RE: IBM Power Systems Technical University?

Rob,
As far as the speakers go, would it be safe to say at the IBM conference you would only get IBM speakers, not some other experts in the industry such as John Earl (security)?
As far as the vendor presence - I actually am curious to know if the vendor presence is as 'thick' as at COMMON. I don't see that as a bad thing, but a good thing. I have a really good relationship with many vendors and enjoy talking to them and seeing the new offerings for our platform. Just curious how big the vendor presence was at the IBM show.

Thanks, Larry

-----Original Message-----
From: midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of rob@xxxxxxxxx
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2010 3:05 PM
To: Midrange Systems Technical Discussion
Subject: RE: IBM Power Systems Technical University?

I've been to both and I found them comparable.
Years ago (when both conferences really packed them in) I knew of a gal
who preferred the Tech Conference because there wasn't the walking around.
Some preferred the Tech Conference because you didn't have to go out at
lunch and scrounge a meal - it was provided.

Things change over the years. I know that COMMON has encouraged the
vendors to provide more eats and there was less concern about that.

As far as the length of the conference I believe they both have websites
and that wouldn't take much research to get hard facts. That also applies
to costs. Well, there are costs other than conference registration. Like
transportation, hotel, dining, etc. That's where this list may help. (or
the midrange-nontech).

Many of the speakers aren't doing one or the other like in years past -
check with Jon Paris or whomever you're looking for. Again, much of that
should be on their websites.

And what's your concern with vendor presence? Are you trying to ensure a
lively expo because you are shopping for software? Or are you trying to
ensure that many of the presentations are not a thinly veiled "buy our
product" session? Or are you hunting for foam to take home to the
kiddies?


Rob Berendt