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!
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
Looking for Macstock on social? You’ll find me and Macstock on Mastodon!
I’ve fired up my own instance to host both Macstock and my podcast, so the easiest way to find me is to open your favorite Mastodon client (Ivory? Mastonaut? Web?) and search for:
There you can follow, comment, boost, or … yep, just read what’s up with Macstock!
Don’t want to sign up for yet another social network?
Ugh! I get it! That’s okay, you can follow Macstock’s Mastodon account or Macstock’s news posts via RSS too! Yep, good ol’ RSS works great to stay on top of Macstock updates and news!
To follow my Mastodon posts via RSS:
Add https://tooting.ninja/@macstockexpo.rss (don’t forget to add the .rss) to your favorite RSS feed reader. (This should work with ANY Mastodon account!)
** I realize mastodons may not be in the same family of proboscideans as elephants, but…you know…creative license and all.
P.S. Wither Twitter?
Macstock’s Twitter account is going into “maintenance” mode. Thanks to RSS and a little IFTTT magic, posts I make on Mastodon *should* appear on Twitter, but it’s not guaranteed.
Well, YOU and a bazillion other things I need to do before we can all meet again this summer like: update the website(!!!), get the new ticketing system working, finalize speaker line ups, order swag, design the t-shirt….
*whew*
Okay, I guess I need to get just a little more completed before Macstock VII is fully ready to go, but how about we have a little Macstock VII Launch Party this Saturday and hang out in a live stream on YouTube where I’ll share the latest updates on Macstock for 2023!
(Truth be told, I always need a little pressure on me to get moving, so this is your chance to see how much I can get done in the next three days — OR make fun of me for getting nothing done! LIVE!)
Some of the stuff I’ll plan to cover:
Macstock VII’s Dates
This year’s theme!
How this year’s schedule is different
Who’s on board to present so far?
Where to find Macstock on Social Media these days
And, oh yeah, if I get my act together: Ticket Sales Begin!
*Don’t worry if you can’t join us live. Recordings will be available on Macstock’s YouTube Channel for your time-shifted viewing pleasure. AND I’ll put all this info out later in another newsletter.
Looking for a fun place to gather with fellow Macstock attendees Saturday after Day One comes to an end? The outdoor patio space at Public House of Woodstock has been reserved for us!
While the Food and drink are not part of your Weekend Pass, you can grab yourself dinner, appetizers & drinks after the days talks! Their full food & drink menu will be available for you to place your own orders.
While there, be sure to check out the bar area! Not only can you see the original holding cells from the building’s days as courthouse for the county seat, but it’s also one of the many filming locations for the movie, Groundhog Day, that can be found throughout Woodstock!
Located in the Old Courthouse on the Historic Woodstock Square:
101 N Johnson St
Woodstock, Illinois 60098
I am excited to see everyone again in … oh my gosh … less than TWO WEEKS!?!
It’s time for one last Live Stream before Macstock gets here so we can cover a few important things you’ll need to know before you arrive next week!
One more thing: Turns out there’s an announcement from a couple Macstock Attendees about some After Macstock activities they’d like you to know about in case you’d like to join them! So there’s that to cover too!
So let’s hang out Tuesday for my latest updates on Macstock VI!
Here’s what I’m planning to share:
What’s this “Self-Assessment” Thing?
Welcome to Macstock: What to Expect When You Arrive
Macstock Volunteers: Here to Help!
Getting to Macstock
Sticking Around Town? A Little Unscheduled “After Macstock” Fun!
Important Links to Know
Woodstock Weather Report (Dressing for Macstock)
Any Last-Minute Questions?
Don’t worry if you can’t join us live. This will all be going out in an emailed Newsletter later that day AND Recordings will be available on Macstock’s YouTube Channel for your time-shifted viewing pleasure.
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.
Looking for Macstock on social? You’ll find me and Macstock on Mastodon!
Looking for a fun place to gather with fellow Macstock attendees Saturday after Day One comes to an end? The outdoor patio space at Public House of Woodstock has been reserved for us!
I am excited to see everyone again in … oh my gosh … less than TWO WEEKS!?!