ITWire

This category of registration will be open for a limited time, according to a media release from the organisers.

Canberra last hosted the event in 2005; next year's event will coincide with the centenary celebrations of the Australian capital.

Unlike in previous years, the Canberra organisers have already announced the conference program. The only things remaining to be filled in are the names of keynote speakers and the talks at mini-conferences.

Registering early does offer some financial benefits - a professional registration costs $650 as compared to the regular rate of $950. A hobbyist can register for $260 as opposed to the regular rate of $330. Students have an uniform rate of $99, no matter when they register.

There is also a sponsorship category, costing $1500, for those who wish to become Fairy Penguin sponsors.

The facilities available for each category of registration differ and can be seen here.