We know many of you are still waiting to see how 2009 progresses before spending money on conference travel, so we’re happy to announce we’re extending the Early Bird registration for the Online News Association Conference & Awards Banquet for another 28 days.

From now through Aug. 28, you can register at the $399 member rate or the $699 non-member rate. On Aug. 29, registration goes up to $599 for members and $899 for non-members. Student rates are unaffected. (Not a member? ONA’s annual membership is just $75 and saves you $300. Join now.)

During the next month we’ll be updating the conference program with more session details and the great speakers and panelists who will be joining us in San Francisco.

However, those who register before 11:59 p.m. ET on July 31 (that’s Friday) will be entered in a drawing to win a Flip Mino video camera, courtesy of our friends at Reuters. (Visit ONAConference.org for details.) Already registered for the conference? Consider yourself eligible.

The winner will be announced via e-mail the week of Aug. 6. If you don’t see your name, you’ll have another shot at the conference, where two more Flip Minos will be up for grabs.

Two more ONA09 cost-saving reminders:

• ONA09 has partnered with United Airlines to provide discounted round-trip flights to San Francisco from anywhere in the world for travel between Sept. 24-Oct. 10. For the discount code and reservation instructions, visit ONAconference.org.
• Take advantage of the special $199 hotel rate at the Hilton San Francisco. At this rate, rooms really are going fast. To reserve your room, go to ONAConference.org.