Last year IBM attempted an Lotus Collaboration conference (university) for about $3000 in Sydney which never eventuated because of the cost and a dismal attempt at an agenda that didn't tell you jack.Well, IBM are having another go but in Melbourne. It's still a wallet bleeding $3000, or $2500 for early bird rego, and only $2300 for BP's. However, IBM is doing a much better effort this time with a detailed agenda to sell it, and by the looks of it, may get off the ground this time but the wallet will need to be put into ICU for the folllowing month.

To compare, Microsoft are running their teched on the Gold Coast for $2000 or $1700 for early bird rego, it even get's down to $1600 if you're an MS BP or have premium support arrangements with MS. Around $800-$900 less based on the early bird fees, and it runs 1 day longer than IBM's. Format appears to be similar, with deep-dive sessions and discounted certification exams available.

However, as a real sweetner, Microsoft are giving away HP Mini Netbooks with Windows 7 preloaded.

"To celebrate the launch of Windows 7, on arrival at Tech•Ed eligible delegates will receive a complimentary HP Mini 2140 Notebook PC pre-loaded with Windows 7*."

The fine print does not make it available to staff, exhibitors, free-ticket holders, blah, blah.. but you get the idea. The little NetBook is worth around $600+. Hmm... Mikkel's echoing the global feeling about a lack of support for the IBM user/developer community, let alone the BP's, and the discouraging costs of these events really speaks louder than any "smarter planet" advertising campaign IBM could run right now. Is it really that hard/expensive to give us some "conference love".