Gnomedex in 2006 - Squared!

08.29.2005 @ 01:43 PM PT | Chris Pirillo

As Ponzi noted (in a not so subtle way), we’re working on the Gnomedex conferences for 2006. Yes, that’s a plural. We hit critical mass with 5.0, and instead of changing the formula for a sold-out success, we’re doubling our efforts. Thinking: part I in April and part II in September. There are so many subjects that we didn’t get to cover with our single-track efforts. The sky is still the limit, however - and we’re open to as many suggestions as you want to throw at us. Blast me a note, if you have thoughts on content, product launches, activities, sponsors, etc. Now is the time! I’m not sure when registration will be open, but past Gnomedexers will get first crack at it (including a discount).

Location is likely to remain in Seattle for now. We’re not allergic to other places, mind you. I think SF would be a great place to do a Gnomedex - and some folks have asked for a UK, Amsterdam, and/or East Coast event. The deterrents for expanding in this way are too numerous to mention at this point. We wait for opportunities, but we also can’t wait to make our own.

Hey babe - Bob Wyman from PubSub has already thrown his hat into the ring to be our WiFi sponsor again!

After Ponzi went to BlogHer, she came back with a renewed vision, passion, and overall understanding of what’s going on in this virtual world. It’s her *PERSONAL* goal to have over half the audience be women. I’m excited to see how that unfolds!

BTW, you’re all invited to Gnomedex. Everybody. Anybody who can make it. I don’t know where folks got the idea that this is a closed event - it’s anything BUT. I can’t count the number of folks who wished they could’ve been there for 5.0. We’re giving you two opportunities in 2006. To recap: this is an open conference. Again, you’re ALL invited to Gnomedex. There are no true restrictions on who comes and who does not. Seriously.

Gnomedex is a story, and each event is another chapter (to borrow from the mouth of a good friend). You write the paragraphs; Ponzi and I are merely the pages. To that extent, we’re toying with the idea of keeping a chunk of time schedule-free and letting conversations organize themselves (vendor-neutral, naturally). Just thinking out loud here.

Can’t wait! I really can’t wait.