Mac Podcaster Meetup 2009 ~ Mac Mingle 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009, Adam Christianson, host of the Maccast, brings you the podcaster meetup.
Thursday, January 8, 2009, Deborah Shadovitz brings you the Mac Mingle.
(And a hotel special.)
Deborah Shadovitz invites you to the Mac Mingle...
Mac Mingle 2009 — a party during Macworld Expo 2009
The Mac Mingle is a party open to all Macworld Expo attendees wearing a Macworld badge.
This is a great opportunity for attendees to relax, unwind after a few days at the show, and mingle with fellow Mac users and some top Mac luminaries.
The party offers a casual setting and is the perfect chance to share and discover the Expo's greatest finds so you can check them out Friday. We'll have a no-host bar and, thanks to our generous sponsors, light hors d'oeuvres will be served throughout the evening as long as they last. We'll also have iProng magazine's birthday cake. Of course, Jillian's full menu will be available with items for purchase in case you're really hungry.
Come celebrate the Mac and Mac users with us.
Come celebrate great Mac products.
Come celebrate the release of MacHEADS The Movie (premiering Wed at 6:15 at Moscone)
Come have fun.
If you are planning to attend and want to let us know, you send Deb an email or use 
if you're into it.
RSVP is NOT required. It's just fun for us to have an idea.
WHEN:
Thursday, January 8, 2009
That's the Thursday of Macworld Expo
7pm - 11:45pm
WHERE:
101 Fourth St, San Francisco CA 94103
Google Map of Jillian's
Our Great Sponsors!
Mac Mingle is being made possible by the following sponsors.
Oh — we just might have a trivia contest, so if you know your Mac trivia or know about our sponsors you might take home a nice prize.
Circus Ponies — CircusPonies.com
Circus Ponies NoteBook is a great app for keeping track of your thoughts and life.
Create a notebook for every project you do, or one that covers several projects. For example, I have one in which I keep all my notes for creating great events.
You can write or paste notes, add or reference images, record sounds, and more.
RadTech LLC — Radtech.us
RadTech designs, manufactures and OEM's innovative, practical, high-tech accessories for your Mac. They don't just buy cheap electronics; they put thought into the components they use to built their stuff. They've got a selection of notbook gear, iPod gear, iPhone gear, Bluetooth gear, data storage, stuff for displays, maintenance, photo & video, cables, computer luggage/cases (I'm loving the shape of the Alley case now)...
MacSpeech — MacSpeech.com
Makers of Dictate, the Mac's dictation and voice control software that lets you control virtually any Macintosh application and dictate your text instead of typing.. First MacSpeech gave us iListen, then they one-upped themselves with Dictate.
Other World Computing — OWComputing.com
Hard drives, RAM, and so much more for you Mac. Figuring out what you need put into your Mac is a cinch at OWC's site. Then they go on to make it simple to buy and as easy as possible to afford. Ram, drives, burners, batteries... all here. Plenty of other stuff too.
Elgato — Elgato.com
Turn your Mac into the world's most affordable HDTV as well as a full-featured digital video recorder. Elgato's TV tuners receive both analog and digital TV, so they're great solutions for the upcoming digital transition in February.
Watch, pause, and rewind live TV while you do your email. Record your favorite shows or an entire season. Edit out the commercials and put your recordings into iTunes to sync with an iPod, iPhone, or Apple TV. You can even capture analog video and turn your old home movies into digital files and burn them to disc
- Rage Software — RageSW.com
RAGE Software provides the tools Mac users need to design professional web sites, get to the top of all major search engines to attract more customers and provides fast, reliable web hosting services. Let us help with all your web site needs. 
FileMaker Pro — FileMaker.com
Database may be a scary word to some folks, but it's not to anyone who uses FIleMaker Pro or Bento to keep records and track well, just about anything.
FreshBooks — FreshBooks.com
Invoicing for Freelancers, Consultants & Service Professionals
Save time, get paid faster and look Fortune 500 professional with easy-to-use online invoicing from FreshBooks. From estimates and expenses to time tracking and invoicing, FreshBooks lets you focus on your work, not your paperwork. Customize the service with your own logo and colors, accept payments with PayPal, Authorize.net, and track time from the Mac OS X Dashboard widget or from your Phone.
