[Penguicon-tech] Invitation to PenguiCon, May 2-4

[Steve G. <Ste...@co...>]

Fellow Linux/Unix Enthusiasts,
 =

(My apologies to those that have seen some of this message before,
there is new information added, so I have sent it to the entire LUG
mailing list.)

Please let me introduce myself, I'm Steve Gutterman, the PenguiCon =

LUG Wrangler, and my only job is to work with interested Linux User =

Groups and other IT/computer related groups to bring them PenguiCon =

information, and make it easy for them to participate in the con.  So wha=
t
IS PenguiCon?  PenguiCon, which is scheduled for May 2-4 of this year
in the Detroit area, will be the first combined Linux/Unix Expo and =

Science Fiction & Fantasy convention.  We have guests and sessions
in both areas, and a crossover track that combines both.  A bit of =

something for everyone!  I'd like to give your group the latest informati=
on
on PenguiCon, as well as provide my contact information for any further =

questions you may have.

The Guest of Honor list for PenguiCon is:

Terry Pratchett, author of the Discworld novels.
Eric Raymond, author of The Cathedral and the Bazaar.
Pete Abrams, author and artist of Sluggy Freelance.
J.D. Frazer (Illiad), author and artist behind User Friendly.
Rob Malda (CmdrTaco), co-founder of Slashdot.

We also have several other guests who will be attending, including
 =

Eric Flint, author and founder of the Baen Free Library.
Clif Flynt, TCL guru.
Jeff Bates, the other cofounder of slashdot.

And still other popular authors and Unix/Linux/Open Source experts.

I'd be very interested in providing your group  with more con information=

and flyers / registration forms, along with pre-registration discount =

coupons, which are good until April 15th for $5 off PenguiCon pre-
registrations.   I also have information available on proposed sessions =

and panel topics, and would be interested in answering questions from
your members on how you can both benefit from, and participate in, the =

con events.  We are actively seeking knowledgeable and credentialed =

experts among the LUG communities to be presenters and session =

panelists at the con.
 =

We have a number of special arrangements specifically for, and open =

only to, official LUGs and IT/computer groups.  Each LUG will be provided=

a table in a common area (in the same room with the dealers and art show)=
,
which they can use for recruiting, providing information, CD distribution=
,
or any other purpose.  Each member of a LUG will also be offered discount=
 =

coupons for pre-registration. We are also offering to lock in a Birds Of =
A =

Feather session at the con for any group that pre-registers at least four=
 =

people, and two hotel rooms.  Having a BOF session means that your
group can reserve one of the convention function rooms for any type of
session or meeting of your choice.  Normally, BOF sessions are available =

on a first-come, first-served basis by having any attendee sign up for =

them at the con.  We currently have 12 BOF slots available.

PenguiCon will also have both wired and wireless Ethernet networking,
along with a T-1 Internet connection.  If your group members are interest=
ed

in making use of the 802.11b network while at the con, we suggest that th=
ey

pre-register and specifically reserve a poolside hotel room as soon as =

possible.  While we are working to have 802.11b available throughout the =

hotel, the 'wings and tower' configuration of the hotel makes this very =

difficult.  We will be concentrating on providing wireless net access in
the =

pool area first, and then will work out from there.
 =

I look forward to hearing from you, and hope that we'll see many of your
group members at PenguiCon. I would ask that you please distribute this =

information to all the members of your LUG.  More information on the con
can also be found at the PenguiCon web site at:

http://penguicon.sourceforge.net/

I will also be available during the next month to come to LUG meetings =

and make presentations on the con, as well as actually taking
registrations, =

my schedule and geography permitting.  I can be contacted by any of the =

following ways with any PenguiCon questions or requests for information =

or materials:

Ste...@co...
1 (248) 848-1494  (home phone)
1 (248) 875-5547  (cell phone)

If by chance you aren't the best one within your group for me to be talki=
ng

with, I hope that you'll refer me to the appropriate person.  Otherwise, =

PLEASE WRITE BACK ASAP WITH REQUESTS FOR FLYERS AND
COUPONS, AND A CONFIRMATION THAT YOUR GROUP WILL BE IN
ATTENDANCE.  I look forward to seeing you all at PenguiCon!
 =

Regards,
 =

Steve Gutterman
PenguiCon Lug Wrangler