by Mike | Dec 25, 2021 | Macstock News
The winter holidays are a time of reflection. A time to step back and give thanks for those around us: Our friends. Our family. All those closest to us that we hold dear.
And as we come to the end of another Macstock-less year, I’ve been thinking about all of you. A lot. And I’ve been thinking about the next time we can all get together again, in person, in a safe and healthy environment. But I’ve also been reflecting on the past and the joy brought to me, my family, and the community because of Macstock.
I had no idea when I cobbled together the first Macstock in 2015 how much each and every one of you would come to mean to me. Just yesterday, I delivered a package to a friend of mine here in Illinois that will help make her husband’s Christmas a special one. But I could only do that because another friend of mine, a friend I met because of Macstock (and, I should add, lives half-way across the country) took a trip to a regional store near his home, picked up an item that could only be found there, and shipped it out to me in time for the holidays.
And that’s not the only story of generosity and friendship to come out of Macstock. Far from it! I could fill this newsletter with those stories. Stories of selflessness. Stories of fellowship. And stories of love. Who knew how prescient Macstock’s logo would be when I sketched it out on a piece of scrap paper nearly 12 years ago:
Peace. Love. Mac.
That’s what makes the Macstock Community so special to me. That’s what makes Macstock so special to my family (most of whom you’ve all met at Macstock as they tirelessly “volunteer” to help make the weekend a successful one). That’s what makes Macstock so special to our presenters and volunteers. And that’s what makes Macstock so special to everyone who’s ever made the trek to Woodstock and became part of the Macstock family.
Macstock is about getting together and enjoying each other’s company, our shared history, and, of course, our expertise, and I am so very grateful for the community that’s supported and helped grow Macstock throughout the years. And I’m especially thankful to all of you patiently waiting for Macstock to resume once again. Your overwhelming faith and trust in Macstock (your faith in me!) to do right by you means the world to my family and I.
So as we enjoy the company of those who mean the most to us this holiday season, I wanted to use this year-end newsletter to take a quick journey to Macstock’s Future, Macstock’s Present, and Macstock’s (Recent) Past. But rather than invoke the spirits of the holidays (let’s face it, other than the Ghost of Christmas Present and the bounties of generosity and goodwill it brings along for the ride, those other two ghosts can be real buzzkills!), I thought we could, instead, climb into our favorite time machine and do a little time traveling together!
(I tried to find out if the device itself in H.G. Well’s “Time Machine” [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35] had a nickname…like Ol’ Betsy or some such thing. Surprisingly, it doesn’t seem it did. If you know differently, let me know! For now, I’ll just say: our Time Machine — only because we don’t need that “relative dimension in space” bit.)
While it seems that elusive light at the end of the tunnel that was oh-so-close only a month ago just got a little further away with the omicron variant, as you travel to Macstock’s Future with me, please take the survey mentioned below and let me know your thoughts on getting together in person once again. It may be in 2022, or it may be later, but I know we’ll get there with a little patience and by all working together to put this pandemic behind us.
Take care, be safe, and be kind*,
Mike
* Those who follow Disney news through various YouTube channels may recognize that I’m paraphrasing one of my favorite Disney vloggers, David Erickson, of “Fresh Baked” [https://www.youtube.com/c/FreshBakedDisney]. He signs off nearly every episode with the words “be kind to one another” and I like it so much — and the idea is so very important — that I decided to borrow it. Thanks David!
Macstock’s Future: What’s in a Name?
PLUS: A Macstock 2022 Survey!
Time for a Name Change?
Okay, Macstock will ALWAYS be “Macstock”, but as Omicron rears its head and we’re faced with the important questions I pose within the survey below, it started to feel silly … like, really silly … to continually change how I referred to the next Macstock by year.
Macstock 2020.
Macstock 2021.
Macstock 2022(??).
Plus it was confusing for people. Wait…is Macstock 2022 the same as Macstock 2020? What happened to 2021? We had a Macstock in 2021 and 2020. Didn’t we? No, wait, that was VIRTUAL Macstock!
ARGH!!!!!
(Listen to the exchange Allison and I had at the beginning of her Virtual Macstock talk this year for a real life example!)
SO, I’m officially changing the NEXT Macstock’s name from Macstock 2022 (or whatever) to — insert trumpet fanfare here — Macstock VI.
