We've heard plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that tech companies are limiting travel to conferences as part of their cost-cutting measures, and as a result, conference registrations appear to be down. It seems to me that this is a false economy; training your people to be better at their jobs is probably the best approach to increasing productivity per capita in lean times, and the networking that takes place benefits everyone and puts your company in the marketplace of ideas. I say, you're either in or out of the boat, and if you're in, there's no point to having just one oar in the water, because that will make you spin in circles the harder you paddle. I used to teach sailing, so I am in fact an authority on these matters.
Never fear, SD West, which will be happening right here in Santa Clara March 9-13, is offering free upgrades that will allow you and your favorite comptroller the opportunity to be penny-wise but not pound-stoopid:
Register for a VIP Pass for the cost of a Conference Pass. The VIP Pass includes full access to SDWest.
That's a smokin' deal, especially as Chris will be leading a workshop on the musical topic of Why Do Agile Projects Succeed (or Fail)? that you'd be remiss to miss.
Register for your upgrade here, using discount code 9WUP.