After AU 08

AU is now over and I'm back and think recovering. I normally always stay until Saturday or Sunday to avoid the rush to the airport, but because of traveling alone and wanting to get back to my husband and save money on extra nights at the hotel I flew out of Las Vegas Friday afternoon.

Friday morning I attended an Education level class that was interesting, but there was a lot of emphasis on a certain set of books that was a little too much like selling to me. It was nice to see things from a different angle though and while the classroom was freezing, I enjoyed the class.

Next year, if you haven't already heard, AU will move to Mandalay Bay. It will still be in Las Vegas and still be the week after Thanksgiving. So make plans now for December 1-4, 2009.

It will be interesting to learn of any advantages of this new location. Will this hotel hold more space for classes? Will the rooms be less expensive? Will Internet access be provided in the rooms with the room charge? What was the main reason for the change? I'm hoping that the AU Blog will provide us with some info later on this. I'm looking forward to different surroundings.

One complaint I always hear, and experience myself, is how freezing cold the rooms are for classes. From some of my AutoCAD MEP work, I'm guessing that the rooms are set for a certain number of people and the temperatures are set for that many warm bodies. Perhaps if there are less warm bodies this makes it too cold? I even had someone tell me the day after my class that they had to leave because it was just too cold. I had a heavy sweater with me in most classes, but at least 2 classes were too cold even with the long-sleeve shirt and sweater.

This year I took the airport shuttle to the hotel when I flew in to Las Vegas. I could've purchased a round trip ticket for a shuttle ride back, but since I knew in advance that AU was offering a shuttle and baggage service on Friday I decided to just use that service.

It was a good idea that I believe has been in place for more than just this year. The two flaws I saw were that there was too much confusion on where to catch that shuttle. I didn't end up using the service because I discovered that I would've needed to carry my full suitcase and loaded backpack all the way across the hotel and conference portion to check my bag and purchase a ticket. For me, it was easier to take my bag down to the desk and let the bell service check it and then catch a shuttle at the front door instead of at the rear of the hotel.

This was a great conference that went really fast. The new AU website is now live with expanded features that we can use all year and not just once a year. It looks fantastic.

I have not been able to view recorded session as of yet or login, but I'm sure there are a few kinks to work out and I've emailed for some assistance. I think this is going to be a huge asset.

Every year I wonder how AU can get any better and then it does!