3D Basecamp 2010

liam887 · 17 Jul 2010, 13:39

Hey just wondering if anybody has been to one of these before and if so if they could let me know what it was like. Ive decided to go, will probably be a good experience but I have no idea what to expect apart from the email I was sent and the small amount of info on the website. So if anybody is going or has been let me know I would be interested to learn more about it.

Ross Macintosh · 17 Jul 2010, 14:13

Hi Liam
I went to the previous two Basecamps and had a great time. At both the numbers of participants was relatively limited and that was a good thing as you will get to know many of the other participants and the developers too. The first basecamp was in Boulder and what was really great about it was that practically every Google employee was involved so the ratio of hosts to participants was very high. I'd expect the same again this time. The last one at the Googleplex in California seemed to have less staff involved --- understandable given all those staff had to come from Boulder. It was fun but I think the original in Boulder was really something special. I'm expecting good things again from Boulder this year.

One thing you'll experience is what a top-notch group of people Google have working on SketchUp. You will be impressed. It is also a great to see first hand their enthusiasm for SketchUp. You will find your participation is appreciated as they seem to really enjoy meeting the users and learning from them. I'd expect much of this year's activities will focus on getting those two groups together. Put 200 guests & 60 or so hosts together, all sharing a love of SketchUp, and you can expect some interesting knowledge & ideas to be shared. I'm not worried at all about this years informal agenda.

For me the biggest benefit of going to Basecamp is the lifelong friends you'll meet. It seems most of us have learned to use SketchUp on our own in relative isolation. We develop our own ways of working and many use SketchUp in relatively unique ways. To get together with others who share an enthusiasm is a great learning experience. Even folks who've been using SketchUp since version 1 will learn new techniques at Basecamp -- guaranteed!

I look forward to meeting you in person!

Regards, Ross

liam887 · 17 Jul 2010, 14:22

Well thanks as I am traveling from Liverpool UK I just wanted to get a bit more information but you've sold me and im pretty excited. My flights are sorted just waiting for a reply from the basecamp team about visa information then I will be confirming my booking from heathrow. Already booked the week off University so basically all ready as long as I dont have to mess about with visas! fingers crossed.
Well look forward to meeting everybody especially the developers and the team and seeing what I can learn.

Rich O Brien · 17 Jul 2010, 14:25

This will be my first time at it and to say I'm looking forward to it is a huge understatement. Getting to finally meet those involved in making the software is exciting. But add to that getting to meet members here who have help me over the years is a massive bonus. It'll cost for sure but I think that the rewards are invaluable. Putting faces and personality to written responses and avatars makes this event a must.

@Liam

When you flying out? I'm planning leaving Sunday and returning following Sunday. It'll help to settle in and recovery before long slog home!

Chris Fullmer · 17 Jul 2010, 14:26

I presented at the last one, and I did not go to the first one because it was not at a good time for me. But I can tell you that the last one was a lot of fun for me. I had the most fun just meeting other people, especially frinds I had known online for years (Ross Macintosh, Phil Rader, John Clements, Gaieus, Mike Lucey, Coen, Rick, Todd, Susan, on and on). It was really a lot of fun just for that alone. I ended up skipping out of a few presentation sessions just to sit around and hang out with people.

My thoughts would be to try to stay where as many other people are staying as possible so its easy to connect with them oustide the event. Looks like the Best Western hotel might be the place to stay this time. Though I think the Marriot is right next door (just more expensive, but much nicer). So I'd suggest trying to stay close to the Best Western so you can easily stay in contact with people while you're there. If possible, get there Tuesday so you can meet up with everyone on the Tuesday night dinner Solo is setting up.

Chris

Chris Fullmer · 17 Jul 2010, 14:30

If you have a google or sketchup shirt, wear it during travel so you can easily spot others who are headed to the event. Maybe you'll end up on the same flight somewhere

liam887 · 17 Jul 2010, 14:32

@ rclub24

was going to fly out on the monday and then come back on the sunday. Flying from Heathrow then changing at george bush for a connection to denver, and same on the way back. The cheapest straight through is 10h but £1300 the changing is only £450!! bargain but i think the flight times are closer to 28h.
However as its my first time in the states might stop somewhere on the east coast for a day or two as I dont know when I will be back and might as well make the most of my trip.
Not sure about hotels yet I will be sorting that soon but sign me up for the meal Chris.

Ha yeah some shirts! I dont know how many people will be heading over from the UK however lol!

Ross Macintosh · 17 Jul 2010, 14:47

When I went to the first Basecamp I had to wait at the Denver airport for a shuttle to Boulder. It turned into a wait of close to an hour and I waited on a park bench out where the shuttles do their pickups. Another guy was also waiting on the bench for the same shuttle. We talked some small talk about the weather & where we were from etc. Later, at Basecamp we were both very surprised to run into each other - both were going to Boulder for Basecamp we just didn't know it.

liam887 · 17 Jul 2010, 15:17

On the 3D basecamp website it says

Should I make travel arrangements right now?
Please only make travel arrangements once you have received a formal acceptance from us.

