BrainShare FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
This is your place for all the BrainShare info you need. Click through the tabs below to find the question that best matches yours. The FAQ covers a wide range of topics, and we hope that you find the answers you're looking for right here. If you do have a question/answer not listed here, please contact us with your question. We will personally respond to you, as well as post your question and answer here in the FAQ.
Dates & Locations
- When and where is BrainShare?
- What is the address and how do I get directions to the convention center?
- Where do I go when I arrive at the convention center?
- How can I make discounted hotel and travel arrangements?
- Do I have to stay in the BrainShare hotel room block?
- What is the weather going to be like?
- My question isn't listed, who can help me?
- When and where is BrainShare?
- BrainShare 2008 will be held March 16-21 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sponsor exhibits will run March 16-19.
- What is the address and how do I get directions to the convention center?
- The address of the Salt Palace Convention Center is:
100 S. West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
For maps and further directions, please visit www.saltpalace.com. - Where do I go when I arrive at the convention center?
- Make sure you have your username and password (created during registration) and go to the check-in area in Hall 2/3 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. There you'll receive your BrainShare I.D. badge and all your conference materials, and you'll be good to go.
- How can I make discounted hotel and travel arrangements?
- BrainShare has negotiated discounted rates at many downtown Salt Lake City hotels, in what is known as the BrainShare room block. You may book a room at one of these hotels once you have completed the registration process. But you'd better hurry; these rooms don't last long once registration begins. The earlier you register the better your chance of getting the hotel and room of your choice. For BrainShare hotel information see /brainshare/hotels.
We have also found that the Internet is a great place to find other discounted flights to Salt Lake City. The SLC International Airport is a major Delta hub, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a flight to get here. - Do I have to stay in the BrainShare hotel room block, or can I choose my own hotel?
- No, you do not have to stay in the hotel room block. However, transportation to and from the Salt Palace is provided free of charge from hotels in the BrainShare room block. Special rates have also been negotiated for BrainShare attendees in all hotels within the BrainShare room block. If you choose to stay at a hotel outside of the room block, you're on your own for transportation to the Salt Palace Convention Center.
- What is the weather going to be like?
- Early spring weather in Salt Lake City can be surprising: it can be warm or cold, and can range from clear skies to rain or snow storms, sometimes all on the same day. Generally, it is a beautiful time of year, though the nights will be chilly. For more specific information on area weather, check the local weather.
- My question isn't listed; who can help me?
- If you haven't been able to find an answer to your question, feel free to contact us.
Registration & Admission
- How do I register?
- Is there a registration deadline?
- How do I refer a friend to register for BrainShare and increase my chances of winning one of the custom laptops?
- What if I have to cancel?
- Do you offer "group" discounts?
- When and how will I know if you have received my registration?
- After I register, will I need to do anything else before the conference starts?
- How can I access my BrainShare GroupWise email account from the website?
- How much does admission cost and how can I pay?
- I received a discount code from one of the sponsors. I am also eligible for a discount as a result of my company's agreement with Novell. Can I use both (stack coupons/discounts)?
- Do you accept training vouchers as payment for admission?
- What does a guest pass include?
- My question isn't listed, who can help me?
- How do I register?
- Online registrations begins November 1. You will need to create your BrainShare 2008 attendee credentials (username and password) to register. Please note that after March 5, you will not be able to pay your registration fee with purchase orders, checks, or wire transfers. For more registration information, or to register now please go to www.novell.com/brainshare/registration.html.
- Is there a registration deadline?
- There is no registration deadline. You can even register on-site if you want to wait until the conference starts.
- How do I refer a friend to register for BrainShare and increase my chances of winning one of the custom laptops?
- Go to http://www.novell.com/brainshare/regpromo.html for the details about increasing your chances to win one of the custom laptops.
- What if I have to cancel?
