Well, I floated the idea of changing the name of Interesting to Useful, but actually, now, thinking about it, I've gone off that. Mostly because people that I've asked to speak have been much more horrified about the idea of saying something Useful, than saying something Interesting. Which is, well, interesting. So let's stick with Interesting. Why mess with a semi-successful formula?
So, it'll be Interesting2009. And the first lot of tickets will go on sale on June 17th. Since there are always complaints from slackers that they couldn't get it together in time to get tickets then this year we'll sell them in three lots of 100 each. With a week or so in between. So you've got three chances to hi yourself to an internet compubox. It's a slacker-friendly initiative.
SPEAKERS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS PLEASE NOTE: You don't need to buy a ticket. You get in for free.
(Update: Actually, someone's kindly bagged the interesting2009.com domain for us, and pointed it at his blog category, so news will be there or here, or somewhere, or both.)
Also, I mooted the idea of an Interesting picnic in the park on June 20th. Unfortunately family commitments now mean I can't do that. Sorry. Obviously if people want to meet for a picnic in the park that would be lovely, and indeed, I'm powerless to prevent you. But it'll be a self-organising unpicnic. Which would be an excellent thing.
So, in summary:
1. It's not going to be Useful, it's going to be Interesting again.
2. It'll be on September 12th, at the Conway Hall.
3. First lot of tickets will go on sale on June 17th.
3. There'll be no Interesting Picnic. Unless it organises itself.
I thank you for your kind attention in this matter.