The thought of not getting hold of a ticket to the d.construct conference lead me to take a rather radical course of action. When it was pointed out to me that sponsors get free tickets, I had no choice but to back the event. After selling out in 30 minutes last year I was not going to risk any other method of ticket acquisition.

Joking aside I am really happy my company could help sponsor an event like this. The web development industry is unique in the way it shares ideas. Events such as d.construct are fantastic places to learn from peers and share experiences. Judging by its huge popularity last year, d.construct is one of the web industry’s best grassroots events and we’re pleased to be so closely associated with it in 2006.”

So apart from just attending, I will be opening the event with a few words of welcome. Jeremy has also coaxed an interview out of me for the series of d.construct podcasts he is posting.

This year’s conference is clearly focused on APIs with Simon Willison and Paul Hammond talking about using “Web Services for fun and profit” and Jeremy Keith covering current innovations. It’s also going to be interesting to hear from Jeff Barr who will be talking about how the use of APIs is generating new business models for the web.

Beyond the API sessions Aral Balkan will be trying to open our eyes to the benefits of the Flash platform and Flex 2. Aral did a great job last year, often the development areas you’re not involved in provide the most enlightening session.

The line-up is not just about writing code Thomas Vander Wal and Jeff Veen will be covering tagging and designing the complete user experience. Jeff did a great talk at the recent @media event about participation, trust and improving the user experience. The interactive design principles Jeff put forward at @media have made me re-evaluate a couple of ongoing projects. I am looking forward to see what he has to say at d.construct. />