A few weeks ago I was able to get some discounted prices for the Hilton - the rate varies, depending on the day of the week, but out of seven days, four were cheaper, and the rest were the same as the conference discount. And there are hotels within a block that are cheaper, but it takes some digging. It is very convenient to stay at the Hilton - the convention center is attached to the hotel. It is very nice to be able to go to your room between sessions. On the other hand, it will not be as hot as it was the last time the conference was in Vegas, so if you like walking, you will get a little exercise.
If memory serves me right, the conference fee was lowered by $200 a few months before the conference to try to bring in people who were undecided. I can't guarantee that will happen again. Also, because the travel industry usually promotes travel with reduced rate packages for trips one or two months in advance, you may find some bargains starting to appear this month. Believe it or not, with all the spectacles in Vegas, you can find a surprising amount of entertainment for a cheap price (weather permitting). But.. they make it easy to spend money! I agree with Bobbee that the value of the technical conference is outstanding. It is like taking several training classes for the price of one (but you just don't get the hands on experience - Wouldn't that be great if IBM could setup some hands-on workstations there???? Or at least more real live demonstrations?). Plus, you are getting information directly from the developers, in many cases. The vendor demonstrations can also be valuable - by looking at what thay are offering, they tend to show you what the real-world needs are (or will be). From: Robert Broderick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> on 11/04/2002 07:38 AM Please respond to MQSeries List <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] cc: Subject: Re: IBM TRANSACTION AND MESSAGING CONFERENCE U should go to the IBM site. BUT>>> Two years ago the conference was held at the Las Vegas Hilton. I believe the cost on the room for the IBM conference was $159 USD per night. You could, if you search around get much lower rates. But then you would not be in the hotel and it would be a little more of a pain. The conference for both the MQSeries and CICS was about $1700 USD. Although you may not be doing CICS there are some interesting topics on MQ in the CICS sessions that you may want to see. If you don't prepay with that designation. You cannot get into those. Also there is a discount if you are a partner (Or at least there used to be!!) Transportation is pretty much unnecessary. You have quick access to the "STRIP" and it is an easy walk. Actually it's pretty enjoyable. If you have never been to Vegas, aside from the gambling, it is a Disney World for ADULTs. Breakfast and Lunch are provided at the conference and being Vegas you have more that a variety in both price and food to satisfy yourself. If you want to go to any shows, you should book them in advance as Vegas in the winter is a prime spot. Circus O'lea can be book by people outside the hotel 30 days prior to show. Expect to sit at the top row and bring binoculars. Try a show called SPLASH. It's a little adult so leave your religion home. Also try the Roller Coaster at New York, New York. IT's GREAT!!!!!. I went two years ago to Vegas and three years ago to Dallas. The conference is very very good, with tons of information for the newbie and interesting forecasting and new stuff for the Hard Core MQ'ers. Vegas is an added benefit!! "This has been a paid political announcement!!!" (hahaha) bobbee >From: "Voges, P. (Pieter)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Reply-To: MQSeries List <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: IMB TRANSACTION AND MESSAGING CONFERENCE >Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 07:35:08 +0200 > >Hi everyone > >I would like to attend the IBM transaction and messaging conference in Las >Vegas from February 10 - 14 next year. I need to apply now and need some >indication of costs for budgeting purposes. I am working in South-Africa >and >can obtain the cost for the return flights quite easy. But I urgently need >an estimation of the other cost. (Cost of the conference, accommendation, >transport etc.) > >If anybody can give me an indication on that it will really be appreciated. > >Thank you >Pieter Voges >MQ Support >Nedcor Bank Limited >Tel: (011) 881 4410 >Sel: 083 6455 300 >E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >http://dotweb.it.nednet.co.za/link.asp?names=Voges,%20Pieter ><http://dotweb.it.nednet.co.za/link.asp?names=Voges,%20Pieter> > _________________________________________________________________ Unlimited Internet access for only $21.95/month. Try MSN! http://resourcecenter.msn.com/access/plans/2monthsfree.asp Instructions for managing your mailing list subscription are provided in the Listserv General Users Guide available at http://www.lsoft.com Archive: http://vm.akh-wien.ac.at/MQSeries.archive Instructions for managing your mailing list subscription are provided in the Listserv General Users Guide available at http://www.lsoft.com Archive: http://vm.akh-wien.ac.at/MQSeries.archive