- We hate to lose you, but if you have to cancel you can do so. Call or e-mail your cancellation request to BrainShare Registration Headquarters: call 801-932-1724 or 866-745-4500, fax 801-932-1713, or e-mail support2008@novellbrainshare.com. A cancellation fee will be assessed to the refund of your admission price depending on the date your cancellation request is received:
- Cancellations received between January 5, 2008, and March 16, 2008, are not refundable, but may be applied to BrainShare 2008 (credit will be applied after March 21, 2008).
- Do you offer "group" discounts?
- Novell is pleased to extend a 20 percent registration discount to user groups and companies with 10 or more attendees. In order to qualify for the group discount, all those who register must be employed by or affiliated with the entity requesting the registration code. See the eligibility requirements and request form.
- When and how will I know if you have received my registration?
- You will receive a confirmation e-mail verifying your registration. Keep this receipt for your records. Use the same credentials you did during registration to pick up your badge at the BrainShare registration desk. If you do not receive your confirmation e-mail, please e-mail support2008@novellbrainshare.com or call 801-932-1724 or 866-745-4500 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. MST.
- After I register, will I need to do anything else before the conference starts?
- Yes. You will also want to register for the sessions that you wish to attend at BrainShare. Session registration scheduled to open on February 19, 2008.
- How can I access my BrainShare GroupWise email account from the website?
- Login access to BrainShare email accounts (available to paid attendees) can be found in the left hand navigation throughout the BrainShare website. Just mouse over the Connect tab to access the flyout menu. The BrainShare email login is the bottom link, or you may also login here.
- How much does BrainShare cost and how can I pay?
- Early-bird registration price is $1695 USD and is valid from November 1, 2007 through February 15, 2008. After that date regular admission price becomes $1895. We accept all major credit cards, checks, and P.O. numbers from the government and educational institutions. Cash will be be accepted on-site. To pay by check, make your check out and send it to:
Novell BrainShare 2008
PNC
NOVELL Inc. P.O. Box 31001-0024
Pasadena, CA. 91110-0024 - I received a discount code from one of the sponsors. I am also eligible for a discount as a result of my company's agreement with Novell. Can I use both (stack coupons/discounts)?
- You can only use one discount per registration. We recommend that you use the discount that will give you the greatest benefit.
- Do you accept training vouchers as payment for admission?
- Yes, we accept training vouchers as admission payment. However, there are some restrictions and other important information to consider when paying with training vouchers. For more information about vouchers, please go to http://www.novell.com/brainshare/registration.html.
- What does a guest pass include?
- The guest pass provides access for your guest to the following evening events only: Sunday's Welcome Reception, Tuesday's Sponsor Night, Wednesday's Conference Party, and Thursday's Meet the Experts. The guest pass does not allow access into the Salt Palace Convention Center or any of its halls during regular conference hours.
- My question isn't listed; who can help me?
- If you haven't been able to find an answer to your question, feel free to contact us.
Conference Logistics
- What are the BrainShare hours and daily schedule?
- Will I be able to see session content in advance?
- How can I find out what to expect at the conference?
- Do I need to bring anything special for the conference?
- I have a disability. Is the Salt Palace wheel-chair accessible?
- Will I need extra spending cash?
- Will transportation be provided?
- I'm trying to plan my flights; what can I expect at the show on Friday?
- Can I bring a guest?
- How should I dress for the conference?
- When will I receive my I.D. badge?
- Will I be able to access the Internet?
- When and where will the keynote addresses be held this year?
- What are the best days to visit the sponsors?
- Where can I download the session presentations?
- My question isn't listed, who can help me?
- What are the BrainShare hours and daily schedule?
- Check the Week at a Glance to see an overview of hours for the various BrainShare activities.
- Will I be able to see session content in advance?
- Session information is posted on the BrainShare Web site, and session registration will open on February 15, 2008. You will need to log in with the same credentials you used to register for BrainShare.
- How can I find out what to expect at the conference?
- The best place to start is www.novell.com/brainshare for the majority of your questions and curiosities. If you have more detailed quesitons fill out the contact us form and a member of the team will promptly respond.
- Do I need to bring anything special for the conference?
