March 2012 BitCon in San Antonio, Texas - News Thread

[edd]

This thread will be used for making announcements regarding the upcoming conference and I'll update it as new information becomes available. Today, I'm pleased to announce the re-launching of the new and improved BitCon website. Thanks to BTCinch, you can send any amount of bitcoins anonymously through the Checkout button in the sidebar, or use the SCI to become a Supporter, Sponsor, or Exhibitor.

In addition, the contract with the hotels has been signed and the instructions necessary to get our discounted group rate should be posted here sometime during the next week. I will also be touring the hotels and convention center on Friday, October 21st and anyone in the San Antonio area is welcome to join me.

Your suggestions for making this event as beneficial to the bitcoin community as possible are strongly encouraged.

List of community members that will be in attendance

• edd
• Littleshop
• Immanuel Go
• evoorhees
• btcontilt
• Phinnaeus Gage
• tbdunamis
• michaelmclees
• dustintrammell
• FreeMoney

List of confirmed exhibitors

• BitBrew
• Bitcoin Leather by Martin Basurto
• Cryptoanarchy.com/Littleshop

List of confirmed speakers, panelists, and special guests

• ceptacle.com

[BitcoinPorn]

I genuinely want to go, it is far enough away where I hope I can.

To make this post more useful, some questions that maybe you can edit into the first post there.  Just regarding list of any attendees that wish to say that they are attending, whether it be business or just personally showing up.

[edd]

I genuinely want to go, it is far enough away where I hope I can.

To make this post more useful, some questions that maybe you can edit into the first post there.  Just regarding list of any attendees that wish to say that they are attending, whether it be business or just personally showing up.

Good idea.

[cbeast]

With any luck, I'll be driving there in my bitcoin purchased wheels that runs on burning money.

[bitcon]

thanks for all your support. i will be MC of the event.

[edd]

Last chance to join me tomorrow morning for a tour of the hotel and convention center. If you aren't in the area but have a question for me to ask about the lodging or venue, please post it here.

Check back for updates tomorrow afternoon!

[Shinobi]

Will the real Bruce Wagner please stand up?

[ineededausername]

edd, I'm pretty far from Texas, so I can't come even though I want to.
I sincerely hope it's not just you and Atlas xD

[BitcoinPorn]

I sincerely hope it's not just you and Atlas xD

Kind of funny, but kind of not, I wonder how many people would not use a venue based on one attendee.

Honestly, I feel there would be a good amount of people who would not support a convention based on something like, let's say Bruce attending.

[edd]

I sincerely hope it's not just you and Atlas xD

Kind of funny, but kind of not, I wonder how many people would not use a venue based on one attendee.

Honestly, I feel there would be a good amount of people who would not support a convention based on something like, let's say Bruce attending.

Quite a few forum members have expressed a desire to attend, sponsor, and/or purchase exhibit space but I'm holding off on listing them until I get firm confirmations, i.e. "I am definitely attending" or actually sending some bitcoins. However, even if only 50% of those I've corresponded with are serious, I think we'll have a really nice turnout. Immanuel/Atlas has just been the only one (so far) to come right out and post such a clear cut affirmative response. It's still early, though, and I haven't really had anything definite to announce, myself, other than a location and dates.

In addition, I think the role of the attendee in question would make a big difference in turnout. I mean, that was the main reason I decided to tackle this monster myself - I believe many would not only avoid a conference Bruce organized, but would actively work against it. On the other hand, if he was just one attendee out of hundreds, present only as a guest, I doubt anyone would intentionally miss out on what could be a great opportunity to interact with all of the other noteworthy people in attendance.

[RodeoX]

I may be able to make this. 

[LightRider]

Wish I could make it. So close, yet so far! Have a good time, and stop by the Occupy event when you're there.

[Are-you-a-wizard?]

It's a shame this is going to be cancelled because Bitcoin is dead otherwise I might have gone.

[Littleshop]

I sincerely hope it's not just you and Atlas xD

Kind of funny, but kind of not, I wonder how many people would not use a venue based on one attendee.

Honestly, I feel there would be a good amount of people who would not support a convention based on something like, let's say Bruce attending.

Quite a few forum members have expressed a desire to attend, sponsor, and/or purchase exhibit space but I'm holding off on listing them until I get firm confirmations, i.e. "I am definitely attending" or actually sending some bitcoins. However, even if only 50% of those I've corresponded with are serious, I think we'll have a really nice turnout. Immanuel/Atlas has just been the only one (so far) to come right out and post such a clear cut affirmative response. It's still early, though, and I haven't really had anything definite to announce, myself, other than a location and dates.

In addition, I think the role of the attendee in question would make a big difference in turnout. I mean, that was the main reason I decided to tackle this monster myself - I believe many would not only avoid a conference Bruce organized, but would actively work against it. On the other hand, if he was just one attendee out of hundreds, present only as a guest, I doubt anyone would intentionally miss out on what could be a great opportunity to interact with all of the other noteworthy people in attendance.

I think my response was pretty positive too.

[edd]

Update:
Tour of the center and hotels went well. I arrived at the agreed upon meeting place in a suit and on time, hopefully defusing any concerns anyone might have had about the types of visitors I was bringing into our fair city. The Hyatt salesperson assured me that their reservations department will have our dedicated URL ready in a couple of days for anyone wishing to make an early reservation (which I highly recommend - remember, the Grand Hyatt has already sold out the night of Friday, March 16th).

The convention center representative also provided this photo of the exhibit hall I currently have on hold:

I think my response was pretty positive too.

You're right, it was and I've added you to the list. My apologies.

[edd]

I finally have some substantial news regarding the convention to announce.

First, I'd like to thank Seals With Clubs for becoming an official sponsor. Please go play some poker and encourage Freemoney to try to attend the conference in person.


Now, the really big news! You can now check availability and make your reservations with our discounted rate (which includes free in-room internet) at the Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency by using the following links:

Grand Hyatt San Antonio

Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk

[HorseRider]

Immanuel Go wii be there. OMG.

[BitcoinPorn]

They Hyatt will be wondering what is this "TOR" web site everyone was connecting to that weekend 

[Are-you-a-wizard?]

Immanuel Go wii be there. OMG.

Somebody beat the shit out of that little brat for me.

[evoorhees]

I'll be there!!!