BP Conference on the cheap

[Rusty Thompson]

I will be attending the Conference, but I don't have a lot of money to make it happen.Really stretching to make this happen. I was able to get a great flight price & saved some money on Conference ticket. But I'm looking for some more ideas on ways to cut costs.
Things I have thought of
Boarding.
Melbourne Hostel
Since I will be traveling alone I booked a room . It's only 20$ a night for dorm & 38$ for a private room. 9 blocks from the conference center. If more people are interested we could fill the hostel & it would be mostly BP memebers.
Room Sharing
Could be a great plan. If enough people could share a room then the price per person could come way down. I think it would either have to be the conference center hotel, or one close enough to walk.
Any other ideas???
Local Housing
Anybody local willing to put up a few of us for a small fee? Willing to provide transportation back and fort? Could be a great way for someone to make a quick few bucks and have a great time while helping others?
Food
Groupon
I've been watching groupon for good deals on food close to the convention center. I assume I will be eating out most of the time & groupon is a great way to cut half the price off your food. I use it a lot local & have had great success with it. Again it should probably be within walking distance since paying for cab fair would offset any savings
Group rate.
Much like the hotel, some restaurants will offer a better price if you can guarantee enough people will be working there. Maybe something to look into.
Affordable every day prices
Anyone know a good place close by to get some good food at a low price?

If anyone else has any great ideas I would really appreciate it.