Fellow Linux/Unix Enthusiasts,
 
(My apologies to those that have seen some of this message before,
there is new information added, so I have sent it to the entire LUG
mailing list.)

Please let me introduce myself, I'm Steve Gutterman, the Penguicon 
LUG Wrangler, and my only job is to work with interested Linux User 
Groups and other IT/computer related groups to bring them Penguicon 
information, and make it easy for them to participate in the con.  So 
what
IS PenguiCon?  PenguiCon, which is scheduled for May 2-4 of this year
in the Detroit area, will be the first combined Linux/Unix Expo and 
Science Fiction & Fantasy convention.  We have guests and sessions
in both areas, and a crossover track that combines both.  A bit of 
something for everyone!  I'd like to give your group the latest 
information
on Penguicon, as well as provide my contact information for any further 
questions you may have.

The Guest of Honor list for PenguiCon is:

Terry Pratchett author of the Discworld novels.
Eric Raymond, author of The Cathedral and the Bazaar.
Pete Abrams, author and artist of Sluggy Freelance.
J.D. Frazer (Illiad), author and artist behind User Friendly.
Rob Malda (CmdrTaco), co-founder of Slashdot.

We also have several other guests who will be attending, including
 
Eric Flint, author and founder of the Baen Free Library.
Clif Flynt, TCL guru.
Jeff Bates, the other cofounder of slashdot.

and still other popular authors and Unix/Linux/Open Source experts.

I'd be very interested in providing your group  with more con 
information
and flyers / registration forms, along with pre-registration discount 
coupons, which are good until April 15th for $5 off Penguicon pre-
registrations.   I also have information available on proposed sessions 
and panel topics, and would be interested in answering questions from
your members on how you can both benefit from, and participate in, the 
con events.  We are also actively seeking knowledgeable and
credentailed people among the LUG communities to be presenters 
and session panelists at the con.
 
We have a number of special arrangements specifically for, and open 
only to, official LUGs and IT/computer groups.  Each LUG will be 
provided
a table in a common area (in the same room with the dealers and art 
show),
which they can use for recruiting, providing information, CD 
distribution,
or any other purpose.  Each member of a LUG will also be offered 
discount 
coupons for pre-registration. We are also offering to lock in a Birds 
Of A 
Feather session at the con for any group that pre-registers at least 
four 
people, and two hotel rooms.  Having a BOF session means that your
group can reserve one of the convention function rooms for any type of
session or meeting of your choice.  Normally, BOF sessions are 
available 
on a first-come, first-served basis by having any attendee sign up for 
them at the con.  We currently have 12 BOF slots available.

PenguiCon will also have both wired and wireless Ethernet networking,
along with a T-1 Internet connection.  If your group members are 
interested

in making use of the 802.11b network while at the con, we suggest that 
they

pre-register and specifically reserve a poolside hotel room as soon as 
possible.  While we are working to have 802.11b available throughout 
the 
hotel, the 'wings and tower' configuration of the hotel makes this very 
difficult.  We will be concentrating on providing wireless net access 
in
the 
pool area first, and then will work out from there.
 
I look forward to hearing from you, and hope that we'll see many of 
your
group members at Penguicon. I would ask that you please distribute this 
information to all the members of your LUG.  More information on the 
con
can also be found at the PenguiCon web site at:

http://penguicon.sourceforge.net/

I will also be available during the next month to come to LUG meeting 
and
present on the con, as well as actually taking registrations, my 
schedule
and geography permitting.  I can be contacted by any of the following
ways with any PenguiCon questions or requets for information or 
materials:

SteveGutterman@compuserve.com
1 (248) 848-1494  (home phone)
1 (248) 875-5547  (cell phone)

If by chance you aren't the best one within your group for me to be 
talking

with, I hope that you'll refer me to the appropriate person.  
Otherwise, 
PLEASE WRITE BACK ASAP WITH REQUESTS FOR FLYERS AND
COUPONS, AND A CONFIRMATION THAT YOUR GROUP WILL BE IN
ATTENDANCE.  I look forward to seeing you all at PenguiCon!
 
Regards,
 
Steve Gutterman
Penguicon Lug Wrangler