One of the most effective ways to survive the ups and downs of economic cycles in Silicon Valley is to take advantage of the complimentary or close-to-complimentary passes made available by the folks hosting important gatherings.
Web 2.0 Expo is a sterling example of how to meet, greet and renew on a limited budget. Excellent for the self employed, those in between jobs and others who may want to gain an instant immersion in all things Silicon Valley. Except for maybe the traffic.
We bloggers on Web 2.0 Expo are enjoying this opportunity, too. With no editorial control. So I want to share the main points of a briefing we just received.
With registration for a pass for the Expo Hall or Web2Open, an attendee has automatic access to any program or activity taking place in the main keynote hall.
- Daily Keynotes: Experts engage in conversation, speak and share knowledge
- Launch Pad: After a rigorous selection process by industry judges, five lucky startups present their demos
- Tekzilla Live!: Hosts from the internet television company present hands-on reviews of the latest gear, tips and tricks for improving the tech you already own
- Expo Floor: Companies present their Web 2.0-centric products and services that help you turn less into more
- Expo Hall: Exhibitors demonstrate their technology wares and services
- The Booth Crawl: In the Expo Hall, an event featuring vendor-sponsored libations, snacks and community interaction
- Non-Profit Pavilion: San Francisco non-profit organizations invite you to get involved and make a difference
- Solutions Showcase Theater: Sponsors and exhibitors engage in ten-minute presentations -- everything from demos, to case studies, to Q&A
- Government 2.0 Track
- Sponsored Sessions
- Web2Open Hybrid Sessions
- Web2Open & the Open Lounge: The official on-site unconference of community-driven sessions, speeddating Q&A and a casual, wi-fi equipped lounge
- Sunlight Hackathon: An easy way for a developer to start building the new economy by participating in the Open Government movement -- this is a case where hackers are wanted
- Community Room: An on-site meeting place for your organization and a quiet place to film some video
- Birds of a Feather Sessions: A means for continuing focused discussions with like-minded folks -- you can create and/or attend an evening BoF.