To learn more about FreshBooks or to create your FREE account and get started today, click here!
Aquafadas — Aquafadas.com
Bringing pictures and video to your Mac and website in fun ways.
Booth S332
HearPlanet — Hearplanet.com
Turn your iPhone into a talking tour guide. HearPlantet allows travelers (locals, too) to turn their iPhone into a "talking tour guide", providing access to great content about the things around them delivered via voice, turning the entire world into an interactive on-demand museum-style audio tour.
Climb aboard our Launch Party Tour Bus at Macworld for a quick tour, then get dropped off at dinner, Moscone, one of many Macworld events.
Harman International: JBL Speakers — JBL.com
JBL On Stage Micro The JBL On Stage™ Micro portable loudspeaker dock is the ideal travel partner. Imagine the convenience of taking the JBL On Stage Micro speaker dock on the road and enjoying the sound right on your desktop.
The JBL on Stage Micro system is compatible with all docking versions of the iPod. A stereo mini jack connection also allows you to enjoy high-quality audio from a variety of other devices, such as MP3 and CD players, desktop computers (all platforms), satellite radio and laptops.
Remote Control Included - The JBL On Stage Micro IR remote has several modes of operation. The music mode allows you to control the volume, change tracks, fast forward and fast reverse. The navigation mode allows you to access menus on your iPod just as if you were controlling the unit itself. You can search your music, watch your slideshows, and find and play your videos.
Battery or A/C Powered - The system uses six AA batteries and allows up to 12 hours of continuous play at normal listening levels. An amber LED flashes when the battery protection circuit senses that the batteries are low. The system also operates of a standard wall outlet using the included power supply and cord.
Advanced Technology - The JBL On Stage Micro loudspeaker dock combines many proprietary technologies to provide the highest quality sound, astonishing bass and clear accurate sound from any direction. Odyssey® transducers - The Odyssey drivers deliver accurate high frequencies while capable of low-frequency extension of four-octaves, unlike more commonly used powered tweeters. Slipstream port design - The port minimizes boundary layer separation, producing high-output bass with low-distortion. COE (Computer-Optimized Equalization) The system equalization is computer-optimized to provide a rich, complete soundstage over a wide range of listening positions. OCT (Optimized Compression Technology) - The proprietary compression technology ensures clear, accurate sound at high output levels
Harman International: AKG headphones — AKG.com
Huge, full sound! The AKG brand is new in the US.
Some of us heard them last year at a special press event. Wait til you hear them for yourself.
Many of you offer to buy me a drink at the Mac Mingle, but if I took everyone up on those drinks...well, you might see a side of me I haven't even seen, so I'd welcome a couple of dollars toward my travel fund instead — or, if you'd like to buy one of your favorite Mac authors, podcasters, or developers a drink, that would be really nice.
Are you on the fence about going to Macworld Expo?
Would it help if you could still find a great, affordable hotel?
I talked to the people at one of my all-time favorite hotels and they worked with me to come down in price as much as possible to make things easier for us in this messy economy.
The Hotel Abri is just .4 miles from Moscone. (It used to be called the Monticello.) The 91-room, smoke-free hotel features FeatherBorne beds. (I'm told you'll fall right to sleep in these beds.) iPod docking stations, free in-room wi-fi, hair drier and ironing boards in-room, two PCs (sorry not Macs...yet) in the lobby for email checking, free fair-trade coffee from 6-9am in the lobby, a town car (schedule permitting) to Moscone in the morning, and a lobby that's great for meeting fellow attendees in to hang out.
The Macworld MacMingle pricing is $133 per night for King, Queen, or Double Double (all are deluxe). This is pretty much the same as if you were to reserve online and pre-pay in full, but this way you have much of the flexibility that is normally $142 or more. You'll have a 72 hour in advance cancellation benefit. (There are very few Double Doubles in the hotel. If they tell you the DD room is more, let me know and we'll try to work on it.)
