Originally Posted by
Bradfo69
Yes, because next year is in England. Last year was actually Slovakia but... close enough.
.
The only problem with only being 95% sure is, the longer you wait, the higher the registration cost is.
.
I'm going to say something I probably shouldn't, because I am on the board but, I'm also honest. As a new person, the ILDA conference may not be your best investment. Particularly when you're looking to buy software, hardware, hazers, etc. Not that there is anything wrong with going to an ILDA conference however, it's an awful lot of money to spend on something that simply may not be relevant to you just yet. Attending a LEM (Laser Enthusiast Meet) would be a far better use of your dollars at this point in your "career". ILDA is the suit and tie, sit in a hotel conference room all day, see a little bit of lasers at night and, "eat a meal in a tux at the Golden Globe Awards" type experience. It's a general business meeting with Roberts Rules of Order, voting on things, policy making meetings, along with an advanced technology workshop, and such. You'll see a little bit of lasers at the lase off which is where a few people compete against each other performing live to a 3 minute clip of music they've never heard and then see a few lasers at the awards dinner and watch some videos of the awarded entries - maybe a little bit of live graphics/abstracts. You'll have some professional laser companies you can meet and chat with a bit but, as a new person my fear is it would all be a bit overwhelming and perhaps boring. And if you've spend $1,500 to do it, may feel disillusioned. I'd rather you use that money towards buying Beyond or, a quality hazer and other things you'll need.
.
I know the distance is a bit greater and it's coming up fast but, if you can make it, use some of what you would have otherwise spent and go to the New England LEM at the end of this month. Rick puts on a very nice weekend and you'll learn a lot. Hell... for that matter, spend less than the $1500 and come to CarribLEM in March and get some amazing tropical SCUBA diving for 10 days and all the lasers and education at night you could want. You'll simply learn far more.
.
Not bashing the ILDA Conference - it has it's place and down the road may be something worthwhile to consider but, I don't know that it's necessarily going to be what you may envision. That being said, you would still likely have a good time at the conference should you still have your heart set on doing it and, like you said, it's close this year. I don't want to discourage you... I just want to make sure you have correct expectations before committing.