So another Macworld has come and gone and it’s time for a wrap up:
The Exposition
This year the entire conference was in Moscone West (and I’m told it will be the same next year). This was perfect. It allowed you to attend conference sessions and return to the exposition hall with an escalator ride. Another nice benefit is that the exposition hall is above ground and, as a result, the 3G signal is much better.
The exposition hall itself was packed every day. Some of the bigger vendors (Google, Adobe, and Microsoft) were not present. As a result, walking the halls you were able to discover many small and medium-sized companies with innovative products that you may have never discovered otherwise. One of my favorites was the iConnect MIDI box, a small box that allows you to send and receive MIDI signals between iOS devices and a MIDI instrument. It looks as if I may be doing sequencing with my MIDI keyboard and iPad in the near future. Another interesting product was LensPen’s SideKick, a carbon based iPad glass cleaner.
There was also news from well-established Mac developers. The Omni Group talked about 2011 releases of OmniPlan for both the Mac and iPad (with hooks to OmniFocus) and OmniOutliner for the iPad. The interface for iPad OmniOutliner (in its current alpha iteration) looks good. I’m looking forward to seeing the final release.
One of the recurring themes from developers was how the iPad hijacked 2010. Everyone’s plans changed as they raced to join the iPad goldrush. In 2011, I suspect a lot of these developers will be returning their focus to the Mac and we will get several interesting new software applications and updates.
The vibe on the show floor was electric. Attendees were having a great time, discovering new products, and making new friends. One of my indicators about the success of Macworld is the number of attendees you find sitting on the ground with their Macs and iPads out sharing tips and tricks. I’ve never been to any other conference were people do this. This year, these impromptu sessions were everywhere.
The Macworld planners outdid themselves this year with the Macworld Live stage. With full lighting, video, and audio support, the stage felt like a late night talk show set. They had nice couches and a full agenda of excellent speakers, podcasters, and other entertainers. It was thrilling for Katie and I to record the Mac Power Users from the show floor with a live audience. (We are working on getting a copy of the video.)
My biggest disappointment was my presentations at the Omni booth. I had way too much material to cover in 30 minutes and there were audio problems so I never really found my rhythm. The good news is, I spent plenty of time preparing and I’m finally going to make good on my promise to make the mother of all OmniFocus screencasts so stay tuned. Also, if I speak at Omni next year, I’m going to request an hour so things aren’t so rushed.
The Conference
Once again, there was a stunning assortment of conference topics ranging from the most basic to full on, third-degree propeller beanie nerdery. I was able to attend several conference sessions and learned plenty. My synchronization session went great.
This year, there was a new addition Macworld called the Macworld Industry Forum. This was, essentially, Macworld TED with feature speakers giving 20 minute summaries of topics relevant to the Mac community. Speakers included Jason Snell, John Gruber, and other smart people explaining trends and sharing insight. It was a brilliant addition to the Macworld curriculum. I hope it comes back.
The Book
It was thrilling for me to stand in the Wiley booth and watch people take Mac at Work off the shelf. I spoke with several attendees who read the book and their compliments made all the effort worth it.
The Social
It never ceases to amaze me how easy it is to make new friends at Macworld. Every year I renew old friendships and make several new ones. This year was no different. Overall, there was a great vibe to this year’s show. Last year, there was an underlying tension with Apple’s departure. This year, nobody missed Apple. In fact, the conference had several interesting presenters (like the iFixIt guys showing you how to crack open your iPhone 4) that never would have been present in the days of Apple.
In summary, the show is alive and well. The trip was energizing and exactly what I needed to kick off 2011. I’m already making plans for Macworld 2012 (January 25-28).
The Macworld Live Stage and audience pictures are courtesy of Allison Sheridan.
MacSparky.com is sponsored by Bee Docs Timeline 3D. Make a timeline presentation with your Mac.
"The exposition hall itself was packed every day."
I don't know what show you attended but no, no it wasn't. There were several booths that were quite busy but "packed every day" is simply inaccurate.
"Some of the bigger vendors were not present."
Correction: *None* of the big vendors attended.
"In 2011, I suspect a lot of these developers will be returning their focus to the Mac"
I suspect you couldn't be more wrong. iOS is where the development is happening.
"the number of attendees you find sitting on the ground with their Macs and iPads out sharing tips and tricks. I’ve never been to any other conference were people do this."
You must not attend many conferences. This happens at *every* conference I've ever been to.