Plus, since we have this deal, you know there will be other Mac folks near you. I'll be there for sure! I met the nicest Mac people from Anchorage sitting in that lobby and actually went to Anchorage because I met them there. I intend to spend time down in that lobby again.
If you'd like to reserve a room, call 866-823-4669 toll-free and ask for the Macworld MacMingle pricing. In case you're like to expand your San Francisco stay, these prices are good from January 1 - January 13, based on availability.
Hotel Abri
127 Ellis Street, San Francisco CA 94102
(Between Powell and Cyril Magnin Streets, just the other side of Market from Moscone.)
http://www.hotel-abri.com
If you book a room with us,
I'd love to hear from you
~Deb
Some of the folks
you'll be able to mingle with:
Adam Christianson (MacCast podcast)
Scott Bourne (co-host of This Week in Photography and publisher of TWiPPhoto.com)
Victor Cajiao (Typical Mac User Podcast)
Dennis Sellers (Macsimumnews.com)
Derrick Story (Book Author, O'Reilly)
Dave Hamilton (MacObserver.com)
Chuck La Tournous (RandomMaccess.com)
Ilene Hoffman (Hess Events LIst creator, MacNN)
Don McAllister (ScreenCastsOnline.com)
Rik Myslewski (TheRegister.co.uk)
A few other recognizable names or people may just show up too, schedule permitting.
You'll also meet...
Kobi Shely (Dir/Producer, MacHEADS The Movie)
Ron Shely (Producer, MacHEADS The Movie)
(It appears they may have to get home before this)
Magnus Nystedt (Shufflegazine in Dubai)
The guys from RadTech:
John Grzeskowiak - Chief Engineer
Matt Bequette - Dealer Sales Specialist
Ryan Meyers - Marketing & Graphics
Bob Floerchinger - Service & Support
Zach Grzeskowiak - eCommerce
The folks fom FreshBooks:
Saul, Sunir and Andrew
Aquafadas folks:
Claudia Zimmer - Co-founder & CEO
Matthieu Kopp - Aquafadas' CTO
Damien Jardon - PulpMotion main creator
And me, Deborah Shadovitz
The 2009 Party Cards
You'll see these cards floating around Macworld. Feel free to pick one up as a reminder or to give to a friend. It's not a ticket; remember you don't need a ticket.
Note to potential sponsors:
The announcement cards are already printed but there is still time to be on the banner and other signs, as well as to participate in the prize give-aways at the party. Please send Deb an email immediately if you want to sponsor this year.
The Banner
Our 8 feet tall x 4 feet wide banner.
One in JIllian's window facing 4th Street and this one facing Howard, for all to see.
Party Photos
Thank you very much to those who took photos at the party. Here are some pics from Segovia.
The Press Release
Los Angeles, CA December 17, 2008 -- We may have to cut back on many things in 2009, but there's no need to cut back on the fun at Macworld Expo! Respected author, consultant and radio personality, Deb Shadovitz again steps into her role as social hostess for her fifth annual party at Macworld Expo in San Francisco, CA as part of the conference's external festivities. The Mac Mingle [MacMeetAndMingle.com] is a unique opportunity for all Macworld Expo attendees — old-timers, first-timers, software vendors, hardware vendors — to get to know one another.
"During the day vendors have to man their booths and attendees are busy trying to get to every booth or seminar and learn as much as possible before the magical week of Macworld Expo is over for another full year," explains Deborah. "That's why I created a party where everyone can come and meet socially. At the Mac Mingle, you can meet fellow attendees, get to know the people behind your favorite software or hardware on a non-business level, meet some of your favorite Mac authors, and become more connected to the Mac community."
The Mac Mingle is unique in that it is free and open to all Macworld Expo badge-holders. (You really do need to wear the badge while there.) This is also a party where people can actually talk and have conversations. Perhaps we'll have music, games or contests, but you'll always be able to continue your conversation without having to step outside.
