I'm not sure if I would make that assumption for this year's event.
I think people may have hesitated to sign up last year because the 2002 event was such a mess.
Looking back at 2003, the event was an overwhelming success, and that may fuel this year's registration process.
I do know that memberships may be transferred -- i.e. the name changed on the ticket -- until <b>August 6th.</b> So if you bought your ticket now, you would until then to transfer it to someone else if your plans changed.