Frequently Asked Questions
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General Attendee Information
What can I expect at WindyCityRails?
People who've been there can tell you best. Take a look at the WindyCity Experience. At WindyCityRails, you can expect to rub elbows with some of the best developers & designers on the planet. Sharpen your Rails skills. Meet like-minded technologists and build your team.
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are not refundable, but they are transferrable. If you're unable to attend WindyCityRails and would like to transfer your ticket to someone else, please contact us with the name and email address of the person you'd like the ticket transferred to. As long as you handle the logistics (finding the new person and making financial arrangements with them) we'll handle the transfer.
I'm new to Rails. Should I attend WindyCityRails?
Yes. WindyCityRails gives everyone a chance to accelerate their learning by interacting with others who are actively building Rails apps. Newer devs will enjoy the exposure to new ideas, while advanced developers will certainly find value in the material. If you are new to Rails, you might consider Intro to Rails (sponsored by Obtiva and Engine Yard) on the day before WindyCityRails.
Does WindyCityRails offer registration discounts for students?
Not this year. However, this is something to consider for future conferences. Our priorities are (1) running an outstanding conference and (2) covering all expenses. The organizers want all interested parties to benefit from WindyCityRails. Therefore presentation videos will be posted on the web after the conference.
What's this I hear about discount codes?
We always give the best deal to people who register early. You might call this an "early bird" discount. Why? Well... During the early bird period, the organizers are scrambling to pay deposits for hotel, food, and all of the other things a conference needs. Early bird discounts are a "thank you" to folks who help us cover our early deposits.
Sometimes we offer discount codes to user groups. However, group discounts are never as deep as the ones we give to early birds. If you get an early discount for WindyCityRails, smile because your deal is better than anything offered through a discount code.
Conference Background
What is this I hear about charity at WindyCityRails?
WindyCityRails, is not a profit-driven conference. Money collected from ticket sales & sponsorships is used to cover the expenses of ChicagoRuby and the conferences. When we make a profit, we make a donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
What’s the story behind WindyCityRails?
WindyCityRails was born at a ChicagoRuby meeting in December 2007. During an after-the-meeting chat, a few members wondered out loud: “Why isn’t there a Rails conference in Chicago?” Hmmm... Why, indeed! So we rolled up our sleeves to make WindyCityRails happen. The first conference was held nine months after that initial conversation. This year's conference is our fourth.
Who is ChicagoRuby?
ChicagoRuby is a group of Chicago area Ruby and Ruby on Rails enthusiasts. When smart people challenge each other to grow, great things happen. That’s what’s exciting about this group! Join ChicagoRuby on Meetup.com for information on upcoming events.