- Just whatever you need to make the most of your BrainShare experience. You may want to bring a laptop to take advantage of the conference's free wireless network. Good walking shoes are recommended, and you should bring a jacket for the spring weather.
- I have a disability. Is the Salt Palace wheel-chair accessible?
- The Salt Palace complies with NDA requirements.
- Will I need extra spending cash?
- That depends on your spending habits. You'll find plenty of great products at the BrainShare bookstore, and you may want to see the sights in Salt Lake while you're here, but the BrainShare sessions and evening activities are all covered by your admission cost. As far as meals are concerned, buffet breakfast and lunch will be served Monday through Friday, and snacks are provided throughout the day. Food is also provided at evening events.
- Will transportation be provided?
- Novell provides a shuttle service between the BrainShare hotels and the Salt Palace Convention Center. A shuttle schedule will be included in your registration materials and will also be available in the hotel lobbies. Transportation is also provided to the off-site evening events, as well as from the Salt Palace to the airport on Friday, March 21.
- I'm trying to plan my flights; what can I expect at the show on Friday?
- There will be a Friday keynote from 1 to 2:45 p.m. with the morning hours beforehand devoted to scheduled breakout sessions. We recommend that you schedule a late Friday or early Saturday flight; the choice is completely up to you.
- Can I bring a guest to BrainShare?
- You are welcome to bring a guest to the evening events only—Sunday's Welcome Reception, Tuesday's Sponsor Night, Wednesday's Conference Party, and Thursday's Meet the Experts. If you would like someone to join you at the evening events, you can purchase a guest pass during registration or on site for $300. The guest pass does not allow access into the Salt Palace Convention Center or any of its halls during regular conference hours.
- How should I dress for the conference?
- We're not too picky about how you look; we just want you to come and be comfortable. You might want to check the local weather before you get here so you can bring clothing appropriate for the expected weather.
- When will I receive my I.D. badge?
- Make sure you have your credentials, and go to the check-in area in Exhibit Hall 2/3 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. There you'll receive your BrainShare I.D. badge and all your conference materials, and you'll be good to go.
- Will I be able to access the Internet while at the conference?
- Absolutely. You can take advantage of our free Internet access, including wireless access, at the Salt Palace through the BrainShare Network or via the wireless network. For wireless access, 802.11b-compatible cards (or laptops) will be supported. The network name will be provide on site. We will also have people on site to help you with any configuration or compatibility issues. We are unable to offer Internet access outside the Salt Palace, but several hotels do offer high-speed Internet access. Please refer to the hotel information page for cost, if any.
- When and where will the keynote addresses be held this year?
- The General Sessions—which include the keynote addresses on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—will be held in Exhibit Hall E of the Salt Palace.
- What are the best days to visit the sponsors?
- You can visit the sponsors beginning Sunday, March 16, through end of day Wednesday, March 19. While the Novell technology demonstrations will remain open throughout the end of the week, the sponsors will not be at BrainShare on Thursday or Friday. To see a list of this year's sponsors, click here. Sponsors will be available 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday. Sponsor Night will be held from 6-10 p.m., Tuesday in Exhibit Hall B/C.
- Where can I download the session presentations?
- The session presentations will be posted on the BrainShare Web site on March 16, the opening day of BrainShare. Access the presentations through the Conference Highlights link on the home page or through the sessions link on the left-hand navigation bar.
- My question isn't listed; who can help me?
- If you haven't been able to find an answer to your question, feel free to contact us.
Conference Content
- Are you offering a SUSE Linux track this year?
- What's the theme for BrainShare technical breakout sessions this year?
- My question isn't listed, who can help me?
- Are you offering a SUSE Linux track this year?
- There will be a full offering of SUSE Linux and Linux-oriented sessions at BrainShare 2008.
- What's the theme for BrainShare technical breakout sessions this year?
- We don't plan technical sessions around a single "theme"; together, the sessions provide a widely varied buffet of information from which you can choose the sessions that best meet your needs. Learn more about BrainShare technical breakout sessions.
- My question isn't listed; who can help me?
- If you haven't been able to find an answer to your question, feel free to contact us.