Disclaimer: This is entirely in the idea phase at this point. Nothing has yet been done to organize this.
OK, we had an idea. And the more we think about it, it seems like a really good idea. That idea is to have PCMech be behind the organization of a cool tech conference that will take place on the East coast, likely right here in the Tampa Bay area.
Now, I have had some of the regulars at PCMech suggest this a few times. I simply haven’t done anything about it. Organizing a tech conference isn’t exactly easy. I’ll probably go gray in the process, but if I find the right help I can pull it off.
So many tech conferences take place on the other side of the country. For some reason, the field of tech seems to just LOVE California. Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay area are really popular areas for tech. You also have some big companies up in Washington State and the Seattle area. As a result, we see a lot of tech conferences get organized on the West coast.
Well, us East coast people then are compelled to fly all the way across the country. I’ve done it and I’ll do it again (perhaps even soon), but it sucks. There are techies over here in the East, too.
So, the idea is to set up a tech conference. Rich and I even had the idea of trying to do it at the Hard Rock hotel and Casino here in Tampa. That would kick ass, but I haven’t even made the first phone call and don’t even know if the venue would work.
Here Is The Question
I want to hold an informal survey. Here is what I want to know:
- What kinds of things and/or subject matter would you be interested in at a tech conference?
- Would you be willing to travel to Florida for it?
- Would you be willing to pay an admission fee? (I would most definitely have costs to cover here)
I know many of PCMech’s readers would need to travel far to get to Florida. Some worse than others. But, let me tell you one thing: The Tampa Bay area beats the pants off some of the cities I have gone to for conferences. We’ve got sun, beaches, palm trees, lots of night life, you name it.
Alright, so post a comment on this post and let me know your thoughts.
Hopefully this post made sense. I’m typing this after a really long day recording videos for PCMech University (coming early next week).
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1. I would probably be most interested in meeting other people from PC Mech. We know each other pretty just from the internet, but it would be cool to meet in person. Possibly having displays on new technology would be cool.
2. I would prefer it being closer to the Midwest, but I know you can’t please everyone. I would be OK with traveling to Florida if I could go fairly cheap.
3. Depends on the amount, but I would pay. If I’m already paying to stay in Florida, what’s a few more dollars?
Depending on the content I would like to attend a conference in Fla. It sounds like a great Idea and would probably get a good turn out if there were something that would be for all users and not just the serious techies. There is nothing for the moderate or new learner that I have found anywhere that doesn’t get way over most peoples heads.
You definitely need to coordinate with certification bodies (SANS, isc2, et.al.) so you can offer CPE credits — that is a helpful way to encourage attendance.
Think the idea is great. Hope you realize the costs to you and the membership, travel, logging etc. I would make the trip if the content is worth traveling for. An idea would be to set an agenda and then ask to see how many would attend.
My Interests: IT
New Hardware
Video
It sounds great to me.Company’s may help to off set some costs? Many tech company would like to set up in Florida. It may open a few doors.
Hi
i am down in the south of Texas and for me it would be a bit hard to get there but the idea seems interesting to me but still too far away and costly why nothing a bot closer like San antonio, than it would change the picture a bit for me.
Usually as you guys says all interesting events happens very far away.
It sounds good, and a lot of folks would finally get to met each other, but…. in reality I would not go unless it is local to me. I am way behind in seeing friends and family out of state as it is.
It is a very good idea. Though I am not an IT persoonel but like to inprove my PC Knowledge. Depending upon the theme and content of the conference, I may join the conference.
I’m from Australia so it’s too far. but keep up the good work. I follow your daily notes and appreciate the hard work you put into the web site, Many Thanks.
A conference is a great idea. I think that a way to insure its success is to offer something that isn’t being offered by another conference\seminar. In this way, you are “branding” your product and others would look forward to it in the future if it succeeds. Having recognition never hurts, and will help to attract sponsors.
Hi David,
I think that all the things that you’re doing by helping us with all emerging new technology and solving problems we have with computers is a very big challenge for you.
A video conference would probably be a great way to do some testing with your idea. A Conference in Tampa, Florida is a very good idea and you can probably combine with general reviews and a few specifics in hardware and configurations of operating systems.
Since Tampa is a great sunny place, you can organize beach activities for the guess before the conference; that may be very relaxing!
See you in Tampa, Dave!!!
Just my thoughts – to me, it seems as though a lot of people would be interested. In the past, it just never really took hold – it’s such a logistical mess. Now, if it were planned far in advance and if there is a concerted effort to really make it happen, I think it would be a successful event.
And yes, I would be very much interested if this were to happen.
1- For been the first one in this area, anything and everything goes( jobs, products, new technology, etc)
2- I won,t be able to travel, but if you did travel as several others did to a borring place(as you stated), can you imagine Florida. Think of a date where families will travel together to take advantage advantage of the place(Businnes and pleasure!).
3-I have never been to any of such ventures. Just do as they did or have others pay for it.( sponsorship, use the same people that come to bring their demostration. Try the City Major, his city and it means money$$$ to them.)
** Remember, the first impresion is the one that counts, or at least they will take with them**
Well, look around. Gas prices are through the roof, the airlines can’t keep planes in the air consistently and the weather seems to suck through out a large section of the country.
Now, ask your self would you travel under these circumstances?
Sounds like a great idea to me! Most people who are computer hobbyists, techies, geeks, and casual owner/users would be very interested in attending such gathering.
However, there are a lot of people, like myself, who feel that flying down for a couple of days is not worth it because of the airline ticket costs and booking for hotel/motel.
What you SHOULD DO is give considerable discounts to GROUPS and HELP them in the planning of hotels/motels where they can obtain group discounts even in temp housing.
Why don’t you explore having a conference in the mid-section of the country, so people from both coasts would have a chance to attend?
Florida, not so much
An eclectic mix should be in order
When you ask for money, that is another whole arena.
Only the top names will draw paying customers and not even then considering the costs of travel nowadays.