[objclxt]

Although I don't think the free stuff helps matters, WWDC tends to be a very similar free for all - slightly less hectic, but that's only because Apple don't give notice of when the tickets are going on sale, so it's more of a mad scramble than a pre-planned thing.

Which is to say, in terms of registration issues I'm not sure making it more technical and getting rid of the free swag would alleviate matters, if you just go by what happens with WWDC.

[jechen]

Interesting. I've never gone to a WWDC, but I've been to the first three I/Os, and while it could be the fact that the conference has become better known since then (and increasingly at larger scales), you can definitely see the effects that the free swag have on registration demand (and the effect on the quality of the people going to the conference) over the years. It's been really disappointing to witness the change, as personally I/O was my favorite tech event back when it was true to its original purpose: a conference for developers.

[bkbonner]

Agreed. Google Ticket Plinko, followed by Google Wallet Plinko.

Google can serve mail and handle search, but online registration and payment gateways don't seem to be its strong suit.