I know. A bit anticlimactic isn’t it? But that simple change will make it easier for everyone to remember, and it’ll give us all something concrete to latch on to.
What’s the next Macstock? Macstock VI (or “Macstock 6” if you prefer, I’m not picky)
Plus, like bow ties, roman numerals are cool. Just ask George Lucas.
And if you guys still like to use a year, you can easily say: Macstock VI in 202x (more on that in just a second).
So watch for those changes to slowly make their way through the Macstock website and other references just as soon as I can make them.
Take the “Macstock in 2022” Survey!
I need your help!
Hosting Macstock takes planning. Scheduling. Booking.
Call it what you will, but to successfully host Macstock in summer, I typically need to begin arranging hotel blocks and booking the conference center nearly nine months in advance.
And while Janet and I toured many potential conference centers earlier this year, I’ve yet to reserve one for 2022.
Why?
Because doing so is an important decision and takes real commitment. (read that as “financial commitment”.) And, to be honest, in the age of COVID-19, it’s not something Macstock can afford to do, only to cancel later. It’s not fair to the venues, hotels, caterers, restaurants, promotional printers, or anyone else involved in making Macstock a successful weekend for everyone each summer.
It’s also not fair to you or to Macstock’s presenters.
Everyone involved needs to make plans to attend. Arrange flights. Book hotel rooms. Take vacation days. So when those plans suddenly change or are outright cancelled, that’s a financial liability everyone must bear.
So after two years of postponing Macstock, always thinking things are finally starting to look good for hosting in person again, along comes another roadblock like Omicron to throw a monkey into the wrench (that’s a “Mikeism”. Just accept it.)
So, yeah, I’ll admit, I’m at a bit of a standstill when it comes to making a decision on 2022.
But that’s where YOU come in! I’ve said time and again that Macstock’s Community is the key to its success, so I’m turning to you for help.
And while I realize you can only answer this survey based on what’s known about the state of COVID-19, travel, and other factors at this very moment, by taking this survey, you can help me gauge your current interest level in attending Macstock next summer. And that will allow me to make a better-informed decision on Macstock’s immediate future.
So please take a moment to let me know your thoughts on attending Macstock in person. Either in 2022 or beyond.
And while the survey itself is completely anonymous, if you would like to share your thoughts or comments on Macstock’s future with me directly, please email me and I’ll be happy to reply personally.
The survey will automatically close on January 10th.
Thank you!
Macstock’s Present: Have You Met Jim?
In the newest episode of Macstock Stories, we chat with Jim Rea about his history with Apple and developing for the Macintosh, the origins and development of the database app, Panorama, some cool use-cases of Panorama, and what encouraged him to attend his first Macstock in 2019.
Jim is a Mac developer ever since there were Macs, the founder of ProVUE Development, author of Panorama, and a frequent contributor to MacVoices.
Macstock Stories is a limited run series that focuses on the folks who attend and support Macstock each year.
Everyone has an interesting story to tell, and this is Jim’s!
If YOU have an interesting story to tell, whether it’s a cool project you’re working on with your Apple gear or a favorite story from past Macstocks and you’d like to share it with the Macstock Community, reach out and let me know!
Macstock’s (Recent) Past: Revisiting Virtual Macstock 2021!
Did you miss any of the Virtual Macstock 2021 live stream? If you have a VIP Pass or a 2021 Digital Pass you can watch and re-watch your favorite talks on demand!
To access your Digital Pass for Virtual Macstock 2021, just log in to your account at
https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/2021-digital-pass/
Once logged in, you’ll see all 6 individual talks from Virtual Macstock 2021 embedded on that page.
And that includes Wally Cherwinski, Brett Terpstra, Rick Cartwright, Mike Schmitz, Allison Sheridan and …
Wait a second! Six you say Mike?? That’s right! We may have missed Kelly Guimont’s talk during the live event, but we got it for all you Digital and VIP Passholders and it’s ready to watch any time! Just like our other talks, Kelly had fun with this one and I hope everyone gets a chance to watch it.
So that’s 6 great talks on demand!
