So, you want to go to Web 2.0 Expo, but your startup can't afford the $1,895 registration fee? Never fear. This year, conference organizers O'Reilly Media and TechWeb
have embraced the proudly (or needfully) scrappy, and lobbycon energy
is no longer restricted to the hallway salmon swim. Here's how to
register for free, and a schedule of options accessible to free
registration.
1. Register for Web 2.0 Expo. The $100 Expo Hall Pass can be had for free with one of the discount codes posted online. Here's one from the good folks at Web2Open: websf08opw . Since online registration is closed, you'll have to register onsite. Make sure to bring the discount code with you. Don't expect Moscone's booth staff to know it.
2. Plan your schedule. Once you've registered for the Expo Hall Pass, a world of free offerings opens up to you. Some events require advance registration to be free, so make sure to sign up online. I've culled a list here. (And if you know of other good sessions or events available to Expo Hall Pass holders, please share them...but only if they're still taking RSVPs. Promoting a sold-out party or conference badge-only event is not helpful. :)
Monday, April 21st
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Pownce Brunch, Daily Grill, 347 Geary Street
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Flickr-Moo MeetUp, Kate O'Brien's, 579 Howard Street
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Web Monday Silicon Valley, Citizen Space, 425 2nd Street, #300
Tuesday, April 22nd
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM GAB/Blogtropol.us Launch Party, Gray Area Beacon, 1515 Folsom
6:30 PM - 11:30 PM Digg MeetUp, Mighty, 119 Utah Street
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Ignite SF, DNA Lounge, 375 11th Street
Wednesday, April 23rd
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Blogtropol.us Blogger Lounge, Moscone West
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Web2Open, Moscone West
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Web 2.0 Wednesday Keynotes/Plenary Sessions, Moscone West
(Note: I'm not including the South Park Pub Crawl here, because the conference web site has it marked for conference badges only - no expo hall badges.)
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Blogtropol.us Blogger Lounge, Moscone West
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Web 2.0 Thursday Keynotes/Plenary Sessions, Moscone West
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM Web2Open, Moscone West
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Web 2.0 Launch Pad
4:40 PM - 6:00 PM Web 2.0 Booth Crawl, Moscone West
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Women 2.0 Networking Evening, Marriott View Lounge, 55 4th Street
Friday, April 25th
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Blogtropol.us Blogger Lounge, Moscone West
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Web 2.0 Friday Keynotes/Plenary Sessions, Moscone West
I'm sure there are more conference hacks and free events available this week, so post 'em up. One item that came to mind: sponsored sessions. Many conferences will open these up to expo hall badge holders. Access to these hasn't been offered on the Web 2.0 Expo site, but it's worth asking at the door.
