Did the economy affect SfN at all?

I’m a bit curious at whether or not the current (lousy) state of the economy has affected SfN in any way. With a reported 29,500 people at this year's conference, it seems that attendance hasn't been affected so much.

I've been told by several job-seeking attendees that opportunities are quite slim this year. Most are contracted and there are hardly any permanent positions.

Could the (lousy) wifi situation be a probable consequence of the economy? Not enough money to buy enough cables and such?

How about you? Has anyone else noticed anything different about SfN that could have been caused by the recession? How are the quality of 'freebies' in the vendors section? I'm hoping to investigate this topic more and I'd love to hear your take on the situation.

Do your holiday shopping at SfN!

Word has it that there is a poster at SfN submitted by "Backyard Brains" that describes a product they've designed which allows laypeople to experience the world of electrophysiology using common household pests like cockroaches and crickets. The kit comes complete with neural probes, an amplifier, and a built-in speaker so you can actually hear the neuronal spikes. Connect it to your iPhone and you have a one of a kind, do it yourself lab right in your garage!

These kits make good Christmas presents for those relatives who are constantly asking exactly what it is you do all day. Spend some quality time with your loved ones and let them get to know you better with these brain-recording kits. It's fun for the whole family!

Next up might be a do-it-yourself R01 kit from NIH ... one can always hope.