And while watching those talks, don’t forget to support ALL your favorite Macstock presenters from Virtual Macstock or even Macstocks Past! Show them your love for all the hard work they put into supporting Macstock each year by supporting them! Subscribe to their shows, give their software a try, buy their books, and read their blogs! And don’t forget to hit them up if you have questions about any of their projects, I’m sure they’d love to hear from you!
PSST! Have questions or troubles accessing your Digital Pass for Virtual Macstock 2021 or earlier? Be sure to drop me a line and I’ll be happy to help straighten things out for you!
by Mike | Aug 16, 2021 | Macstock News, Virtual Macstock
From the beginning of this pandemic, one of the driving forces behind my decisions to postpone Macstock twice from July 2020 to, what I hope will be, July 2022, is your safety and the safety of the Macstock community. After all, Macstock’s heartbeat — the very thing that brings us back year after year — is the community. And if I can’t keep that community safe to the best of my abilities, then what’s the point?
So when I announced the VIP Passes for Virtual Macstock this year, I did so with the confidence that everyone who wanted to attend could do so with the assurance that I was doing everything I could to protect you and the ones you love from COVID-19 and its potentially devastating effects. And those efforts included capacity limits, mask requirements for the unvaccinated, and then, later, further capacity limits combined with a mask requirement for everyone.
Unfortunately, since announcing Virtual Macstock’s VIP Pass, the positive direction that we’d been headed combating COVID-19, not just within the United States, but around the world, has taken a decidedly downward turn due to newer and more deadly variants of COVID-19 such as the Delta variant that is currently infecting a large segment of the population.
In fact, as of last Friday, McHenry County, Illinois — where Macstock is located — was upgraded to a Highly Transmissible county by the CDC giving us the dubious honor of joining so many other areas of the country that are also branded with a big, red, blotch on the ever expanding map of COVID-19 that was, only a few months ago, looking much better.
So with that in mind, to meet insurance recommendations, and in order to provide the maximum amount of safety and comfort to our in-person guests at Virtual Macstock, effective today, I’m implementing the following NEW COVID-19 PROTOCOLS for ALL Virtual Macstock VIP Pass attendees:
- In addition to the reduced capacity of 40 paid VIP Passes that I implemented on August 8th, effective August 16th, 2021, EVERYONE 12 AND OLDER WHO ATTENDS VIRTUAL MACSTOCK 2021 IN PERSON — and that includes all VIP Passholders, Volunteers, and Speakers — MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19 at the registration desk to be admitted. Those who cannot provide acceptable proof of vaccination will be turned away.
Second, while masks are not currently mandated by the State of Illinois or the City of Woodstock, face masks are highly recommended by the CDC for everyone while in public places and indoors. Therefore, Macstock will also strongly encourage the use of face coverings for all in attendance. However, with everyone in attendance vaccinated, face masks will not be required unless required/mandated by state or local governments at some point prior to September 25th, 2021.
UPDATE! As promised, the rules have changed AGAIN. Effective Monday, August 30th, the State of Illinois is reinstituting a statewide indoor mask mandate requiring facial coverings within indoor settings like Virtual Macstock, regardless of vaccination status. So please be sure to come with your own mask that can be worn comfortably over your mouth and nose during the entire time you’re inside the Stage Left Café attending Virtual Macstock.- Finally, because I understand this is the third time I’ve changed the rules on you since announcing the VIP Pass, effective August 16th, I am eliminating the $10 processing fee from refunds as well as extending the window to receive a full refund on your VIP Pass to September 18th. This means, regardless of the circumstances that might require you to ask for a refund, you will have up to one week prior to Virtual Macstock to decide if you’re unable to attend for any reason and/or meet the requirements of providing proof of vaccination.
There’s a limit to what I can do to protect the Macstock Community. While keeping you safe is my priority, I can’t protect the Macstock Community alone. I need your help and I thank everyone for your patience, understanding, and willingness to respectfully comply with our policies for the safety of all attending.
A Look Toward Macstock’s Future
As an event that thrives on social interaction and community building, Macstock will not survive on virtual alone.
So if Macstock is to enjoy another 5 wonderful years, we need to get back to a place where not only can we host Macstock without the specter of COVID hanging over our heads, but we can do so in a way that encourages the participation, fellowship, and community that we’ve come to love about Macstock.
