Not really. I paid $450 for an early bird badge. $100 flight each way from NYC with American/Continental. Couchsurfing for accommodation. Eating free food at parties.

It's not that expensive if you plan well.

you are the Bear Grylls of the tech conference circuit

He better drink his own meme.

standard ticket price is close to $750 (early bird is like 6 months early, and like $450, then goes up monthly). interactive + film badges are over $1k. hotel lodging is expensive and hard to come by (compared to other cities)