Ok Wheres the Parties at?

[Robert Huttinger]

So where are the places to go that arent invite only?

[Adam Jackson]

There are tons of them actually.

http://www.ilenesmachine.com/partylist.shtml
http://upcoming.yahoo.com/group/3983/
http://socialcalendario.com will have them added the week before.

[ilene Hoffman]

Thanks to Adam for mentioning the Hess Memorial Macworld Events List. Due to a death in my family the page hasn't been updated very regularly; but rest assured it will be updated with LOTS of events over the next week! Come to the user group lounge for my talk for a chance to win some tickets to semi-private events - it will also be listed on the Hess List.

Thanks!
ilene

Producer, Hess Memorial Macworld Events List

[Raines Cohen]

Robert,

In my experience, going to every Macworld/SF since the first one in 1985, the question isn't where to go that isn't invite-only, but how do you get invited or do the inviting.

The best Expo experience, I've found, comes from getting to know people so well, being so helpful, that folks will invite you, knowing that your participation will make the event even better.

There are some events where your Macworld Expo badge is the only invitation you need, thanks to generous sponsors who help pay for it. Mac Mingle is one example of this. You can find some of these on the Hess memorial list, as Adam mentioned.

Some others you can pay to get into, like the official Macworld Expo party and the Netter's Dinner.

The rest are for people with connections: business partners, vendors, press, user group leaders, friends, and supporters.

So how do you get into one of these categories? Hard work, service, helping people. Volunteer with your local User Group and help people, take on some of the leadership roles. Help a vendor with Expo prep or move-in.

Mostly these are year-round activities... just starting two weeks before the show won't get you very far.

The Mac culture is a deeply connected one. Start being helpful in one area and you'll get noticed in others.

[Jasminv]

Has anyone heard any details of the Macworld Blast? With Devo last year, I thought there would be something special announced in the way of entertainment.

[Cherie]

You can also hop on board the HearPlanet Launch Party Bus every day from around 1pm until 10pm. Aside from being a roving party event ourselves, we are working in partnership with many of the open invite events to provide free shuttle service from the Moscone. You can follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/hearplanet to get the latest update on where our bus is at, and when you can hop on.

HearPlanet is an audio tour guide iPhone app just released last week. We'll have content recorded from many of the event's organizers to give you information on the happenings going on at Macworld. HearPlanet will be available as a free iPhone app for the week of Macworld so that you can use it as an audio mobile tourguide to figure out what events you want to check out (currently it's on a 1/2 price sale at $1.99 if you want to get it now.). Just search for 'Macworld' to get the listing of events going on.

Look for the blue double decker bus roving the Moscone during the event and come aboard!

- Cherie / HearPlanet Launch Coordinator

[Omaha Sternberg]

MacRadio is having our 2nd Annual meetup, open to the public, as well. Great food, drinks, prizes, and conversation. Plus you'll find out more about MacRadio and get to sign up for free memberships too! MacRadio is the only podcast directory and community site for the Mac world. Come check us out. :)

MacRadio 2nd Annual Macworld Meetup

Thursday, January 8, 2009
6 pm to 7 pm
The Chieftain Restaurant and Pub
198 Fifth Street
San Francisco, CA

We’ll gather at the south lobby of Moscone South, where at 5:40 pm the HearPlanet Party Bus will pick us up for a ride to the restaurant. Just look for people wearing the MacRadio t-shirt. This event is open to anyone with a Macworld Expo badge, so make sure to spread the word! Oh, and you can keep track of last minute info via the MacRadio Twitter Feed.

MacRadio is the only podcast directory and community site for the Mac world. Check us out, create a free membership, add a Mac podcast. Come join the MacRadio side...we have cookies. ;)

[vudutu]

All good suggestions here, It depends what your looking for, lots to do in San Francisco. I am staying near Chinatown so I am starting my searches around there. I like tres cool bars, local and funky, great hand made cocktail, good bar food and beers help. Google my maps is a great help, I am tagging all the events