Hi All, NZNOG09 is being hosted by FX Networks at the Mount Richmond Hotel and Conference Centre in Mt. Wellington, Auckland from Wednesday 28 to Friday 30th January, 2009. Following on from the successful fellowship program offered last year there will once again be a small number of fellowship packages available. Fellowships are open to all - employed, unemployed, students, programmers. The aim of this is to provide assistance to those people that mightn't otherwise be able to come - but have a lot to offer to, or gain from, the NZNOG community. Fellowships will cover conference and tutorial registration fees, and up to three nights accommodation at the NZNOG venue. Travel assistance may be considered if applicants are able to provide solid justification for why it would be needed. Up to five fellowship packages are being made available. Applicants must: - Write a few paragraphs explaining why they need a fellowship to NZNOG'09 and what they hope to get out of it. - Their employer can't or won't cover them and they're having to cover costs personally or they're a student / unemployed. - Demonstrate a history of involvement in some aspect of the NZNOG community or an intent to become involved, and how attending NZNOG'09 will benefit them. - Actually attend the NZNOG sessions! Fellowship prospects will be helped greatly if applicants are presenting, or intend to present a conference paper, lightning talk, convene a BOF, or otherwise contribute to the conference. Submissions will be evaluated by the NZNOG 2008 organising committee. We need to be satisfied that there is a legitimate need for the fellowship. Email your submissions to talks(a)nznog.org - and while you are there, why not tell us about the talk/lightning talk/BOF you wish to provide... Closing date for applications Monday 15th December Successful applicants will be notified by Wednesday 17th December. Cheers, Jonny.