Are you ready for EclipseCon?

I've noticed an increase in chatter on the #eclipsecon tag on twitter about people getting prepped and ready. We're experiencing our usual late surge in registrations that come in from sponsors and straggling co-speakers who finally have the chance to complete their registrations and make travel arrangements. Here are a few reminders for those of you just pulling things together:

• EclipseCon is four days. Four *full* days. There is a programming contest kick-off at 8:15am Monday, and the closing plenary goes until 5:45pm on Thursday. If you coast in late Monday and leave Early Thursday, you're going to miss a lot of cool stuff.
  
• There's only a couple dozen rooms available on the peak nights of the conference at the conference hotel (Hyatt Santa Clara). Moreover, the room block is now open to the public, so it will certainly sell out -- act now, we can't help you after it's sold out. If you're looking for a purely economy room and OK with commuting after the long busy days, the Biltmore and Holiday Inn are popular choices.
• There is a Taxi/Ride share wiki set up for those of you looking for a lift.
  
• No matter what Oisin has made you do the night before, get up for the keynotes - lots of coffee will be served, I promise. The future of the Java Community, Eclipse and NASA, and the incredibly popular Uncle Bob teaching us how and when to say "NO" professionally are things you won't want to miss.
  
• Take some time for the activities. We're sure you're going to want to attend every single session - but you'll notice a lot of 25 minute sessions that you can use to take a break if something doesn't catch your fancy. Play some of the conference games (TBA), visit some of our sponsors, and socialize with your peers. For those of you looking for the complete experience, your days will start very early with the EclipseCon Exercise group!

- Don