On PEG yesterday some asked if it makes sense to attend both PUG Challenge and Exchange?
I would go to both! (Actually all 3 -- PUG Challenge EMEA is also a fabulous event!)
There is some overlap and both are very valuable, but they have somewhat different focus.
Exchange is Progress' marketing event and you are going to hear a lot about the latest and greatest and what is coming down the road. Lots of future directions. Lots of "where the market is headed". Plenty of technical expositions into the latest release features. Lots of new about complimentary products (Data Direct, Corticon, OE BPM etc.)
PUG Challenge is much more technically focused and you get a lot more "real world" experience with what is out there *now* and how to go about using it. You will hear about futures too -- but probably on a more pragmatic level. More focused on OpenEdge but with some bits about the complimentary products. Plus you'll get to hear it all 5 months sooner.
Program-wise there are differences as well. The Exchange program isn't finalized but, as I understand it, Exchange is going to have a lot of parallel tracks (10 or so?) but only a relatively small number of breakout time slots (7 or 8 I believe). PUG challenge will have 5 parallel tracks over 14 time slots. Both will have in-depth workshops -- PUG Challenge on Sunday prior to the main event, Exchange on Wednesday at the end of the main event.
Both are near PSC HQ so there will be lots of Progress employees present for networking and such. However, you will have much less competition for those people's ears at PUG Challenge.
Exchange is going to be at the Boston Convention Center. I urge you to check the hotel website and book your rooms now. It's not going to get any easier between now and then. You don't want a car -- a taxi or Boston's "T" will get you there from the airport. You want to think twice about staying anywhere but at the conference hotel. The commute, even on the subway, might be a lot less fun than you imagine. Many people were surprised by that at Revolution a couple of years ago. Seemingly nearby hotels aren't so "near" as they appear.
PUG Challenge is out in the 'burbs. You will need a car or a shuttle or a ride-share (the organizers can help with that) from the airport. There are several near-by alternative hotels -- but no public transit. Parking is free. If you're staying at the conference hotel you should book your room prior to May 17 when the special $104/night room rate ends.
Exchange is put on by professionals with a healthy budget. They will have a nice web site and professional AV people and stuff like that. PUG Challenge is put on by us users and our budget is "don't lose so much money that you have to explain it to your spouse". Our web site isn't very fancy. But we've got a really good volunteer AV guy and once you arrive we will have lots of volunteer opportunities should you feel so inclined.
PUG Challenge has way better beer. But no loud music at our receptions and evening events.
We haven't announced the details yet because our Progress contact person was out last week, but PUG Challenge attendees will get a "discount code" of some sort from Progress that makes dual attendance very, very attractive.
