I’ve been using SolidWorks since 1998. The first SolidWorks World I attended was 2008, almost ten years later. The second SolidWorks World I will attend is 2009. I had hoped to leverage my trip to Florida to get some vacation after the convention. However, this was not meant to be. I wanted to plan for short vacation afterwards because I knew I’d have very little time during SolidWorks World 2009. I didn’t know exactly what I’d be busy with; I just know I’d be busy. Well, as the event nears, I’m starting to get a handle on just what all I’ll be doing. Since I’m going as a member of the Press this year, there are a couple extra events tacked on to my calendar. Additionally, I’m now aware of a couple of events for attending bloggers. I had originally hoped to present a break out session this year, but I’m now kinda glad I didn’t get picked up for that this time. Maybe next year.
When planning for this event, I noticed that flights are cheap right now. Since I’m paying for my own flight this year, this is good.  Who knows how long that is going to last. It is great to be able to fly across country on a round trip for under $250. Though I’m not able to vacation in Florida this year, that price makes other trips fairly attractive when the timing is right.
So, this trip isn’t for non-SolidWorks related fun. No late nights out on the town. No trip to Miami. No Universal Studios – Orlando. No lazy days on the beach. No tours through the Everglades. It’s all SolidWorks this, and SolidWorks that. It’s enough to get a feeling creep up on you; the kind where you think you are working for SolidWorks when you really aren’t.Â
SolidWorks World 2009 is something to look forward too. No matter how much of a know-it-all someone might be on the topic of SolidWorks, there is always something new to learn. (Even the presenters themselves learn during their presentations.) I hope to meet as many people as I can this year. I know I’ve been notorious for not carrying business cards. I promise to have plenty for this event! See you there!