360Flex Atlanta Wrap up

Days two and three are now done and gone. Time for some thoughts.

Tuesday.
Went well, no keynote, so a little less stress. The USB copying was still the order of the day, man we need a better system! Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and the Effective UI and Universal Mind party was off the hook!

We moved from Fight Room (another group had it) to Adidas, and it was a dope space. Less seating so there wasn't as much, lounging, but that made for way more mingling and networking, which was the point of the party... well that and to drink and eat!

Stats is by far the coolest place we've had a party at. The Red Lion restaurant was ok, but Stats, was off the hook!

After the budgeted drinks ran dry, UM and EUI kicked the party up a notch, opening up the bar on their own dime. That was great! Two excellent and cool companies!!

Wednesday.
Keynote time. The keynote went off without a hitch, we had some sweet ass community demos; Renaun showed off some cool Pacifica action, Joe had an awesome musical composer, Ben showed what he's been up to with OpenFlux, Zach gave a demo of the new Yahoo! Maps API, Adam told us all about Merapi, and his new Flexglossary project, and juan showed us all what Drgrafa was.

Tom and I did our traditional money talk, showing that (excluding charges for Milan) we made a little money. We went over what we've changed from Seattle and what we've learned. Everyone seemed to enjoy the info. I think it went well.

The raffle was a little rough. Rough like ghetto, two laptops, an excel file, and a web based SQL screen for our DB. Since we moved to using an AIR app for session surveys, we had to abandon the reach in a box, and pull out surveys way of picking winners. Unfortunately, now we're dependent on an internet connection, and the SQL server being up and running. BUMMER. since right at lunch, our hosting partner had some difficulties on the MySQL boxes.

We finally got a semi workable system and were able to raffle off al the cool stuff we were given; two "on AIR" cameras from Adobe, two 5 day training courses from Sterling Ledet, 3 copies of Sorenson Squeeze from Sorenson Media, and some cool AIR 1 launch posters from Adobe.

All in all I think (correct me if I'm wrong) that the conference went really well. I can't wait to see everyone again, next time. The Koi will eat well again.

360Flex Day one in Review

Seeing as how it's 1am, and I'm up burning USB Drives and stuffing a few remaining folders. I thought it fitting for a "Day One in Review" Post, since it's day two now.

Actually Sunday was Day One, and it went great. We had almost 80 folks in our hands on session. The Digital Primates guys rocked it! Grant Straker had around 20 in the Cairngorm and ZoomFlex session, w00t!

Tom and I tried a few new things this time (as we tend to do). We ditched paper surveys, in favor of an AIR app. That woulda rocked, had I not messed it up by compiling against Beta 3, the night before AIR 1 launched. After some scrambling, and getting some insanely helpful Tech Support (You know you rate when the Product Manager is providing Tech support, Thanks Matt!) we got the app compiled.

Since we also ditched the CD in favor of a 1gb Flash drive, we were able to update the app for everyone. Here's where things get sticky.

In my infinite wisdom I reasoned that, since we wouldn't have the final AIR and Flex 3 bits until late, and since speakers are notorious for delivering preso bits late, we'd leave the drives and burn them write them last minute. BAD IDEA.

Writing 4 (in my case) or 7 ( in Tom's) USB drives at the same time, is not fast. NOT AT ALL. So come Sunday, as people started to register, we're trying to burn as many as we can, while checking people in. We never caught up with demand. Come Monday, same thing, we're writing drives as fast as we can, never catching up to demand. Oy vay!

So in hindsight, I woulda had us write them, then just update them as we got parts before going into production, woulda saved time, i think.

Other than that, I think Atlanta is easily on track to kick Seattle's ass as far as fun and people. I mean Sunday and Monday night, were absolutely incredible. If Tom and or I haven't talked to you (an attendee reading this in a session, i'm sure) make sure to come say hi. Shaking your hand and thanking you for being a part of 360|Flex is what makes the job worth doing.

Stats, is by far a kick ass party location, I can't wait for tonights party, the Universal Mind, EffectiveUI mixer!

All in all, as I sit here watching Leopards copy status window, I have to say, 360|Flex Atlanta has, as I expected, raised the bar for 360|Flex's. Europe has it's work cut out for them.

On a final note, we gave out 300 copies of the Cluetrain Manifesto. Tom and I have recited it's dictums from time to time, here and on our corporate blog, and we thought, it'd be a cool thing to share the idea. Hopefully everyone enjoys it. We were really excited to be able to give everyone a chance to see exactly what makes us behave the way we do towards business. Enjoy.

See everyone in 7 hours!!!!

(Written at 1am, Tom didn't proof it.)

360flex Flex 3 launch is days away, so are we.