To get to that point for Macstock 2022 next July, I believe that, for the moment, we’ll need to look at the current state of Virtual Macstock’s VIP Pass and its COVID Protocols as the model for Macstock 2022…at least until we can finally put this pandemic behind us.
Thank you everyone for your support.
Mike
by Mike | Jul 26, 2021 | Macstock News, Virtual Macstock
For 6 years we’ve gathered in the halls of the Luecht Conference Center the third or fourth weekend of July for a fantastic weekend of Macstock (okay, okay, technically the FIRST year it was the third weekend of June, and last year we gathered virtually, but bear with me a moment here!)
And while we’re currently full steam ahead to gather in person once again for 3 days the fourth weekend of July 2022, things are going to be a little different this year, because this year, in exactly two months, we’ll be gathering the fourth Saturday of September for the first ever hybrid Macstock event: Virtual Macstock 2021!
(If you missed the announcement video, you can watch that here)
That’s right, on September 25th, Virtual Macstock is back!
And I’m inviting YOU to join me.
The best part is, we took what we learned from last year and made this year’s Virtual Macstock even better! Because for the first time since 2019, for a limited number of guests, you can attend in person, with a new Virtual Macstock VIP Pass that’s available to anyone who’d like to take part in the day, along with me, LIVE at the Stage Left Café in Woodstock IL.**
That means you now have three ways to participate in this year’s Virtual Macstock:
- You can attend virtually from anywhere in the world via our live stream.
- You can purchase a Digital Pass and join us live and watch again later on your own schedule.
- Or you can purchase a VIP Pass and be there in person!
** Please note that in keeping with the times and putting the safety of the Macstock Community at the forefront, the VIP Pass ticket sales will be limited to a maximum of 60. Please read and understand the FAQ / T&C for this year’s Virtual Macstock if you plan to be there in person! Macstock’s safety rules may change prior to Virtual Macstock. If you have questions, please check the FAQ for the latest updates or Contact Me!
What Else is New?
For those attending virtually, we’ve got a new, improved, virtual lounge with multiple rooms and live video & audio direct from your Mac to better see who you’re talking to! And just like last year, our lounge offers spacial audio within each room so you’ll better hear others you’re close to, but can’t hear those who are far away.
Not enough? Don’t forget the day’s live stream where we’ll be chatting with some of Macstock’s presenters who’ll be giving you snack-size talks that preview their full presentations coming your way at Macstock 2022!
This year’s presenters will be joining us both virtually and in-person and I’m working hard to confirm everyone who’s been invited to speak at this year’s Virtual Macstock, but some of the speakers you’ll recognize from past Macstocks include Wally Cherwinski, Kelly Guimont, and Rick Cartwright. How’s that for a start? And that’s just about half the line up!
And, of course, we can’t forget my good buddy Dave Ginsburg who’ll be at Stage Left Café to co-host the day with me!
Will You Join Us?
Virtual Macstock is back for its second year and with three options to join in the fun, HOW you take part is up to you!
Whether it’s watching the live stream, chatting using video and audio in our new, improved, virtual lounge, hanging out in our chat rooms, or, for the first time since 2019, enjoying the in-person feel of Macstock with a limited seating VIP Pass, we’ve got more options than ever to stay in touch with your friends while waiting for Macstock 2022 to get here.
You may Register for Virtual Macstock Here
Hope to see you there!
Mike
by Mike | Jul 30, 2020 | Macstock News, Virtual Macstock
I had two thoughts on my mind as Virtual Macstock came to a close last Saturday:
Wow, that actually worked!
and…Man, Virtual Macstock was a BLAST!!
We had speakers in their virtual green room, chatters in the chat room, and avatars zipping around the Macstock Lounge — thank you Marina! — and then folks jumping between them all throughout the day.
Just Like Macstock.
And, if you didn’t catch it, we even had a MyMac.com recording session taking place in the Lounge. Just…Like…Macstock.
