In normal times, June is all about ramping up and enjoying/enduring DAC. As was true in 2006, however, DAC this year will be playing itself out in late July.

This is great news for those of us who are never ready on time. Not such great news, however, for those who think of July as the time for ramping down in preparation for August vacations -- anyone who has kids and everyone in the European design automation community.

Hence DAC 2009 faces more than the usual number of challenges. At least back in 2006, things were pretty stable in the larger economy and high-tech ecosystem. That's obviously not the case here in 2009.

This year the folks who make DAC happen are riding an unprecedented rollarcoaster of anxious anticipation. Will the conference meet expectations or sharply disappoint? At this point, no one really knows.

The truth is, those who are coming to DAC in San Francisco have already made their decision to attend. Those who will not be coming already know, as well. The only real question is whether those who are coming have already registered or not. If you're coming and haven't registered yet, why not do it today? It would help the DAC folks get a better idea of this year's reality, for better or worse.