I received the invite via email I filled out the form and sent it, is that all I am required to do or do I still have to receive an email for confirmation?

dale · 17 Jul 2010, 16:09

When I filled mine out there was another window that popped up saying something like..."congratulations your registration is now accepted, please proceed with making your travel plans"

liam887 · 17 Jul 2010, 16:13

yeah same is that it? no email conformation?
Well thats fine, just as im traveling so far wanted to make sure everything was ok before I spend lots of ££££.

dale · 17 Jul 2010, 16:38

I didn't receive one, but they did say more information was forthcoming.
Hell, we can storm the gates.

liam887 · 17 Jul 2010, 20:03

yeah dont think I will be staying in the best western tho its more than my flight from england 'yikes' I got quoted '1000 bucks' lol. A lowly student such as myself will have to downgrade a little otherwise I will have spent half my student loan for the year in the first week of term ha!

liam887 · 18 Jul 2010, 23:24

Sorted my flight out anyway get into boulder around 5pm on monday and check out on Sat and fly to Chicago, then got a day in Chicago on the sunday and back to london monday but seeing if I can swap Chicago to somewhere else maybe new york if possible.

Anyway that leaves me with a full day on the tuesday and im pretty keen to get up the Flatirons or maybe something a little bigger if its possible anybody know how I go about arranging this?
Just think it would be a good photo opp if the weather is nice? Looked at a map could easily walk to the Flatirons from boulder go up and down and back in good time?

Rich O Brien · 18 Jul 2010, 23:28

Liam,

Solo is organizing a bit of a get together on tuesday night for SCF and others. So make sure you're back for that. I'll be in Boulder from sunday if you fancy a pint?

Ross Macintosh · 18 Jul 2010, 23:36

If anyone needs a budget place to stay in Boulder I thought I'd mention the motel "University Inn". I stayed there during the first basecamp and it was the least expensive accommodations in Boulder and I found it very suitable. It isn't posh but the room was clean and the staff friendly.

Looking at their site just now, it seems they offer complementary bicycles. It would be a relatively short bike ride to Google.

liam887 · 18 Jul 2010, 23:43

yeah thats sound mate, well I get into Denver at 4pm should be in boulder for around 6pm touch wood so I am pretty sure ill need a pint maybe something a bit stronger after my mammoth journey lol. Yeah ill do the meal for tuesday no worries ill be back for that. So are you flying from Ireland or picking up a flight in the UK? My family comes not far from you around wexford/waterford and the other side of Cork!

@ross macintosh said:

If anyone needs a budget place to stay in Boulder I thought I'd mention the motel "University Inn". I stayed there during the first basecamp and it was the least expensive accommodations in Boulder and I found it very suitable. It isn't posh but the room was clean and the staff friendly.

Looking at their site just now, it seems they offer complementary bicycles. It would be a relatively short bike ride to Google.

yes mate thats where I am staying I think already found them out yesterday.

Rich O Brien · 18 Jul 2010, 23:53

Irish blood flowing through your veins

I'm flying from Shannon to Newark then connect to Denver. Same on return leg. Stay for the week. Might as well treat it as holiday.

I think Gaieus is gonna set up a Basecamp sub forum so things can get organised and we don't bother other members with OT shite

Thought you'd be travelling by spaceship

liam887 · 19 Jul 2010, 00:02

ha irish enough for an irish passport! Wish I could afford to treat it as a holiday i would stay a few weeks in the states, booked Ibiza you see for the last 2 weeks of September had I known I was going to boulder I wouldn't have!
Well I will wait for Gaieus to set up a forum if I have any big questions, its just been a rush deciding spur of the moment to go to America and book it within a week never mind begging uni for time off they wont be pleased

Nah the FAA wouldn't certify my x-wing for flight outisde the UK had to leave it in the garage

DavidBoulder · 19 Jul 2010, 18:04

@liam887 said:

Anyway that leaves me with a full day on the tuesday and im pretty keen to get up the Flatirons or maybe something a little bigger if its possible anybody know how I go about arranging this?
Just think it would be a good photo opp if the weather is nice? Looked at a map could easily walk to the Flatirons from boulder go up and down and back in good time?

You are right, flatirons are easy to get to. If you don't want to walk to there, you can catch the "Hop" bus to get 4-5 blocks away or the "Hop to Chautauqua" to take you right there, it has a more limited schedule. Tons of hikes head out from Chautauqua. There is a ranger station that can guide you do different ones. Beautiful scenery and nice views back to Boulder.
http://www.chautauqua.com/

If you want to get to 13 or 14'rs then Rocky Mountain National Park is a good option if you can get there. You can catch a city bus to Eldora (by Nederland) and there is some hiking from there. I assumed there are organized trips to Rocky Mountain National Park but I have never looked into them.

I think Google plans some group outdoor activities, but I'm not sure what.