Per Ted, Flex 3 and Air 1 are days from launching...

360|Flex Atlanta is days from now, actually only one day from now...


Coincidence?

360Flex Want to get hands on help with the Ribbit API?

Chuckstar (Charles Freedman) of Ribbit will be holding a hands on workshop with the Ribbit API on Tuesday.

Chuck will be holding court, Tuesday 2:30p - 3:50 in the Hands On room. Bring your laptop, and get some great Ribbit API juju from the man behind it!

You could even throw what you make, into the API contest, huh, how cool is that?


It ain't too late to register!
Learn more about 360Conferences.

360Flex do you Tumblr?

We do.

Not at that conference? Well besides our traditional Twitter feed, you can play along at home following the tumblog.

Tumblr is new to us, so we'll need everyone's help; attendees and those at home. Post away, let's get interactive yo''!!

If you want to participate in the ATL Tumblog I think you'll need an invite, so email us at info [AT] 360flex.com and we'll hook ya up with access.

Let's get tumblin' and twitterin' :)

Don't want to play along from home? Still a few spots left and I mean a few! Register Now!

The E! True hollywood story of 360Conferences, check it out :)

360Flex do you have something to show off?

We're trying something a little mashup camp like. Our hands on room is mostly open Tuesday and Wednesday. Dan Wilson wraps up hands on Training Monday, and we hate to see a room go to waste :)

Here's what we're thinking, we'll let you use the rooms. We're looking for ideas from anyone and everyone. Have a cool project to demo? Maybe you want to talk about an upcoming API you're working on? Maybe a small hands on for a new project you're starting? Whatever you like.

Hands on, open forum discussion, demo, anything goes. All you have to do is email Tom and I, or come see us at the show and sign up for a slot. We've already got a few (below)

Our big signs that go up in front of each room and our bigger mega sign, are blank so once we get some one in a time slot, we'll write it in so everyone knows.

Tuesday:
10:00a - 11:20a : Adam Flater will be doing an open forum demo of Merapi
1:00p - 5:20p : a cast of thousands will be doing an open forum titled, "What's skills do I need to get hired?"

Wednesday:
1:00p - 2:20p : Zach Graves will be following up on his demo at the keynote, talking about Yahoo's Mapping API

That still leaves a few time slots. Let us know what you'd like to do and we'll get you up on the schedule boards!

Not too late to register!
How and why we do things

360Flex is it for me?

I've no doubt that question has been asked, a lot.

With about 1 week to go, let me help explain what 360|Flex is, and why it may or may not be the conference for you to attend.

We'll start with who probably shouldn't attend.

You're a backend developer, not interested in moving full fledged into UI development. You'd like to build some nice UI's from time to time, but your heart and soul are in CF, PHP, .NET, LISP, COBOL, you name it. While we do offer an integration track, it's only 1/3 of the focus, and it's spread across multiple technologies. It's bummer you'll have to pay more for a conference that is more suited to your goals, and desires, but you'd be wasting your time and money coming to 360|Flex.

You've never written a line of OO code in your life. Our San Jose event had plenty of your type and we had plenty of 101 content aimed at getting non-OO, never seen Flex or ActionScript, developers up to speed. 360|Flex Atlanta however has a more mid level, at least a bit familiar with Flex and AS, 101 track. I'd recommend some Adobe certified training or maybe hit up Total Training (who sponsored our Seattle event) and then come hang out with us next time. (Oh yes, there will be a next time)

Now, why 360|Flex is the conference for you

You're a Flex developer. You eat, sleep and breath Flex and ActionScript. There's no other conference, anywhere, that is only Flex. Sure there's plenty that dabble; have an "RIA track", maybe have some of the same speakers. But they all cost more, hmmm. Less Flex, AIR, AS content, more money. Do the math.

You're a ColdFusion, COBOL, .NET, LISP developer, looking to move more into UI and RIA technologies. You've seen the light, you want in on the fun. Our 101 hands on, plus our session ratings, will help you find the session that is right for you. Whatever your existing Flex skillset, you'll find enough to keep you busy every day.

You're a Flash developer, looking to leave timelines and keyframes behind. Again with the 101s and the session ratings, you'll be able to find the session that best fits your skillset.

You're thinking Flex might be the technology direction your company will want to take. While the 300 level sessions may be over your head, the 100 and 200 sessions will help you see what's possible down the rabbit hole. :) You'll come away knowing one way or another if Flex and AIR are right for your company.

Lastly, you're a developer looking to build desktop apps, screw this RIA webapp stuff. AIR is what makes you tingly. The AIR specific sessions will more than give you what you need. Our speakers are at the forefront of AIR application development. Plus since AIR is MXML, a lot of the other sessions will have relevance for the AIR developer.

