Frequently Asked Questions

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?
• Novell BrainShare 2009 will be held March 8-13 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sponsor exhibits will run March 8-13.
• 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 check back on November 1. 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, which makes getting to Sale Lake City a lot easier.
• 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.

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Registration & Admission

• How do I register?
• Is there a registration deadline?
• 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 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 passes as payment for admission?
• If I purchase a training pass, what does it include?
• What does a guest pass include?
• My question isn't listed, who can help me?
• How do I register?
• Online registration begins November 1, 2008. You will need to create your BrainShare 2009 attendee credentials (username and password) to register. Please note that after March 4, 2009, 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, visit 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.
• 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 support2009@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, 2009, and March 13, 2009, are not refundable, but may be applied to BrainShare 2010 (credit will be applied after March 20, 2009).
• 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 support2009@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 13, 2009.
• 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 2009
  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 passes as payment for admission?
• Yes, we accept training passes as admission payment. However, there are some restrictions and other important information to consider when paying with training vouchers. For more information about passes, please go to http://www.novell.com/brainshare/registration.html.
• If I purchase a training pass, what does it include?
• Training passes include the following:
• A six-day pass to BrainShare 2009 (March 8-13, 2009)
• A post-conference micro-site that includes all presentations, training sessions and conference highlights
• General sessions
• All technical training breakout sessions: More than 150 sessions to choose from
• The Novell Technology Lab: More than 75 demonstrations of Novell products
• Exhibitor Showcase: Exhibitions and demonstrations from top Novell partners and business leaders
• The Installation and Migration Depot: Hands-on opportunity to work with the Novell experts to install and migrate Novell products
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch (Monday through Friday)
• All evening activities and dinners*:
  1. Sunday - Welcome Reception
  2. Monday - Conference KickOff Party
  3. Wednesday - Party with the Partners
  4. Thursday - IT Tech Talk
• Early-bird prices start at $1,695 for a single pass. Price breakdowns and terms and conditions can be found at the training passes page.

Please note: The standard registration fee for BrainShare 2009 is $1,895. No further discounts can be applied. BrainShare registration does not include hotel or airfare. No refunds will be provided.

*Schedule subject to change. Please see www.novell.com/brainshare for agenda and conference overview.

• What does a guest pass include?
• The guest pass provides access for your guest to the following evening events only: Sunday's Welcome Reception, Monday's Conference Party, Wednesday's Party with the Partners and Thursday's IT Tech Talk. 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.

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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 13, 2009. 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 13.
• 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 3:00 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 (i.e. Sunday's Welcome Reception, Monday's Conference Party, Wednesday's Sponsor Night, and Thursday's IT Tech Talk). 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.
• 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 Tuesday, March 10, through end of day Thursday, March 12. While the Novell technology demonstrations will remain open throughout the end of the week, the sponsors will not be at BrainShare on Friday. Sponsors will be available 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday. Sponsor Night will be held from 6:30-10 p.m., Wednesday in Exhibit Hall B/C/D.
• Where can I download the session presentations?
• The session presentations will be posted on the BrainShare Web site on March 8, the opening day of BrainShare. Access the presentations through the sessions link.
• 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.

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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 2009.
• 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.