ILUG2010 planning begins

Yup… the planning has begun for ILUG2010.
 Details are still very rough, but here are some starters:

  • It will be in November 2010.  Not
    our usual May, but personal reasons make May a bad choice.

  • It will be 3 days long
  • It will be multi track
  • We will require sponsors
  • The usual suspects have signed up to
    help out.

  • It will be a lot of fun
  • It is not for profit
  • It will be free to attend
  • We will need speakers
  • Casual and technical mood is mandatory
  • Bad language is encouraged
  • There will be beer

    We will firm up on the details in the
    very near future (hopefully end of next week) with sponsor information
    etc.  One thing we wanted to ask the crowd was about venue.  Dublin
    or Belfast.

    Dublin:

  • Eileen lives near there
  • I am from there
  • Fantastic city
  • Cheap airport
  • Not as cheap to stay in (but cheaper
    then last time)

  • Big city
  • Great weekend venue
  • Metric shitload of bars
  • Metric shitload of history
  • Metric shitload of things to do

    Belfast:

  • I live there (i.e. I’m being lazy and
    it suits me)

  • It’s somewhere new
  • 2 airports
  • Cheaper then Dublin
  • Fantastic city
  • Great weekend venue
  • Metric shitload of bars
  • Metric shitload of history (wanna see
    where the Titanic was built?)

  • Metric shitload of history
  • Metric shitload of things to do

    Any thoughts from anyone?  Would
    you like somewhere new but still in Ireland?  (No politics or history
    lessons please – we live here).  What do you think?

February 17, 2010 · Filed under ILUG10

No Comments »

  1. Ed Brill Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 4:22 pm

    Would love to see you do Belfast if you think that the delegates from Dublin and other corners of the island would come up for it. In other words, how many ILUG attendees have been truly local and not paying for hotels/travel expense as a result, who might not be able to travel up to Belfast?

    (and for those of us coming from the US, Belfast is a pain with no nonstop flights, but it would be a worthwhile pain. What’s Giants Causeway like in November?)

  2. Paul Mooney Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 4:26 pm

    We averaged about 25-30% attendees from Dublin for ILUGs in the past. I think that if the value is the free conference and expertise people should want to travel to it. Dublin to Belfast in a car is 2 hours. People could either commute or just stay in a local hotel/b&b.

    As far as I know, there are direct flights to Belfast from the US. If those do not suit, there is an Aircoach that departs Dublin airport and leaves you in Belfast city 2 hours later. Very reasonable.

    I favour Belfast as its “something new” and a great city for people to see. Obviously we are cost driven, but if there is a big enough shoutout for one side or another, we will take it onboard.

    Giants Causeway is breathtaking all year round. Bloody unusual place indeed. Also, it is wet all year round (just in November its colder!)

  3. Sean Burgess Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 4:27 pm

    I would like to cast my vote for Belfast also, especially since I have never been there. Would be interesting to see the contrast between the 2 Irelands. Might even be a good reason to rent a car and drive on those way to narrow roads.

  4. Duffbert Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 4:30 pm

    Either works for me… Belfast might be a nice change, though…

  5. Vitor Pereira Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 4:31 pm

    I vote for Belfast too. I’ll have to fly to Dublin and will probably get a car and drive to Belfast, anyone interested?

  6. Frank Docherty Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 4:32 pm

    Either location is easy for me to get to, so I’m not really that fussed. That being said, I do have a soft spot for Dublin, but that may change when I visit Belfast later on this year.

    Let us know when you want speaker abstracts, as I already have a few ideas for my submission(s).

    3 whole days of Lotus geekyness … I can’t wait!

  7. Matt White Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 4:35 pm

    A vote for Belfast from me. Always good to go somewhere new.

  8. Steve McDonagh Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 4:36 pm

    Not that it should play any part in the deliberations at all .. but there is a noticable price differential in the price of booze in Belfasts favour … AND we do not have an accent Emoticon

  9. Kitty Elsmore Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 4:38 pm

    Belfast please, have only ever passed through the ferry terminal, would be good to have a chance to see more of the city!

  10. Mike Smith Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 4:41 pm

    I would vote for Belfast. I have heard great things about the place and as with UKLUG while Dublin was great it might be good to give another city a chance.

    Mike

    @1 Ed: The Glens of Antrim and Dunluce Castle are also well worth a trip.

  11. Chris Miller Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 4:45 pm

    Flip a coin and choose Belfast. We wouldnt want Paul to have to travel Emoticon

  12. Paul Withers Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 4:47 pm

    It sounds like Belfast is a firm favourite, can’t wait.