360Flex why we don't do early bird

The names have been changed to protect the innocent, but Tom and I got this in an email thread.

"...I'll just go ahead and sign up at the normal price which is a good deal in my book."


That's why we don't believe in the farce of early bird pricing. Why punish some one who is late to the party for no other reason than they're late? If you're late to your mechanic, he may make you wait a bit longer, but he doesn't bump the price up 30%. If he did, you'd find a new mechanic.

If shows you regularly attend do that, maybe it's time you came to ours instead. Register now, it's still only $480 for one or $1500 for four. Just like it was the day we started selling tickets.

The API Contest is still going, on, not too late to enter!
Why we do what we do.

360Flex - Where pre-conference training is free

In case you've missed it, maybe been busy? Maybe in a sensory deprivation tank?

We'll be offering two free pre-conference training sessions on Sunday the 24th.

We've got Jeff Tapper and Michael Labriola doing a full day, Flex 101 session. Bring your own laptop and be ready to get your hands dirty with Flex and ActionScript! Not only are these Digital Primates nice enough to teach you, they're also going to feed you lunch!

Next door we've got Grant Straker doing a half day (starts at 1pm) session on using ZoomFlex and Cairngorm to build an application. Don't worry, it's not all "Buy ZoomFlex" :) You'll learn to use Cairngorm, as well as Universal Mind's Cairngorm components, sweet stuff!

Both are Free, like Free.99! like Free Tibet, like Free Willy, you get my point. Some conferences charge $449 for pre-conference training, which sadly enough is $50 less than we charge for our whole 3-day conference, and our 1 day of free training.

Email info@360flex.com to let us know if you want to attend either session, just so we can get a count. There's no official sign up or anything, but we do need to keep track of y'all! :)

Haven't registered yet? Not too late!

You've also still got time to show your skillz off in the API contest!
Who are we?

360Flex API Contest in full swing

We're getting ready to open up the voting for the API Contest! Probably the middle of next week or so. We've got a few entries, so there's plenty of room to still enter and your odds are good at winning! Get on it!

No plans this weekend? Something you've already been tinkering with? Enter it!

Know of any friends, family or blog readers (hint, hint) that could use a Wii, Playstation 3 or XBox 360? Be sure to spead the word about the API Contest It's free to enter and anyone (not just attendees) can enter and win!

Put the big image up top on your blog or using the smaller one down below. Do what you can to bring a little gaming love into a developers life.

While don't have be to be in Atlanta to win, but it can't hurt :) Why not register and go? It's gonna be a blast!


Who are we?

360Flex always with the cool schwag

If you haven't heard, we've got 1gb USB drives instead of CDs, packed with some cool content, on top of the speaker presentations! We've also got a copy of the Fusion Authority Quarterly Update, Flex edition! We also have a special gift to attendees, something near and dear to our heart.

Of course, stickers! Stickers for this, stickers for that. You like stickers? We got stickers! Damn, I'm gonna have to clear some space on my laptop.

On top of that Adobe has given us some "super sweet schwag" to raffle off and give away. We have no idea what it is, but it's Adobe so it'll be cool, that much we know!

It's not too late to register! It also ain't too late to show off your mad skills in the API Contest!

Who are we?

360Flex Atlanta: Another free training

Sunday, February 24th, 2008 - 1 pm to 5 pm
Topic: Cairngorm made easy using ZoomFlex

This 4 hour hands-on course will explain how to build Cairgnorm-based Flex applications. You will get an introduction to the concepts of Cairngorm and will use ZoomFlex to generate your Cairngorm based Flex application for the course.

The course has been designed with the help of Thomas Burleson from Universal Mind, who authored the official Cairngorm course for Adobe. It will cover a lot of core Cairngorm concepts.

This pre-conference training session is also included in your base registration price. While there is no fee, please email info@360flex.com if you're interested in attending this.

Note: While this training will use the ZoomFlex product to create the classes, you can apply the same knowledge to hand code your own classes.


Not too late to register. Also not to late to enter the API Contest.

360Flex for the Fence Sitters: Big Announcement from Adobe

A lot of people have publicly and privately told us that they love 360|Flex but that Atlanta as a city just isn't a big draw. You need just a little something more that will get you off the fence and to the show. Well, we think we have something for you.

A little birdy was Flexing his wings outside my window, preparing to leap into the Air. Before he took off though, he chirped, "Adobe's planning a huge announcement at 360|Flex Atlanta. Pass it on."

Birds tend to know things. If you were on the fence of coming, hopefully this will get you to the show. Register now or be one of those, "Oh man, I shoulda gone." folks. Let's be honest, you don't want to be that person. LOL

Register Now!
It's not too late to show off your mad skillz either! Enter the API Contest!

