Now, Steve, one thing I do wish (and can understand why they may not) is for Red Gate to do more in-person SQL in the City events. I was able, several years back, to make it to the event in Chicago, and I would love to get to another one. I know there were several the year after, but because of various things I couldn't make them.
Send a note. I like the in person events as well, though we've cut back due to the cost. I think if we go back to them, we need a way to charge admission, at least some token amount. The last few we did had lots of people register and not show up. Since we have to plan for most people to come, we end up losing quite a bit of money.
Perhaps, if for the fee the attendee got something for it on the day (e.g. it covers food and refreshments, USB key with info on or T-Shirt) then it would seem a reasonable deal. I am not even speculating whether the fee vs. item cost should equate or not. Perhaps the item cost could also be covered by sponsorship.
Of course, it could be argued that the event is of value anyway. :hehe:
For the Chicago event, they did hand out some goodies, a USB stick with the free Red Gate books, a little notebook with a tiny pen, and at the end of the event printed(!!) copies of some of the Red Gate books (limit one per person until everyone went by,) and I believe also t-shirts.
I've still got all my goodies from the event.
I know there was lunch at the venue, but I don't recall if it was included or not.
Regardless, for what I took away from the event (excluding the goodies) it would've been worth a $50-100 admission...