  13. Ed Brill Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 4:55 pm

    @2 actually, there is one flight a day from Newark to BFS on Continental. Otherwise, connections only. But I for one would have no issues making the connection for ILUG…
    @10 thanks for the other tips. I’ve only done a day trip through Belfast city and no other time in the north.

  14. Paul Mooney Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 5:08 pm

    @Ed, you could ship over the bus? ;)

  15. Paul Calhoun Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 5:08 pm

    You can get Guinness both places right?

    Then either place is fine with me.

  16. Michael Kobrowski Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 5:14 pm

    Having been to NI in 1993 I do have mostly fond memories from then. Avoided Belfast back then, but Derry was great. Bushmills is very close too, isn’t it? Emoticon

    How about Galway in 2011? I’ll be there for that one Emoticon

  17. Darren Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 5:23 pm

    It matters not… build it and they will come. But I vote for Belfast because I won’t have to exchange any currency.

    On behalf of IBM, thank you Paul and Eileen (and everyone else who will work long hours) for all that you do for the Lotus community.

  18. Tom Berge Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 5:39 pm

    Hi Paul….

    After all the hard work you’ve put in over the years, you deserve to do whatever makes it easiest for you, but you asked me what we wanted, so I’d have to say Dublin. Also, if you need any help with practical tasks etc.. just give me a shout!

    Tom

  19. Darren Duke Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 5:39 pm

    Hartlepool! Oh, wait wrong country…..Belfast. If they’ll let me in again.

  20. Jens Polster Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 5:46 pm

    Belfast, please!!! I’ve been there several times in the past 15 years and it was good craic every time. Would love to spend an evening in Fibber Magees again!

    Thanks to you guys for doing it again, your effort is really appreciated.

  21. Bill Malchisky Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 5:54 pm

    Belfast gets my vote. Looking forward to it.

  22. Paul Hudson Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 6:08 pm

    I’ve not been to Dublin or ILUG and due to work commitments I’ve been unable to attend events in the ‘May – September’ period for nearly 10 years.

    This year I’d decided that no matter what I was going to attend ILUG in Dublin in May and hopefully fit a little break in around it.

    Oh well, Belfast in November it is then

  23. LongLiveLotus Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 6:20 pm

    Dublin gets my vote as never been but echo Darrens comments, whatever works for you will work for us Emoticon

    PS can you hint (even roughly) at dates?

    PPS WTF is wrong with Hartlepool like??? They do a nice kerry there…

  24. Joerg Michael Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 6:41 pm

    Would love to go to Dublin again. But it seems Belfast is winning this one. Anyway, whatever is easiest for you. Or Eileen Emoticon

  25. Sean Cull Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 6:47 pm

    Belfast for me, my mum lives close by !

  26. Frank Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 7:21 pm

    Would prefer Dublin, as transportation is a clear advantage, there are none to little EU flights to Belfast as far as I remember.
    Please see that the 2h bus trip adds to an other 2+h flight for most of us not from IRL.
    So for travel convenience: Dublin!

  27. Odd Åge Skogheim Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 7:31 pm

    The Norweagian jury give their vote for Belfast. Well at least part of the jury.

    Can’t wait. And if there are anything I can do to help out – just say so.

  28. Karl-Henry Martinsson Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 7:45 pm

    I have only been to Dublin once, in 1995 or something like that. Had a great time, would not mind going back.

    On the other hand, I always love to experience new places, so Belfast works for me too.

    As long as there is Guinness around, I am cool with either. Emoticon Cheaper might make it easier for me to convince my boss to send me this year…

  29. Rob McDonagh Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 8:27 pm

    Belfast. Everyone should get a chance (and an excuse) to see a bit of the North.

    Of course, I’m the guy who thinks the next UKLug should be in Wales, so pay me no mind…

  30. Tony McGuckin Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 8:48 pm

    Hi Paul, Another big vote for Belfast here! Let me know when/how you’re taking abstracts Emoticon

  31. Alan Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 9:15 pm

    Belfast . . . . . party at Paul’s house!

    I figure if I make the trip the difference between Dublin & Belfast will be negligible in a 10,000 mile round trip Emoticon

  32. john head Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 9:17 pm

    Rob – I believe I was right there with you on UKLUG wales :)

    Does not matter to me – I will go where you have it. Belfast would be cool. I would probably fly to and from Dublin and sitesee on the way up and down.

  33. Sean Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 10:35 pm

    Great News. Let me know if I can help out… projectors, screens, gopher….