Dang Guy and Gaz, that episode was fun! For anyone who missed it, be sure to catch it and all the Virtual Macstock attendee cameos, right here: https://www.mymac.com/2020/07/mymac-podcast-811-aliens-hack-skype/
THEN, don’t miss Allison Sheridan’s look at how High Fidelity and Jitsi Meet (used for the speaker green room) worked in concert to bring a little extra “real” to the virtual. Her blog post on some of the tech we used for Virtual Macstock is here: https://www.podfeet.com/blog/2020/07/virtual-macstock-tools/ and you’ll also hear Steve and Allison chatting about High Fidelity in this week’s NosillaCast here: https://www.podfeet.com/blog/2020/07/nc-794-2/
Allison also shared a human connection story with me where an attendee, Brian, met them in the Macstock Lounge and, later, caught up with them again in the NosillaCast live chatroom!
Just Like Macstock. Awesome!
Okay, I know it wasn’t exactly “Just Like Macstock” in every respect, but it sure was great seeing all the folks I’ve met and become friends with throughout the years hanging out and having a good time. That was the point of Virtual Macstock. And that absolutely was…Just Like Macstock.
It just makes me long for the next in-person Macstock even more. Can’t wait!
Accessing the Live Stream Encore
Did you miss some of the live stream? No problem! The encore is playing in the Virtual Macstock Main Hall!
We had a little glitch with the actual recording of the live stream lopping off the beginning and end of the day(!!), but I was able to download a full copy and re-upload it separately.
To access the encore presentation, just log in to your account at https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/virtual-macstock-2020/
Once logged in, you’ll see the full video embedded on that page.
*PSST!* Want to jump to a certain talk? No worries, I won’t tell! Unfortunately, YouTube Chapter Markers can’t be embedded on the Macstock site, so you’ll also find a direct link to watch the encore on YouTube with Chapter Markers to make it easier to find the talk you’re looking for.
The live stream will be available on the Virtual Macstock Main Hall page for all Virtual Macstock Passholders through August 1st, 2020. EXTENDED: through August 8th, 2020
Macstock 2021 Weekend Passholders will also have the videos added individually to their Digital Pass to watch any time.
by Mike | Jul 13, 2020 | Macstock News, Virtual Macstock
The rumors* are true!
Two weeks from today we were slated to gather for the 6th annual Macstock Conference but, despite our best wishes and hopes, prudent caution and doing right by Macstock’s attendees took precedence, and Macstock 2020 was officially rescheduled for July 2021.
But I didn’t want to leave things at that. I miss you guys!
So the planning gears kicked in and, as those gears turned (albeit slowly), the idea of doing something Macstock-related on the “weekend that would have been” began to take shape.
Soon, much like the first Macstock back in 2015, Virtual Macstock began to take on a life of its own.
So, What’s Virtual Macstock?
I’m glad you asked!
Virtual Macstock will take place Saturday, July 25th, from 11am – 4pm CDT, and is a free, “drop in as you can” type event that’s available to anyone who’d like to stop by and check in on the sessions and the live stream, ask questions in the chat room, or even check out the “hallway track” we’ll have set up for you to hang out with Macstock friends you may not have seen since last year!
Here’s the best part: If you purchased a 2-Day Pass to Macstock 2020/2021, YOU’RE ALREADY REGISTERED!
And if you haven’t, registering for Virtual Macstock itself is completely free.
Of course you’re always welcome to purchase a Weekend Pass for what is now Macstock 2021, and that will register you too. Even though Macstock 2020 has been officially postponed to July 2021, if you purchase a Weekend Pass to “Macstock 2020” before July 26th, you’ll be signing up for 3 Days of Macstock 2021 at Macstock 2020 pricing!
Will There Be Sessions Like Macstock?
You bet! What would Macstock be without them?!
With so many amazing presentation submissions this year, Virtual Macstock is my opportunity to help introduce you to some of the speakers already accepted for Macstock 2021!
And it’s a pretty darned great selection of speakers if I do say so myself. With faces both new and returning, this inaugural edition (*hint, hint*) of Virtual Macstock is scheduled to feature only a small slice of those heading to Macstock’s stage in 2021 including (in no particular order):
Mike Schmitz
Brittany Smith
Jay Miller
Chuck Joiner
Allison Sheridan
Josh Rensch
Elle Newman & Brett Terpstra
and Joe Buhlig
We’ll be spending 20 mins with each of them** discussing all sorts of topics including previews of next year’s talks, cool projects they’re working on, or maybe something exciting going on in their life that has to do with the “World of Apple”.
