Movin’ Right Along: Macstock VII’s New Venue

by Mike | May 17, 2023 | Macstock News, Macstock VII

I’ve been sitting on some Big News for Macstock VII, but I couldn’t say anything until ALL the pieces dropped into place.

Well, this past Friday, the last piece — you know, that one that fell off the table and slid under the rug only to be chewed up by the cat? Yeah, that piece. It’s now in place and I can share what’s been going on behind-the-scenes at Macstock HQ the past few weeks….

Mactock VII is moving!

Not far. Like, literally right up the road in fact! We’re moving to a new venue located in the heart of the Historic Woodstock Square!

The new location is Stage Left and it’s part of the Woodstock Opera House complex — a building with a long and storied history including performances by Orson Wells, Paul Newman, Tom Bosley, Geraldine Page, Lois Nettleton, Betsy Palmer and Shelley Berman!

So, yeah…we’re in good company. 😉

And while Macstock won’t be held on the Opera House’s main stage — at least not this year — we will be hosting all our amazing speakers at (on?) … Stage Left, a venue decorated in a backstage motif celebrating the rich history of theatrical tradition.

What I love about Stage Left is it’s a venue offering a more intimate learning environment where, as an attendee, you’ll have the opportunity to engage more directly with Macstock’s presenters and your fellow attendees in a relaxed setting that lends itself to a stronger sense of community and togetherness.

Plus, being located in the center of the dynamic and vibrant community of Woodstock means that I can arrange for evening activities mere steps from Stage Left! (See below for details)

So, you can arrive in the morning for Macstock, stay all day for our fantastic presentations, stick around and grab yourself dinner, and take part in a casual evening of socializing both Saturday and Sunday, all without needing to hop in a car … at least not until you’re ready to head back to the hotel at night.

Best of all? We’re not compromising! Macstock VII will provide the exact same content we’ve been planning to offer! And that includes unique experiences like Macstock’s Short Film Festival (did you submit your film yet??) and Mac Geek Gab LIVE.

Of course, I understand that change doesn’t always sit well with everyone. And changing venues 60 days out?? Well, now that I think about it, that feels very “Macstock” doesn’t it? But, if you purchased a pass to Macstock VII and moving Macstock to Stage Left affects your ability to attend this year, please reach out to me.

That said, I’m incredibly excited to share this change with you! I feel Stage Left’s setting will offer a much more personal experience, giving you a chance to interact with presenters in new and exciting ways and I hope, like me, you’ll see the advantages of moving Macstock to a new venue for 2023.

I’m looking forward to seeing you all in July at Macstock VII!

Lights, Camera…Action!

by Mike | Apr 3, 2023 | Macstock News, Macstock VII

Get your camera rolling and be part of the action, the Macstock Short Film Festival will be back for its second year at Macstock VII!

Hosted by Wally Cherwinski, the 2nd Macstock Short Film Festival gives those attending Macstock a chance to relax as each day winds down by sharing first-run screenings of videos made by your friends & family within the Macstock community.

Would you like to be part of the “Action”? Enter your own production in the Macstock Short Film Festival!

To take part in this year’s Macstock Short Film Festival, put together a short video (less than 2 1/2 minutes please) from some new or old footage and submit it here.

Don’t have a video ready? That’s okay, but we’d like to know one is coming. So, if you’d like to take part, but your film isn’t quite ready, please use the submission form to let us know that too!

The more short films submitted the better, so dust off your director’s cap, shine up your clap board, and get rolling!

All completed videos must be received by July 8th, 2023. You’ll find more on Wally’s Second Macstock Short Film Festival here:
https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/macstock-film-fest/

Mac Geek Gab LIVE! at Macstock VII

by Mike | Apr 3, 2023 | Macstock News, Macstock VII

I’m excited about this one because it’s been a while since we’ve been able to do anything like this at Macstock, but when Dave Hamilton reached out to me a few weeks back and asked if I’d like it if he and John Braun recorded a Mac Geek Gab LIVE from Macstock’s Stage this year, I think the word “Yes” came out before he finished asking.

But, when he also said they’d like to include a special Macstock Edition of Stump the Geeks as part the show…I can’t think of a better way to wrap up the first full day of Macstock than getting everyone in the Macstock community involved by asking you bring your tech questions to try and … Stump the Geeks!

Join Mac Geek Gab at Macstock VII, Saturday the 22nd at 4pm. It’s sure to be a blast!

Barry’s Midwest Mac BBQ 2023!

by Mike | Apr 3, 2023 | Macstock News, Macstock VII

Macstock VII is only part of a weekend long “Mac-stravaganza” that’s taking place this July, because Barry and I are happy to announce that Barry’s Midwest Mac BBQ (and Wine Event) is back for 2023!

Taking place on Thursday, July 20th, 2023 and hosted by Barry Fulk, the Midwest Mac BBQ is an informal gathering of Apple enthusiasts at Barry’s home located near Chicago, IL roughly five miles from O’Hare Airport and about twenty miles from downtown Chicago.

For those of you who’ve been to one before, you know that Barry can throw a party, and it sounds like if you can get to the area just a couple days prior to Macstock, you won’t want to miss this one!

But, here’s the important bit: You’ll need to let Barry know you want to attend! And the easiest way to do that is by visiting the Midwest Mac BBQ page on Macstock’s site. While there, you can check out his “teaser” video and then use the form at the bottom to let Barry know you’re coming!

For even more information about Barry’s Midwest Mac BBQ, visit Barry’s website at barryfulk.com