Interesting - I wonder if the free conference portion is due to the (usually fabulous) sponsors, or if Disney is getting really desperate for people to fill their hotels - to the point of offering free conference space.
It's the sponsors. :) Disney definitely makes its money off these conferences (though it is honestly not nearly as extortionate as one would originally think).
It's also a bit community service on Jeremy's (and his supporters/partners) part. He seems committed to putting on a free conference and just makes it happen... and it works!