As Sybase's largest annual technical training conference, TechWave is the place to meet the experts, hear first-hand what's new, and network with thousands of industry professionals like you. It also contains a wealth of in-depth content that would be hard to find elsewhere, so when all that's added together, there's no better value for the money around.

The mark of a great conference is seamless logistics, great sessions, and a fantastic location, but does this all come together by chance? This year I've been lucky enough to be part of the TechWave Conference Committee as the manager of breakout session content, and this article is a countdown diary to the many people who worked so hard to make your conference experience great.

The weather's fine, the launch window is clear; all systems are go, so let's start the TechWave 2007 countdown!

- A Year Ago (August)
Goodbye to another successful TechWave 2006 at Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas. Even newly imposed airport security measures and lines at McCarran International can't dampen the spirits of the homeward-bound attendees.

- 11 Months Ago (September)
Recover & Process the Last Mission
The 2007 conference budget is set and the Sybase event staff is out and about selecting a location for TechWave 2007. Finally Mandalay Bay is chosen, so we're back to Las Vegas but in a shiny brand new location that we're really excited about.

- 10 Months Ago (October)
Start Designing the Next Mission
The development of the marketing campaign is now underway and sponsorship packages are complete. The content management program is initiated as well as the registration services that will get us checked in so swiftly at TechWave.

- Nine Months Ago (November)
Calculate the Cargo & Payload Capability
The all-important conference look-and-feel is drafted and the 'Mark your Calendar' campaign is created. Even though we're still nine months away from TechWave, the conference agenda is drafted, though it will go through a few changes before you see it in August.

- Eight Months Ago (December)
Ready the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)
The conference look-and-feel is now complete, later the signage and graphics will make use of this. Sponsors are invited to consider the conference. Our sponsors are very important to us since they help Sybase show the full breadth and power of its product line as well as Sybase's importance in the marketplace.

- Seven Months Ago (January)
Astronaut Selection & Training (Mission & Payload Specialists)
A TechWave "Call for Papers" is launched. Speakers are invited to submit ideas for the afternoon breakout sessions that they'd like to present. These speakers are from Sybase as well as partners and customers. The core Sybase event staff searches for the best special event. The House of Blues is the hot favorite - it ROCKS! And it's based at the Mandalay Bay resort.

- Six Months Ago (February)
Assemble the VAB Hardware
The TechWave conference committee is formed, 59 Sybase people, representing creative support, Web content, education, photography and webcasts, customer references, Team Sybase, ISUG, Sybase Europe, content development, PR, conference support, conference partnerships, marketing programs, customer tech support lab, expo hall support, analyst event, exhibit hall management, partners, and SDN. Conference invitations in draft.

- Five Months Ago (March)
Journey to the Launch Pad from the VAB
Slowly but surely the pieces in this massive puzzle are fitting into place; none can be rushed. The AM training course selection is now complete. The TechWave PowerPoint template is also done and will be used for all presentations. The TechWave poster design is now complete.

- Four Months Ago (April)
Journey to the Launch Pad from the VAB Complete
The call for papers closes, with over 300 submissions covering most Sybase products. The preliminary agenda is now created and the first draft of the food menu is complete. The breakout voting process started on Monday, April 16, and ended on Wednesday, April 25. The 300 sessions were ranked by a voting panel of 97 selected from noted Sybase employees, Team Sybase, and partners. Registrations now live on the Web. AV and computer vendor are selected.

- Three Months Ago (May)
Fuel Up with Liquid Oxygen and Hydrogen
May is the hardest month for me and my track managers; great content does not appear by itself overnight. Our task is now to take the 300+ sessions and reduce them to approximately 108. This is a mammoth task since all are high standard. Following our deliberations the breakout sessions decisions are e-mailed on May 15. Now we need to plan the afternoon breakout session room schedule.

- Two Months Ago (June)
A Built-in Hold Begins
The concrete you know as TechWave is starting to set. Signage and graphics are complete. The AM training session courseware has been ordered and the afternoon breakout session presentations have been submitted from each presenter. The TechWave conference committee meetings are every two weeks through June.

- One Month Ago (July)
Wake the Crew and Strap Them In
The TechWave pocket agendas go to the printer's. Collating materials are due. Have you ever wondered how those pieces of information get into your delegate's pack? Sybase staff schedules are drafted. Keynote demos are complete. For hands-on sessions the PC templates are done. TechWave conference committee meetings are now weekly through July.

- Blast off! (August)
Control Passed to Mission Control
Sybase staff schedule is complete three days before the attendees leave their homes; it's time for staff, collateral and equipment to arrive onsite. Last-minute tweaking happens and August 6 is finally here. TechWave has cleared the tower.

- Go for Throttle Up
TechWave is a global four-day user training and solutions conference bringing together IT professionals for in-depth training and product information. It's Sybase's largest yearly event and the best opportunity to interact with customers, partners, and key Sybase employees. It's the most cost-effective way to get product training, knowledge, and skills for using Sybase products. If purchased separately, comparable training and services would cost thousands of dollars more than the fee for this conference.

We Hope You're Enjoying Your Mission Aboard TechWave 2007
So now when you arrive in orbit around Mandalay Bay, spare a thought for those gallant few that have made it their goal for you, our most important crew, to get the most out of your conference mission. The TechWave committee salutes you.