Why Macworld?

[SarahH]

Why do we attend Macworld?

[Adam Jackson]

I've actually never answered that before in less than a page. I'm not going to bore you with the entire bit. I went to Macworld in 2003 because I knew that every Mac user should go at least once. I had a fantastic time! I met all of the companies who made the Mac gear I used on a daily basis, writers that wrote books that I read and some of my best friends from message boards were sitting across the lunch table from me and it was awesome!

I continued going and even went to Macworld Boston in 2004 which wasn't as much fun as I'd hoped. However, I kept the spirit alive and I haven't skipped a year. I still go for the same reasons I loved my first expo. Now, more than ever, there are many friends in town and it's a non stop party with a lot of cool Apple gear in the most beautiful city that I love to visit.

I hope that's a good enough reason.

[James]

My wife says that attending with me was like watching the Blind Melon video when the little girl in the bumblebee costume finds the field where everyone else is wearing the same costume. I guess I'm the little girl in that analogy and Macworld Expo is the field of people in bumblebee costumes.

[Adam Jackson]

I took my girlfriend with me last year. Macworld was my test for her to see if our relationship would last. I believe John Welch that did that with his lady last year. My girlfriend was a real trooper. she's a geeky mac graphic design girl so there was a lot of fun to be had but the nights of little or no sleep, constant walking and parties really got to her. However, she continued to support me was always up for more articles and more photo taking for my blog and even gave me a shoulder rub on the days that things were stressful.

Friends of mine at expo said that she's a real keeper cause she saw me at my geekiness and when I'm most stressed and continued to support me. I love her.

[John C. Welch]

A minor correction...me bringing Melissa to Macworld wasn't a test. It was me wanting her to see a very...odd, yet important part of my life.

for a couple years, she'd seen how from about thanksgiving until Macworld, I suddenly got popular, had a couple of fun late night phone calls as I left a good party, and generally heard parts of things. She heard a lot of names too...Sly, Shawn, Schoun, Shaun, Chuck, Mike, Paul, Sarah, Jessica, and many, many others. But all she'd done was hear about it, and that's not even close to what it is.

I brought her out so that she could see what I do for a week as I survive on no sleep, insane amounts of caffiene even for me, and lots of aleve. I wanted her to meet these people, who have all become my friends, even though I only 'see' them once a year. One, because they were all invited to our wedding, and I figured they shouldn't all be a surprise, and two, because well...they're my friends. Why wouldn't I want her to meet them? I wanted her to have a chance to see Macworld from her point of view, with her eyes, and filter it through her brain, not just rely on my stories.

that's why I brought melissa to macworld. It must have worked, as she was quite clear that she was coming back this year.

[SarahH]

That's great! Looking forward to seeing Mel again!

[April]

I can't stay away. I went to every MacWorld on the East Coast and when they stopped, I headed West. It is the highlight of my year. My husband and I skip Christmas gift giving because we know in January we will be getting cool stuff from my sojourn to the West Coast.

There's always something to learn and something cool to buy. And San Francisco is awesome.

[Lori]

It is wintertime geek mecca.

[Dan Neal]

For the last 10 years, I've always come to Macworld. The only year I failed to do so was when I had literally died (I got better) and was physically unable to do so.

The chance to see in the flesh all the people I interact with online throughout the year is just invaluable to me. I always learn something new and vital to my use of my personal Mac and to help me administer the Mac networks I oversee. I get to see, touch, and test new hardware, software, and educational materials.

There's just no other gathering for me that has that perfect mix of education, knowledge, and personal interaction.

Dan Neal
Murfreesboro, TN

[Chad Barraford]

Nice Dan, reading your posting, makes me even more excited to go. Just when I thought that wasn't possible. :)

[Scott Mindeaux]

My first Macworld Expo was way back in 1989 when I was working for Orange Micro. After that I went to 2 Boston MacWorlds, never made it to a Macworld in NYC and I have only missed maybe 4-6 Macworlds in SF. Last year, however, was the first year that I got to attend the conference portion (MacIT) - all the other times was as an exhibitor or just with an exhibit hall pass.

So why do I keep coming back? I just can't stay away! Every year I go and find something new and learn so much more. I luv it when I'm walking down an aisle and I see an old friend that I haven't talked to in years. Other than that, SF is a great city. I've never been to any of the parties at Macworld, but maybe that will change this year!

[Susan Gehr]

I've been coming to Macworld SF more often than not since 1992.

I attend because it's fun and educational and my employer will send me to the conference year after year after year.

I also go because I am fortunate enough that my husband's employer also sends him year after year. so it has become quite the family tradition.

Over the years, I've made lots of friends that I see only at Macworld - I go to see them. Hi Shawn & Lesa! Hi Sly! Hi Your Mac Life people!

I have had lots of fun getting up before the crack of dawn to go to the keynote, but I'm thinking this year I will sleep in.

[Lori]

I've got to get me one of those macworld loving employers!