Google announces I/O conference registration

Prepare for Glastonbury-like techie stampede

By Jack Clark in San Francisco, 22nd February 2013

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F5 keys the world over trembled today, as Google announced the date when registration opens for its popular conference Google I/O.

Googlephiles can register for boffinry, keynotes, and the likely chance of some gratis Chocolate Factory devices from 7:00am PDT on March 13, 2013, according to a post made to the G+ Google Developers page on Friday.

"Based on demand in previous years, we expect to sell out quickly," the post reads, before reminding prospective I/O devotees that they'll need a Google+ account and a Google Wallet buyer account to register — last year the Google Wallet wasn't mandatory.

This year, tickets cost $900 for general attendees and $300 for academic attendees.

It took just 20 minutes for I/O to sell-out in 2012, with scalpers then selling tickets at inflated prices as high as $4,500 on eBay.

Unlike Glastonbury, whose walls can theoretically be scaled by the judicious application of a grappling hook, some sturdy shoes, and a litre or so of Dutch courage, Google I/O is a difficult event to get into without a ticket. Unless, that is, you skydive onto its roof and then dodge various guards using your biking skills, as some Google Glass–wearing bandits did at I/O 2012.

"We're looking forward to bringing you an amazing and inspiring Google I/O experience," Google said.

That "experience" typically involves giveaways, technology reveals, and massive PR stunts for various Google projects. In the past, announcements at I/O have ranged from the still-going-strong Google Glass and self-driving car schemes, to the quietly-killed Google Wave. ®

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