"This year, nobody missed Apple."
Wow…this is a *stunning* statement. Anyone who *doesn't* miss Apple, it's energy, it's vibe, it's gravitas, it's importance, simply isn't paying attention. There is absolutely no doubt in any thinking person's mind that Macworld Expo is a *better* show with Apple than without it.
It's a shame that so many people feel the need to put a brave face on Macworld Expo instead of calling a spade a spade and being honest about it. It does the Expo and your readers an injustice.
"The exposition hall itself was packed every day."
I don't know what show you attended but no, no it wasn't. There were several booths that were quite busy but "packed every day" is simply inaccurate.
"Some of the bigger vendors were not present."
Correction: *None* of the big vendors attended.
"In 2011, I suspect a lot of these developers will be returning their focus to the Mac"
I suspect you couldn't be more wrong. iOS is where the development is happening.
"the number of attendees you find sitting on the ground with their Macs and iPads out sharing tips and tricks. I’ve never been to any other conference were people do this."
You must not attend many conferences. This happens at *every* conference I've ever been to.
"This year, nobody missed Apple."
Wow…this is a *stunning* statement. Anyone who *doesn't* miss Apple, it's energy, it's vibe, it's gravitas, it's importance, simply isn't paying attention. There is absolutely no doubt in any thinking person's mind that Macworld Expo is a *better* show with Apple than without it.
It's a shame that so many people feel the need to put a brave face on Macworld Expo instead of calling a spade a spade and being honest about it. It does the Expo and your readers an injustice.
"The exposition hall itself was packed every day."
I don't know what show you attended but no, no it wasn't. There were several booths that were quite busy but "packed every day" is simply inaccurate.
"Some of the bigger vendors were not present."
Correction: *None* of the big vendors attended.
"In 2011, I suspect a lot of these developers will be returning their focus to the Mac"
I suspect you couldn't be more wrong. iOS is where the development is happening.
"the number of attendees you find sitting on the ground with their Macs and iPads out sharing tips and tricks. I’ve never been to any other conference were people do this."
You must not attend many conferences. This happens at *every* conference I've ever been to.
"This year, nobody missed Apple."
Wow…this is a *stunning* statement. Anyone who *doesn't* miss Apple, it's energy, it's vibe, it's gravitas, it's importance, simply isn't paying attention. There is absolutely no doubt in any thinking person's mind that Macworld Expo is a *better* show with Apple than without it.
It's a shame that so many people feel the need to put a brave face on Macworld Expo instead of calling a spade a spade and being honest about it. It does the Expo and your readers an injustice.
"The exposition hall itself was packed every day."
I don't know what show you attended but no, no it wasn't. There were several booths that were quite busy but "packed every day" is simply inaccurate.
"Some of the bigger vendors were not present."
Correction: *None* of the big vendors attended.
"In 2011, I suspect a lot of these developers will be returning their focus to the Mac"
I suspect you couldn't be more wrong. iOS is where the development is happening.
"the number of attendees you find sitting on the ground with their Macs and iPads out sharing tips and tricks. I’ve never been to any other conference were people do this."
You must not attend many conferences. This happens at *every* conference I've ever been to.
"This year, nobody missed Apple."
Wow…this is a *stunning* statement. Anyone who *doesn't* miss Apple, it's energy, it's vibe, it's gravitas, it's importance, simply isn't paying attention. There is absolutely no doubt in any thinking person's mind that Macworld Expo is a *better* show with Apple than without it.
It's a shame that so many people feel the need to put a brave face on Macworld Expo instead of calling a spade a spade and being honest about it. It does the Expo and your readers an injustice.
"The exposition hall itself was packed every day."
I don't know what show you attended but no, no it wasn't. There were several booths that were quite busy but "packed every day" is simply inaccurate.
"Some of the bigger vendors were not present."
Correction: *None* of the big vendors attended.
"In 2011, I suspect a lot of these developers will be returning their focus to the Mac"
I suspect you couldn't be more wrong. iOS is where the development is happening.
"the number of attendees you find sitting on the ground with their Macs and iPads out sharing tips and tricks. I’ve never been to any other conference were people do this."
You must not attend many conferences. This happens at *every* conference I've ever been to.
"This year, nobody missed Apple."
Wow…this is a *stunning* statement. Anyone who *doesn't* miss Apple, it's energy, it's vibe, it's gravitas, it's importance, simply isn't paying attention. There is absolutely no doubt in any thinking person's mind that Macworld Expo is a *better* show with Apple than without it.
