I've received some questions via e-mail so I'll answer them here for everybody. This FAQ will be expanded as needed.
Q. Why is this event free?
A. One quick reason is that it makes everything much easier to plan. When your event is free you don't have to worry about handling registrations, refunds, insurance, catering and all the other hassles of event planning. It's also somewhat of a knock on high-price conferences. I want to show that you can put on a decent event with little funding....it just takes good people.
Q. You don't pay speakers fees?
A. Nope. I am very fortunate that a number of great friends and colleagues have all pitched in and will be traveling at their own cost to come to Orlando to lead a session.
Q. How much will the t-shirts cost?
A. Nothing, they're free. That's one of the nice things about having a few sponsors this year, free t-shirts! (You need to have registered by Sept 18th to get a shirt though)
Q. So what are the sponsors paying for?
A. All sponsors realize that they're not getting the right to pitch you in any way. The sponsors believe in the event and want to support the community and the folks that take part in the event. Sponsors will not be provided any demographic information on you. However, your name is listed on the attendees page. They might visit your site and contact you directly. What the sponsors are paying for is venue costs, power-strips, extension cords, speaker gifts, t-shirts, badges, printing and hopefully some food and drink.
Q. Is there wifi?
A. Yes, but you will need to register for a guest account with Rollins when you first connect to the networks
Q. What food is provided during the event?
A. None :-) We kept things simple last year and I think it worked out. Those of you that run event will tell you that the big money hole is food. The other issue is getting an accurate count for food. Last year if I had to pay for food for all the people that 'said' they were coming I would have been in serious debt. That's one problem with free events, it's easy not to come.
Q. So what do we do for lunch?
A. We'll be breaking for an hour and a half for lunch. There are a number of restaurants within walking distance of Rollins. You'll have plenty of time to leave and come back. John Rife has produced a Google Map with highlights of all the local lunch options.
Q. How about dinner and drinks on Friday?
A. There will be a happy hour at Slingapour's in downtown Orlando. Details here.
Q. What's the deal for Thursday night?
A. We'll be hanging out at Universal CityWalk. Details here and here.
Q. Any ticket discounts for EPCOT?
A. Ah............sorry, I was laughing there......Disney is not one to easily discount their tickets :-) You will need to purchase tickets on your own. If you're just going for one day it will be $71. What Disney will tell you (and it's true) is that if you plan to return within the year you should buy a multi-day pass. For Florida residents the 3-Days for $120 is the best deal. Remember that it's also the first day of the Food & Wine Festival so bring extra cash to sample all the cuisines. (I'm going to ask John Frost from The Disney Blog to write up something about the FWF).
Q. Is there a conference hotel?
A. Nope, remember this is an un-conference, so a conference hotel would be kinda conferency! Typically to get discount rates you need to book room blocks and I can't guarantee a hotel that X number of people will be staying there. Previously I suggested that folks look to the Embassy Suites on Lake Eola or the EO Inn. I'll be staying at the EO and a few session leaders are already booked there as well.
Q. Josh, this seems like a lot of work to organize this?
A. Yes it is.
Q. How can I help?
A. Just let me know what you can do. I have a few folks from Orlando helping out with some of the logistical issues like badges, programs and things like that. There is also the need for day-before and day-of stuff. If you're willing to help I can put you to work.
Q. I want to do something like this in my town?
A. No problem, go right ahead. That was one of the cool things to come out of last year's event. Savannah, Atlanta and Philadelphia held events modeled somewhat after BlogOrlando. In each case I helped out the organizers a bit by sharing how I organized BlogOrlando.