AND, as time permits, we’ll throw things over to my pal Dave Ginsburg who’ll take the reins as “co-host” throughout the day as we chat live with speakers and ask them YOUR questions from Virtual Macstock’s live chat!
In addition, all talks will be available for 7 days following Virtual Macstock for everyone who signs up — and if you’ve purchased a Macstock 2020/2021 Weekend Pass, the talks will be available indefinitely as part of your Digital Pass for Macstock 2021.
That’s the plan anyway! How’s that sound to you?
Sounds great! How Do I Sign Up?
Did you buy a Weekend Pass to Macstock 2020/2021? You’re all set! Just sign in on the 25th with the same account used to purchase your ticket(s).
Otherwise, you can register for Virtual Macstock 2020 by itself right here: https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/product/virtual-macstock-2020/
All Details for taking part in Virtual Macstock will be sent to you before the event.
Wrapping Up…
I’ll say this: Virtual Macstock feels very much like the first Macstock to me.
Put together on a shoestring with little idea whether it would work or not, I’d say we’ve had a pretty good run with Macstock the past 5 years. And I’m very much looking forward to the next 5 years of Macstock…and beyond!
Yes, things sometimes go wrong at Macstock — it wouldn’t be Macstock if it didn’t! 🙂 — and with all the digital balls we’ll be juggling on the 25th, I’m certain something won’t go quite as planned during Virtual Macstock, but, hey, as I’ve found out these past 5 years, Macstock and the amazing community of folks who come back year after year has been worth it!
I can’t wait to have you join us for Virtual Macstock on July 25th…and then to see everyone once again, in person, at Macstock 2021!
Mike
* Rumors to the extent that they’ve existed — almost exclusively — for quite a while now deeply entrenched within my head.
** 20 minute sessions will be pre-recorded to help keep things moving, but we’ll have time to chat and answer questions with many of them LIVE after their talk.
by Mike | Apr 11, 2020 | Macstock News
Making the Call… We’re Moving to 2021 2022!
*NEW* FEBRUARY 2022 UPDATE #2: Where we’re at with the next Macstock, what needs to happen before we can get together again, and a couple ideas I have for the Macstock community in 2021.Though I can’t confirm the dates quite yet, I’m now targeting July 2022. For details, check out my video here on the Macstock YouTube Channel.
ALL PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED TICKETS TO MACSTOCK 2020 WILL BE HONORED FOR THE NEXT IN-PERSON MACSTOCK CONFERENCE!
FEBRUARY 2021 UPDATE: Due to the ongoing global pandemic, Macstock has been officially postponed to a future date yet to be determined. Estimated future dates below have been modified to reflect this update.
ALL PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED TICKETS TO MACSTOCK 2020 WILL BE HONORED FOR THE NEXT IN-PERSON MACSTOCK CONFERENCE!
UPDATED: October 18, 2020 – Tentative Dates Temporarily Removed Until I Can Confirm Dates and Capacity Limits
This is a long one folks, but if you’ve been planning to coming to Macstock 2020, please read through to the end.
It seems so long ago now, but it’s only been a little over 4 weeks…TO THE DAY…since I launched the Early Bird Sale for Macstock 2020.
And it’s been just about 4 weeks since I posted the Macstock 2020 COVID-19 response page.
Since that time, I’ve received so many encouraging emails from folks who’ve registered for Macstock 2020 and told me how much they’re looking forward to a little bit of normalcy returning to our lives — and that Macstock 2020 was going to be their celebration of that return to that world.
It was that encouragement, plus the guidance of health officials locally, nationally, and internationally that have kept me cautiously optimistic throughout all this.
After all, it’s only been about 3 months since the start of 2020.
Which meant that, as of a week ago, there were still 4 months to go until Macstock weekend. Not even half-way to Macstock!
But with everything changing, quite literally, on a daily basis, it’s become increasingly harder to predict where things will be next week let alone July 25th.
So I made the determination about a week ago that I was going to set TWO Milestone Dates for Macstock 2020: April 25th and May 25th.
That’s 3 months and 2 months prior to Macstock weekend.
I figured one of three things would happen:
1) If things take a turn for the worse, then I will announce on April 25th that Macstock is postponed until next year.
2) If things look okay by April 25th, but aren’t markedly better by May 25th, then I’m postponing until next year.
