I got accepted but I've to travel a long way -- from India, is it worth it? I do have plans to set up a bunch of meetings pre and post event, though. (oh and how difficult is it to get a meeting scheduled with big names? I know it's a naive question but still...)
Yes, it is worth it because you can potentially meet a LOT of interesting people. I say 'interesting' because I prefer meeting people who are fired up and ready to take on the world as opposed to those who made it.
Scheduling meetings with big names is mainly a credibility thing. You either have the right connections to get an introduction or an 'unicorn'.
P.S. Remember that this is still just a 'conference' in the purest form. Getting 'accepted' is not a big deal. You can stand outside the building, hangout in the bars/meetup groups around the venue and watch a few podcasts/youtubes for the same effect. What you make of it, is up to you.
It's absolutely worth it. It was awesome last year, it'll be awesome this year. The talks are great, but the other attendees really put it over the top.
If you're from SV or something maybe you're used to it, but I'm not so it's always a shot in the arm to be around so many like minded people working on exciting things.
Skeptics were arguing that the talks will be uploaded to YouTube anyway, and stuff like that. I'm interested in looking to meet people beyond the event as well. Let's see. M
The only thing that worries me is getting a visa. I'm not sure my visa would come out in time. As for big names, investors, I guess, you won't meet so many, but you will definitely meet some smart people.
As I said, I'm from India and getting a visa, according to the official website takes around a week except under dire circumstances. Hopefully should get it in time. Where are you from?
Another thing to change for next time: Add a To: header to the email which goes out. It's amazing how missing such a simple thing can cause problems with email filters...
I'll be renting a car from SF. For folks wanting to carpool with me, sign up here with "techtivist". Others with a car, feel free to add yourself here as well. http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/97khv4 First come first serve. It should come to around $20 each (including gas and rental) per head, against $80-90 Uber ONE WAY! I'll be leaving from Richmond, but can pick up from anywhere within SF or a short diversion from 101.
I got accepted in NYC, had to turn it down because I'd already decided to go to a conference (ironically also in NYC) since I'd assumed I'd be rejected, emailed my cancellation and was told this wouldn't DQ me for SF, and then got rejected. We should have a meetup for all of the rejects, lol.
Dumb question from an out-of-towner: Does it make sense to stay in a hotel somewhere in the Mountain View / Sunnyvale / Cupertino area and use Uber to get around? I'm not a fan of bay area traffic, so I'd prefer to Caltrain from the airport to a hotel and use Uber after that if it's feasible.
It's on a Saturday, so traffic shouldn't be a big deal. Prices in SF and South Bay (MV/Sunnyvale/Cupertino) tend to be similar. So it's really up to you. But SF does have a lot of options for budget hostels (outside of the hackerhomes that are available on AirBnB). If you have the cash, I would rather spend it on a nice place in South Bay then on Uber.
(information in case you drive, or are wary of your uber driver making you sit in traffic)
Saturday traffic is not bad (though all things being equal, 101 will always be a bit iffy).
Friday rush hour will be relevant since the reception (if you are going) is from 7pm at the YC office. FYI try to avoid 85 south between 101 and 280, 101 entirely, and 280 south after 85 or thereabouts.
Got accepted, not sure whether to be excited or not. Could be one of those things where most everyone who applies gets accepted because most people don't end up coming. (anyone know numbers on that?) Pretty sure I will go...2000 miles isn't really that far...
I was told by someone who has been trying to attend for years that it's hard to get accepted. Not sure if that's accurate or not but I was accepted and am excited to learn and listen.
yeah, my cost with flight, hotel etc will approach 2k dollars. Throw in lost billable time with clients and this is a 5K investment for a one day conf I could watch online. The key is going to be what I make of the hours that I spend not sitting in a seat during that day. Meeting people, making connections etc.
How do people from other countries attend the event? Do they send invitations, so I can get visa and be there? I'm crazy enough to travel 6506 miles to feel that experience.
I'm from Mongolia, which is pretty small country, so the embassy won't be giving visas so easily and I would need some paperwork. How does YC deal with this kind of issue???
Any clever solutions?