponsor area is full.
But thanks for asking.
Q: I would of expected more assistance
or room rates sorted etc.
A: This is a free event – you
are VERY lucky people.
Q: Those dates don’t suit me
A: See answer above
Q: Can you do deep dive sessions
(like classroom/lab sessions)
A: No. We don’t have the facilities