3) If things ARE markedly better by May 25th, and I could assure a SAFE environment for Macstock’s attendees, then we might just be able to pull it off!
As the week wore on, it became increasingly obvious that none of those scenarios SHOULD play out. The decision needs to be made now.
So this is not the letter I planned to post today.
It’s the letter I have to post.
I can no longer simply look at the impact COVID-19 by itself will have on Macstock weekend, because even if the pandemic disappears tomorrow, next week, or next month, there are longer lasting side-effects on Macstock, it’s attendees, and our ability to come together for Macstock’s 6th year this July.
In the end, deciding to host Macstock in 2020 is about more than if the virus has run it’s course:
- It’s about personal safety for you and your families.
- It’s about financial stability for attendees, presenters and volunteers.
- And it’s about doing the right thing for those who’ve entrusted me to bring everyone together each year in a safe, warm, and welcoming environment.
I want to assure everyone that Macstock is very personal for me and my family.
We’re a household of two small businesses, and bringing everyone together at Macstock by creating a fun, educational, community-focused atmosphere is a big part of what I do with mine from January through August each year. But we’re small businesses none-the-less and, like so, so, so many of you, this pandemic is hitting us hard. So Janet and I understand all-too-well the economic impact COVID-19 has had on everyone the world over.
But, in addition to that, I’ve PROMISED all who’ve written to inquire about Macstock’s status that I will do right by you.
So that’s what I’m doing.
As of today, Macstock 2020 is officially postponed to July 2021 (DATES TBD).
Read on for more details…
Coming Back BIGGER and BETTER!
Here’s what I’m going to do for everyone who purchased a ticket for Macstock 2020 (and those who haven’t yet):
- I’m going to expand (the next) Macstock
2021 Weekend to THREE days so I can bring you even more of the amazing speakers who’ve submitted talks to me this year.
- Everyone who already purchased a ticket to Macstock 2020 will have their ticket automatically transferred to (the next) Macstock
2021 and get those 3 days of Macstock 2021 at no additional charge. There is nothing you need to do for this to happen. If you purchased a ticket to Macstock 2020, this will automagically become a (future) Macstock 2021 ticket unless I hear otherwise from you.
- To take it one step further, anyone who purchases a ticket to Macstock between now and July 26th, 2020 (the end of what would have been Macstock 2020 weekend) will attend (the next) Macstock
2021 at this year’s pricing!
- Yes, the cost of a Macstock ticket will go up next year to account for that extra day, but not until after July 26th, so if you haven’t decided to join us yet, this is your chance to save really big on Macstock
2021!
- Dates for (the next) Macstock
2021 will be finalized as soon as I can set them with the conference center, but I’m targeting Friday July 23rd – Sunday July 25th, 2021 (DATES TBD).
- Finally, Macstock 2020’s refund window will be extended until further notice to allow for cancellations if you decide next year’s finalized timing doesn’t work for you.
I Still Want to “See” You in 2020!
In addition to “plussing” Macstock 2021 for everyone, I’ve been playing with ideas to strengthen the Macstock community for those days and weeks we’re not all gathering in the halls of the Luecht Conference Center, and I have a few things in mind that I’ll be announcing in the coming weeks.
Specifically, if you’re all up for it, I’d really like to do something the weekend of July 25th and/or 26th. Perhaps a free LIVE event?
Details are still very much crammed in this empty cavern of a skull I affectionately call my “head”, but as soon as I have some plans in place that I can share, THIS will be the best place to hear about them.
(I’m also open to suggestions!)
So that’s it for this time.
I can’t tell you how much it genuinely pains me to write this letter.
But it’s the right thing to do. And doing the right thing is the promise I’ve made to all of you.
PLEASE don’t hesitate to reach out to me with your questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or…just to say “Hi”. I will miss seeing you all. But even if we can’t see each other in person this year, we have next year to look forward to! It’s going to be a great one!
Stay safe. Be well. And thank you very much for your patience and understanding at this time.
See you at (the next) Macstock 2021!
Mike
I had two thoughts on my mind as Virtual Macstock came to a close last Saturday:
Did you miss some of the live stream? No problem! The encore is playing in the Virtual Macstock Main Hall!
I’m glad you asked!