It's a shame that so many people feel the need to put a brave face on Macworld Expo instead of calling a spade a spade and being honest about it. It does the Expo and your readers an injustice.
"January 25-28"…according to the Macworld Expo web site, you've got the dates wrong…
"January 25-28"…according to the Macworld Expo web site, you've got the dates wrong…
"January 25-28"…according to the Macworld Expo web site, you've got the dates wrong…
"January 25-28"…according to the Macworld Expo web site, you've got the dates wrong…
"January 25-28"…according to the Macworld Expo web site, you've got the dates wrong…
@Shawn
As I understand it the 2012 Expo will be Thurs-Sat (26-28) but, like most years, they will have some conference sessions on the 25th. Hopefully, they will do the Industry Forum again, which I found very enlightening and thought provoking.
As to the rest of your comments, perhaps we were at different conferences because every day I had trouble getting through the aisles. As to missing Apple, nobody I spoke with said, "Gee, I sure wish Apple were here." You are correct in calling me out in that I did not speak with everyone so I shouldn't have said "nobody" missed Apple. Perhaps there were attendees upset about Apple's absence but my impression is that most people have moved on. Rather than get in a comment debate, I'd much rather go out for a drink with you the next time we are in the same town and discuss this more socially.
@Shawn
As I understand it the 2012 Expo will be Thurs-Sat (26-28) but, like most years, they will have some conference sessions on the 25th. Hopefully, they will do the Industry Forum again, which I found very enlightening and thought provoking.
As to the rest of your comments, perhaps we were at different conferences because every day I had trouble getting through the aisles. As to missing Apple, nobody I spoke with said, "Gee, I sure wish Apple were here." You are correct in calling me out in that I did not speak with everyone so I shouldn't have said "nobody" missed Apple. Perhaps there were attendees upset about Apple's absence but my impression is that most people have moved on. Rather than get in a comment debate, I'd much rather go out for a drink with you the next time we are in the same town and discuss this more socially.
@Shawn
As I understand it the 2012 Expo will be Thurs-Sat (26-28) but, like most years, they will have some conference sessions on the 25th. Hopefully, they will do the Industry Forum again, which I found very enlightening and thought provoking.
As to the rest of your comments, perhaps we were at different conferences because every day I had trouble getting through the aisles. As to missing Apple, nobody I spoke with said, "Gee, I sure wish Apple were here." You are correct in calling me out in that I did not speak with everyone so I shouldn't have said "nobody" missed Apple. Perhaps there were attendees upset about Apple's absence but my impression is that most people have moved on. Rather than get in a comment debate, I'd much rather go out for a drink with you the next time we are in the same town and discuss this more socially.
@Shawn
As I understand it the 2012 Expo will be Thurs-Sat (26-28) but, like most years, they will have some conference sessions on the 25th. Hopefully, they will do the Industry Forum again, which I found very enlightening and thought provoking.
As to the rest of your comments, perhaps we were at different conferences because every day I had trouble getting through the aisles. As to missing Apple, nobody I spoke with said, "Gee, I sure wish Apple were here." You are correct in calling me out in that I did not speak with everyone so I shouldn't have said "nobody" missed Apple. Perhaps there were attendees upset about Apple's absence but my impression is that most people have moved on. Rather than get in a comment debate, I'd much rather go out for a drink with you the next time we are in the same town and discuss this more socially.
@Shawn
As I understand it the 2012 Expo will be Thurs-Sat (26-28) but, like most years, they will have some conference sessions on the 25th. Hopefully, they will do the Industry Forum again, which I found very enlightening and thought provoking.
As to the rest of your comments, perhaps we were at different conferences because every day I had trouble getting through the aisles. As to missing Apple, nobody I spoke with said, "Gee, I sure wish Apple were here." You are correct in calling me out in that I did not speak with everyone so I shouldn't have said "nobody" missed Apple. Perhaps there were attendees upset about Apple's absence but my impression is that most people have moved on. Rather than get in a comment debate, I'd much rather go out for a drink with you the next time we are in the same town and discuss this more socially.
I am absolutely insane I do know this to be true; however, I actually like the expo like it was this year.
When the true stars of the show like both of you have time to talk a few mins to a huge fan and fellow Machead like me without feeling rushed or handed a few propitiatory comments… You get the real community feeling of the original Macworlds.