    Emoticon

    Vote for Belfast too. I will be driving up so space for anyone needing a lift…Emoticon

  34. Fabrizio Marchesano Said,

    February 17, 2010 @ 11:43 pm

    Dublin would be the perfect place for Lotus Notes Traveler-related sessions: won’t “Gulliver’s Traveler” be a great title?
    By the way, as I’m not going to submit proposals on Traveler, this is an open source title, you can use it if you like it Emoticon.
    My vote goes to Dublin, just because even if Belfast is a wonderful city as well, I would like to visit the Trinity College Library.

  35. Keith Brooks Said,

    February 18, 2010 @ 2:03 am

    Family in Dublin but always wanting to go to Belfast so I guess this will be the chance.
    No holidays in November aside from Thanksgiving so think about that if you want US speakers who may have family obligations.

    For Rob M, Wales should get one someday, yes, had a great time out there Emoticon

  36. Alexia Said,

    February 18, 2010 @ 7:47 am

    We are in which ever the choice. But we get direct flights to Dublin with Ryanair!! and we will be travelling with a Maltese contingent! beware….

  37. Paul Mooney Said,

    February 18, 2010 @ 8:25 am

    Don’t forget folks, you can fly to any UK airport, and there will be flights to Belfast. Ryanair flies to Belfast too.

  38. Bjorn Said,

    February 18, 2010 @ 9:10 am

    Dublin.

  39. Geoff Higgins Said,

    February 18, 2010 @ 9:34 am

    Paul,

    Naturally Belfast gets my vote and I am happy to help in whatever way I can.

  40. Coatsie Said,

    February 18, 2010 @ 10:20 am

    Hard choice Paul but I think Belfast for me mate !

  41. Claus Bäumler Said,

    February 18, 2010 @ 11:17 am

    Flight connections to Dublin are much better for the Europeans Emoticon

  42. Mary Beth Raven Said,

    February 18, 2010 @ 1:49 pm

    Belfast, please, because I have never been there.

  43. Gary Walsh Said,

    February 18, 2010 @ 2:51 pm

    Bestfast would be my choice. No offense to those who vote for Dublin, but I find Belfast to be more intimate and more affordable. In this day and age, the latter is attractive to both clients and partners. Installed our Docova Doc Mgt product into an Aerospace company there last year. One of my more enjoyable trips of the year. Looking forward to going back again in a few weeks.

  44. Paul Mooney Said,

    February 18, 2010 @ 2:57 pm

    @Gary – let me know when you are over. We will arrange a few beers

  45. Stuart McIntyre Said,

    February 18, 2010 @ 3:36 pm

    Belfast would be awesome. I love the November date – gives us something to really look forward to late in the year.

    Note to IBM: Please don’t schedule LS11 abstract or presentation submission dates for that week Emoticon

  46. Olav Behrens Said,

    February 18, 2010 @ 3:49 pm

    Belfast would be great – Hope November would not mean 15.-17., because that would overlap with the DNUG (German Notes User Group)conference in Frankfurt a. M.

  47. Jaime Said,

    February 19, 2010 @ 12:28 pm

    Either would be great. Belfast looks like its the winner.

  48. Rob Novak Said,

    February 20, 2010 @ 7:33 pm

    Belfast is my choice as well, to round out the four corners of the island – been to Dublin numerous times now, Galway, Kinsale…just would love to go north. Maybe even twice this year.

  49. elaine donnell Said,

    February 20, 2010 @ 9:50 pm

    looks like Belfast is winning so if you need help with anything I’ve got friends in many places that may be able to help !!

  50. elaine donnell Said,

    February 20, 2010 @ 9:54 pm

    looks like Belfast is winning so if you need help with anything I’ve got friends in many places that may be able to help !!

  51. Gregory Engels Said,

    February 22, 2010 @ 10:16 am

    I am all for Belfast, there are cheap flights with Fly-may-be (with whom i had pretty bad experiences) available FRA-BHD direct

  52. Mark Myers Said,

    February 22, 2010 @ 1:17 pm

    Belfast for me (mainly cause its somewhere new)

  53. Cannes Rental Said,

    February 23, 2010 @ 1:24 pm

    Spam comment from 180.148.223.59 removed.

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  54. Frank Stangenberg Said,

    February 24, 2010 @ 10:19 am

    Belfast please, I have never been there.

  55. Paul Said,

    March 3, 2010 @ 12:22 pm

    Anonymous comment from 195.212.29.83 removed

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