With four days still to go before DIALOG 08 and one day to go before online registration closes, it looks like the conference is already exceeding expectations!

Over 140 clients are registered for the event (that’s 40 more than the conference team had originally targeted), and after factoring in partners, press/analysts and ILOG staff, there’ll be around 300 attendees altogether.

We’ve got people coming from the software, manufacturing, insurance and consulting, banking, healthcare, transportation, education, and energy industries. The BRMS and Optimization tracks appear to be the most popular, but the Supply Chain Management and Visualization tracks are also well represented. There’s a roughly 60%/40% split between technical and management profiles, and almost 20% of registrants are from outside the US. That certainly makes for a rich and culturally diverse crowd!

I don’t have any stats on how many were convinced to attend because of the prospect of some great golf and spa treatments (more than would admit it, I’m sure), but I do know that about 30 people are signed up for a free round at the Mission Hills Troon Golf Experience on Sunday February 24th, hosted by Software AG. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be able to spare the 4 hours or more that it takes to play a full 18-holes, but I’m hoping I’ll be able to at least practice my golf swing at some point during the event (DIALOG attendees get a reduction on both golf and spa activities throughout the duration of the conference).

I do know that I’m not the only one who’s looking forward to some great food, though! I got a sneak preview of the menu yesterday and, take it from me, you don’t want to miss the Welcome Cocktail Reception on Sunday evening (6:00-7:00 pm in the Solutions Hall). Marinated sirloin beef, shaved spicy cappicola, coconut shrimp with papaya salsa… Need I say more?

Talking of food, I already mentioned our Analyst Breakfast sessions in a previous post. These informal meet and greet events will be in high demand, so don’t forget to sign up at the registration desk when you arrive if you want to join analysts from Gartner, IDC and Forrester on Monday or Tuesday morning. Space is limited and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

A final reassuring note: If you’re still a bit jet-lagged (like me), there’ll be enough Starbuck’s coffee on hand to float a battleship. And with so much to see and do, you really have no excuse for sleeping in!

No self-respecting conference would be complete without good swag (the other essential ingredient being good food - which I already mentioned here and here - oh and good speakers and sessions too, of course).

DIALOG 08 is certainly no exception. With such a great line-up of sponsors and exhibitors in our Solutions Hall, there’ll be give-aways galor and plenty of opportunities to grab some great freebies. Here are a few quick tips to make sure you don’t miss out on the best of what’s on offer!

• Microsoft will be adding a free copy of Microsoft Office 2007 to all of our DIALOG attendee bags and will be raffling off an Xbox (make sure you sign up at registration with your contact details to be included in the free draw).
• Drink tickets: There’ll be free drinks tickets provided with your conference badge and at dinner. However, ILOG employees (I’m assuming that includes me :-)) will have extras to give out at the cocktail reception and dinner. So you should definitely find yourself an ILOG friend!
• All conference attendees get a 10% discount at the spa. Enjoy a spa treatment in any one of the 14 private treatment rooms or relax in the steam room, Jacuzzi, meditation lounge, and lush gardens. Book your treatment through the hotel today.
• Most of our media sponsors will also be giving away free copies of their magazines and the keynotes that are authors will be signing books and giving away a few free copies. Ask for more information at registration.

Check back here for updates!