Shadovitz continues, "We want you to come mingle with some of the authors or editors whose words have helped you with your Mac over the years." Meet authors such as Adam Christianson (MacCast podcast), Ken Ray (MacOSKen.com), Scott Bourne (co-host of This Week in Photography and publisher of TWiPPhoto.com), Victor Cajiao (Typical Mac User Podcast), Dennis Sellers (Macsimumnews.com), Derrick Story (Book Author, O'Reilly), Dave Hamilton (MacObserver.com), Chuck La Tournous (RandomMaccess.com), Ilene Hoffman (MacNN.com reviews), Bill Palmer (iProng Magazine), Don McAllister (ScreenCastsOnline.com), and Rik Myslewski (TheRegister.co.uk). A few other recognizable names or people may just show up too, schedule permitting.
Light hors d’oeuvres and cake will be served. A no-host bar will be available for drink purchases, and Jillian’s full menu is available in case you’re really hungry.
Jillian’s is just around the corner from Macworld Expo, on the corner of 4th and Howard Streets. Come on by at 7 or after dinner or your other engagements. Or, of course you can dine right at Jillian's even before the party starts. You’re welcome to come by at any time. You'll find Mac folks there until 11:45.
The Mac Mingle is sponsored by:
Circus Ponies [circusponies.com]
RadTech [radtech.us]
MacSpeech [macspeech.com]
Other World Computing (OWC) [owcomputing.com]
Elgato [Elgato.com]
Rage Software [RageSW.com]
FileMaker Pro [FileMaker.com]
FreshBooks [FreshBooks.com]
Aquafadas — [Aquafadas.com]
HearPlanet — [Hearplanet.com]
Harman International: JBL Speakers — [JBL.com]
AKG headphones — [AKG.com]
Recap:
What:
The Mac Mingle
Where:
Jillian's Billiards & Restaurant
[jilliansbilliards.com]
101 Fourth St
San Francisco CA 94103
When:
Thursday, January 8th, 2009
7 - 11:45pm
How:
Just show up wearing your Macworld badge. (And keep wearing it.)
All Macworld Expo attendees are welcome.
For More Information Contact:
Deborah Shadovitz
Mac/Web Author & Columnist
Mac Trainer & Presenter Extraordinaire
Cool Mac Event Producer
http://www.Shadovitz.com
Click to write to Deb about the Mac Mingle
Official web page:
http://macmeetandmingle.com
Oher Macworld Expo Events
Want to know what else is happening at Macworld Expo? Many years ago, Mac author and user group leader Ilene Hoffman started a now-famous list. We sometimes call it The Party List but it's actually a full Macworld Expo Events List.
For example, you'll discover a fantastic hidden resource —the great sessions going on in the Mac User Group lounge. These sessions are all open to all attendees. Have a look on the list and notice these MUG Lounge listings. (I speak on Wednesday.)
As Ilene asks, I also ask that you respect closed parties and press events.
Don't Forget the US Premier of MacHEADS The Movie!
OK, this is not a Mac Mingle thing, but it's a really cool Mac thing:
What better place to hold the premiere of “MacHEADS The Movie” than at Macworld?
Wednesday, January 7, 6:15 (after the show floor closes)
Like the Mac Mingle, this is for Expo attendees only. It is first-come, first-seated or possibly by RSVP.
Q&A with Kobi & Ron, the guys behind the film, will follow.
For those of you who have to choose between this and our own Adam Christianson's Podcasta Birds of a Feather session, I'd be happy to point you to Adam, Victor, Don, Ken, Scott, and the other podcasters where ever they're hanging out at the Mac Mingle. You can sidle up to them (I just wanted to use that phrase) or step right up, and even buy them a drink or simply drink in the wit and wisdom that permeates the air when these guys get together. I wish we could play the film at the Mac Mingle, but it's a bit loud for that.
Notes
Special thanks to Adam Christianson of MacCast for providing this web page, for the inspiration to do the Mac Mingle, and for his on-going support of me and the Mac community. Thank you to prMac.com's great PR service for helping us get the word out.