The platform has always excelled because we have always acted like a huge community, pundits say the internet and the juggernaut that is iThings has stolen a lot of the community feel. I beg to differ. Macworld proved that.
I got to make friends with the likes of Ken Ray, Merlin Mann, David Sparks, Mike Rose, Brett Terpstra, Don McAllister and many more. Again not just passing podcast listener passer by comments Ken actually called me out on his podcast on Monday. I actually was super amazed that a guy I have listened to for years not only took the time to talk to me but was kind enough to allow a up and comer like me to be a contemporary of the blogosphere best Macnuts.
People make Macworld not booth babes and monolithic Apple and Adobe booths.
IMOHO
#Aloha
I am absolutely insane I do know this to be true; however, I actually like the expo like it was this year.
When the true stars of the show like both of you have time to talk a few mins to a huge fan and fellow Machead like me without feeling rushed or handed a few propitiatory comments… You get the real community feeling of the original Macworlds.
The platform has always excelled because we have always acted like a huge community, pundits say the internet and the juggernaut that is iThings has stolen a lot of the community feel. I beg to differ. Macworld proved that.
I got to make friends with the likes of Ken Ray, Merlin Mann, David Sparks, Mike Rose, Brett Terpstra, Don McAllister and many more. Again not just passing podcast listener passer by comments Ken actually called me out on his podcast on Monday. I actually was super amazed that a guy I have listened to for years not only took the time to talk to me but was kind enough to allow a up and comer like me to be a contemporary of the blogosphere best Macnuts.
People make Macworld not booth babes and monolithic Apple and Adobe booths.
IMOHO
#Aloha
I am absolutely insane I do know this to be true; however, I actually like the expo like it was this year.
When the true stars of the show like both of you have time to talk a few mins to a huge fan and fellow Machead like me without feeling rushed or handed a few propitiatory comments… You get the real community feeling of the original Macworlds.
The platform has always excelled because we have always acted like a huge community, pundits say the internet and the juggernaut that is iThings has stolen a lot of the community feel. I beg to differ. Macworld proved that.
I got to make friends with the likes of Ken Ray, Merlin Mann, David Sparks, Mike Rose, Brett Terpstra, Don McAllister and many more. Again not just passing podcast listener passer by comments Ken actually called me out on his podcast on Monday. I actually was super amazed that a guy I have listened to for years not only took the time to talk to me but was kind enough to allow a up and comer like me to be a contemporary of the blogosphere best Macnuts.
People make Macworld not booth babes and monolithic Apple and Adobe booths.
IMOHO
#Aloha
I am absolutely insane I do know this to be true; however, I actually like the expo like it was this year.
When the true stars of the show like both of you have time to talk a few mins to a huge fan and fellow Machead like me without feeling rushed or handed a few propitiatory comments… You get the real community feeling of the original Macworlds.
The platform has always excelled because we have always acted like a huge community, pundits say the internet and the juggernaut that is iThings has stolen a lot of the community feel. I beg to differ. Macworld proved that.
I got to make friends with the likes of Ken Ray, Merlin Mann, David Sparks, Mike Rose, Brett Terpstra, Don McAllister and many more. Again not just passing podcast listener passer by comments Ken actually called me out on his podcast on Monday. I actually was super amazed that a guy I have listened to for years not only took the time to talk to me but was kind enough to allow a up and comer like me to be a contemporary of the blogosphere best Macnuts.
People make Macworld not booth babes and monolithic Apple and Adobe booths.
IMOHO
#Aloha
I am absolutely insane I do know this to be true; however, I actually like the expo like it was this year.
When the true stars of the show like both of you have time to talk a few mins to a huge fan and fellow Machead like me without feeling rushed or handed a few propitiatory comments… You get the real community feeling of the original Macworlds.
The platform has always excelled because we have always acted like a huge community, pundits say the internet and the juggernaut that is iThings has stolen a lot of the community feel. I beg to differ. Macworld proved that.
I got to make friends with the likes of Ken Ray, Merlin Mann, David Sparks, Mike Rose, Brett Terpstra, Don McAllister and many more. Again not just passing podcast listener passer by comments Ken actually called me out on his podcast on Monday. I actually was super amazed that a guy I have listened to for years not only took the time to talk to me but was kind enough to allow a up and comer like me to be a contemporary of the blogosphere best Macnuts.
People make Macworld not booth babes and monolithic Apple and Adobe booths.
IMOHO
#Aloha