Elad Elrom Talks Flash... and the City

To get us started, can you tell readers a little bit about Flash and the City and specifically what drove you to organize the conference?

Over the last few years I noticed that there aren't any large conferences in New York City, and I have spoken to many people, from community leaders to Adobe's evangelists. For the last couple of years, Adobe MAX has been in California, and there has been a real void for many professionals in New York City, who would like to have a conference that allows them to be part of the Flash community. Additionally, I have noticed that in general many of the conferences are geared toward learning but do not have enough networking events. Flash and the City's goal is to redefine the way we think about conferences as well as to bring together A-list speakers with professionals in New York and other attendees from around the world.

Right. This actually leads me to another question. I wanted you to explain to potential attendees what makes Flash and the City different. You hit on one thing that I, as an early registrant, already noticed, which is the large amount of networking/social events you have planned. Can you share some of the plans you have for these networking events with us?

Flash and the City is similar to other conferences in the sense that attendees will get great value in terms of learning. They get two tracks for three days, and they can register for a workshop being held the day before the conference. In fact, attendees will have a chance to hear presentations from 50 speakers. These speakers are mind-blowing presenters that have made an impact on technology.

Additionally, attendees will have access to the City Track. The City Track is a completely new conference format, and the extra-curricular activities will include a New York Cruise and Dinner, rock/grunge band 22nd Century, and tours around New York City.

Nice! I know I am excited about that aspect of it. I noticed that your venue is kind of unique too. Can you tell me more about it?

Haha? I am very excited as well. The idea is to allow attendees to explore New York and get to see and do more than just be surrounded by walls.

The venue, just like the rest of the conference, is unique as well. Instead of picking the traditional hotel to host the conference, we will be hosting the conference in an artist's theater called "The 3LD (3-Legged Dog)". 3LD is a Technology Center located in downtown Manhattan and is a thriving catalyst in the New York art scene. By hosting the conference in 3LD we will be supporting the artists.

In addition, I haven't published this yet, but we will donate a percentage of the ticket sales to fight cancer.

Very cool. I know I personally always end up seeing New York with my kids so it'll be nice to get to see the city with colleagues (and skip Toys 'r Us in Times Square for once). So how many attendees are you expecting?

Most of the City Tracks are going to be available to your visitors (wife, kids, friends) so they can enjoy the City Track even if you can't make it since you don't want to miss a certain presentation. In regards to attendees, my original plan was not to exceed 300; however, the event has grown. The venue and schedule will allow 500 attendees.

Oh, wow, I didn't know you could bring others to the City Track. Hmm...should I tell my wife? Well, given your list of speakers I honestly can't imagine you not selling out.

Almost all the City Tracks will be free of charge, and the idea is to change the concept of being stuck in a conference for few days. Definitely bring your family!

Heh, I already thought it was an excellent value, given the speakers...you are making the other event organizers (i.e. me) jealous! Given that, we probably should let people know the costs and how to register?

Indeed. I have a schedule out, and each attendee will get invites through Evite to all of the city track events. Some events don't need registrations while others do. I encourage attendees to reply to the Evite so we can better plan.

By the way, you have nothing to be jealous about; your event, RIA Unleashed, was one of my favorite Flash events last year and I still hear people talking about it. I am looking forward to RIA Unleashed 2010! I noticed that about 10 Flash and the City speakers have spoken at your event. YOU ROCK!!

Thanks man! So how much is the current registration and where can people register?

Tickets are only $299 from now until 300 tickets are sold or until May 07, 2010 — whichever comes first. After that the price will go up to the regular price of $399. Students get a lower price of $249. The information is available at http://blog.flashandthecity.com/buy-tickets/.

Thanks Brian. I am looking forward hanging out with you in May. This event, as well as others such as yours, are very important and allow professionals from the East coast that can't attend the larger conferences, such as MAX, to still be part of the Flash community.