360Flex API Contest... it's go time!

LET'S GET READY TO RUMMMBBBLLLEE!

We're ready to launch our API contest. We posted some instructions, as well as links to the existing and underway contests that are separate from ours.

We've mentioned you can enter more than one event before, but if you win our 360|Flex contest in the Ribbit Category, you'll be an automatic finalist in Ribbit's Opportunity is Calling, contest! What's the prize for the Ribbit category? Nothing short of a Nintendo Wii Adventure Bundle (Wii console, + games, + extra controller — nearly a $500 value). What're you waiting for?!



ebay just updated their rules, making Flex apps much easier to enter the contest! Want to try for $10k? Want to get an app/widget commercialized? Make sure you enter their contest. Want to try for the $10k AND an Xbox 360 (that's the prize for the ebay category of the 360|Flex contest)? Go for it!!

Been looking at DEGRAFA? Why not enter their Derby? Why not enter both? We've got the 360|Flex/OS category. Basically you have a few choices. Build something using DEGRAFA (we don't care what), enter it in our contest, as well as the Derby. Win both! The 360|Flex/OS category is also free form, so if DEGRAFA ain't your thing, build whatever you like, with one caveat! What you build should be aimed at helping Tom and I run 360Conferences; scheduler, speaker tracker, event portal, whatever you feel like. There's a PS3 in it for you!



We've linked to the individual sponsor sites for their contest, here's the link for the official 360|Flex API contest, props to Nick of the Michigan Flex User's Group for building the submission app.

While you don't have to be present to win, why would you not want to be at the BEST Flex Conference in America! Register now!

360Flex Adobe in the Hizzouse!

As usual, Adobe will be in the Hizz-ouse! What's a Flex conference without the hipsters from Adobe? I don't know, but if you've attended one, let us know.

Hopefully you've heard that Ted won't be keynoting :( but that Matt will be :) He'll be talking about how Flex 3 got made and how the Open Source initiative came to be.

We've also got 360|Flex alum Deepa, coming to talk about Flex 4. If you come, you can probably make some feature requests in person. I've heard that requests taken at the show are given higher priority than even those asked by the CEO or product management! This could be a rumor, but only one way to find out, right? :)

We've also got Pete coming, to give a deep dive tour into the open source SDK. Want to make your own compiler or IDE? This is the place to be then.

That's just the Flex Team!

We've also got Renaun "can you hear me now" Erickson coming to talk (don't miss the Wednesday keynote) a little about the state of Pacifica, in addition to his full length session on QTIndexSwapper and more Flash H.264 fun.

Ben Forta will be on hand (another Alum!) dashing in to present, then dashing off to a Scorpio-Man emergency.

Ryan Stewart will be around as well. He'll be talking about Thermo at a BOF during a party (no worries, BOF(s) will be at the same place/time so everyone can maximize their hanging out, drinking, and BOF'ing). He's also gonna have a session on Wednesday in the hands on room, topic TBA ;)

Christophe will be talking about the future of data services, if your apps use 'em, you won't want to miss this session!

That's just the tiniest tip of the 360|Flex speaker line up iceberg (I'm all about the mental imagery today). The complete list is listed on every page of the site. It's a veritable who's who of the Flex world: the biggest, brightest names in the developer community. Come meet the community folks that you've come to depend on and share knowledge with.

Haven't registered? Are you waiting for a fire sale? Won't happen, so go register!

360Flex where's the NE love?

To quote DMX, "Where my dawgs at?"

You Bostonians, New Yorkers, Rhode Islanders, Jersey boys, this is for all of you. "Where you at?"

I know it took Tom and I longer than expected to make it to the east coast. I know a lot of you wanted New York, Boston and even DC. Are you pouting? :)

We looked a little at Boston when planning Seattle before it was "Seattle". We looked again before Atlanta won the bid. Boston is EXPENSIVE! Unless ya'll want to pay $1,500 to attend, there was no way we'd even come close with our budget to being in Boston. Same goes for New York and Joisey. I'm sure we could afford parts of Jersey, but really, would ya'll go to those parts?

DC we didn't even look at. We won't either. There's already too many other events in DC? Why would we camp in some one else's backyard? It's bad form.

So we're in Atlanta, and honestly, for now, that's as "east" as we're getting. Orlando would likely win for the next 360|Flex East Side, since they were our first choice. Though Tom still wants to try to make Philly work, but I think it's more for the Philly Cheesesteaks! That boys stomach does too much leading sometimes. :)

So I'm curious, in looking at our registrations, where's the North East love? Comment and let us know if did we do something wrong? Or if there's anything we can do to help solidify the deal? :)