KEYCON WEST 2014!

[mkawa]

boiler and i are thinking of bookending beginning of summer: keycon WEST 2014!, end of summer: keycon MIDWEST 2014!

summer is a horrible time to be in the east, so come to keycon midwest, east coast folks, and enjoy not being drenched in your own sweat for a weekend

[Melvang]

boiler and i are thinking of bookending beginning of summer: keycon WEST 2014!, end of summer: keycon MIDWEST 2014!

summer is a horrible time to be in the east, so come to keycon midwest, east coast folks, and enjoy not being drenched in your own sweat for a weekend

Please keep me updated on the Midwest Keycon.  Chances are that is the only one I will be able to make.

[HoffmanMyster]

boiler and i are thinking of bookending beginning of summer: keycon WEST 2014!, end of summer: keycon MIDWEST 2014!

summer is a horrible time to be in the east, so come to keycon midwest, east coast folks, and enjoy not being drenched in your own sweat for a weekend

If KeyCon west is mid-may or later, I'm in for both.  If not, it may be just the Midwest one for me.

[mkawa]

please feel free to correct me if i'm wrong here, but i feel like the two major factors to consider in scheduling the western keycon is

a) travel costs. summer flights into the SF area are significantly more expensive than spring flights.

b) college schedules. we have lots of students here, and many of the people who will want to come are students at UC or CSU. most UCs (except for cal) let out mid-june. Cal lets out mid-may. if we schedule for sooner (april?), we shouldn't run into anyone's exam schedules. between early may and mid-june, however, there's a big old dead zone in which someone's going to have exams and not be able to make it.

so my thinking is that, first, we need to decide whether we want a spring con or a summer con. if we go with spring, we want to schedule ASAP and probably for mid-april. if we go with summer, we have a little more time to schedule, but will probably want to stick to end of june, first week of july at the latest.

thankfully, weather is not an issue for keycon west. it's going to be pretty great no matter when we schedule for.

so, thoughts on those two options? (mid-april vs late june)

[Sifo]

I'll do my best to make it over! Bit bigger of a drive than Chicago, but I'm up for it!

TAAAAAAAAAAAKE ME

[dorkvader]

so my thinking is that, first, we need to decide whether we want a spring con or a summer con. if we go with spring, we want to schedule ASAP and probably for mid-april. if we go with summer, we have a little more time to schedule, but will probably want to stick to end of june, first week of july at the latest.

thankfully, weather is not an issue for keycon west. it's going to be pretty great no matter when we schedule for.

so, thoughts on those two options? (mid-april vs late june)

I vote spring: I can't take time off work in the summer.

[CPTBadAss]

please feel free to correct me if i'm wrong here, but i feel like the two major factors to consider in scheduling the western keycon is

a) travel costs. summer flights into the SF area are significantly more expensive than spring flights.

b) college schedules. we have lots of students here, and many of the people who will want to come are students at UC or CSU. most UCs (except for cal) let out mid-june. Cal lets out mid-may. if we schedule for sooner (april?), we shouldn't run into anyone's exam schedules. between early may and mid-june, however, there's a big old dead zone in which someone's going to have exams and not be able to make it.

so my thinking is that, first, we need to decide whether we want a spring con or a summer con. if we go with spring, we want to schedule ASAP and probably for mid-april. if we go with summer, we have a little more time to schedule, but will probably want to stick to end of june, first week of july at the latest.

thankfully, weather is not an issue for keycon west. it's going to be pretty great no matter when we schedule for.

so, thoughts on those two options? (mid-april vs late june)

I vote summer, mid-June or early July. I have some plans the last week of June that I can't move.

And like I said before people need time to organize flights, deal with their jobs/school, find hotels, and anything else in their lives. A short two month notice is going to be rushed like the last Keycon where we barely got any time to prepare. The hotel situation in particular was not ideal.

Mid April is not ideal since people would have to start looking at flights *right now*.

[Badwrench]

I have to vote for Spring.  I am good for either, but the earlier time fits my budget for the year better.  Also, as mkawa said, the tickets/hotels should be cheaper around April rather than over the summer when there is more tourist activity. 

[vivalarevolución]

boiler and i are thinking of bookending beginning of summer: keycon WEST 2014!, end of summer: keycon MIDWEST 2014!

summer is a horrible time to be in the east, so come to keycon midwest, east coast folks, and enjoy not being drenched in your own sweat for a weekend

Yea, you'll be drenched in your own sweat in the summertime in the Midwest, too.  But there will be fresh corn on the cob!

[demik]

Two keycons a few weeks apart. Yeah. Neither will happen.

[CPTBadAss]

Two keycons a few weeks apart.

I hate to be super pessimistic but I think demik has a point. It's hard enough to get interest in a meet up in general. People get busy, they have money issues, they need to figure out how to get there, and figure out who's watching the kids, etc etc. We need time to plan, save, and organize. Last year's hotel situation was far from ideal for a group of people. I had a headache trying to find rooms for people or help people find rooms. And the presentations were kind of rushed. To suggest that book-ending the summer will work out is very hopeful in my opinion. 

If this does happen as planned, I suspect that Midwest will have much better turn out than West. We have another ten months in the year, can't we spread this out further?

[Puddsy]

If this happens while I'm on April break, I can make it, and disguise it as college tours

but for now, assume I won't be able to make it

[vivalarevolución]

By the way, tickets in April/early May do seem to be rather cheap.  Only a bit above $300 from Indianapolis last time I checked, which is pretty low for a cross-country trip from our lower tier airport.

[samwisekoi]

I heard Ron has a pinball machine too. Can someone confirm that?

Edit: For those who don't about about what jwaz and I are talking about, check it out here.

Pinball - confirmed.
Pool Table - confirmed.
Gaming PC with Steam and projector in conference room - confirmed.
Go-Karts - confirmed, but not running, and not really a safe parking lot any more. 

This event must be on a weekend -- there is an actual company infesting the premises during the week.

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[CPTBadAss]

How does the infestation even get any work done with all these toys?? @.@

[samwisekoi]

How does the infestation even get any work done with all these toys?? @.@

Let's just say that the day shift system admin and one of the senior engineers have gotten very good at pool.  Between alerts, tickets and project work, of course.

Billables before balls!

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[CPTBadAss]

How does the infestation even get any work done with all these toys?? @.@

Let's just say that the day shift system admin and one of the senior engineers have gotten very good at pool.  Between alerts, tickets and project work, of course.

Hire me Ron? I bring valuable....pool skills to the table?

By the way, tickets in April/early May do seem to be rather cheap.  Only a bit above $300 from Indianapolis last time I checked, which is pretty low for a cross-country trip from our lower tier airport.

FWIW, I just checked some tickets from Cincinnati to SFO. From mid May to mid June, the price goes up $60.

[tjcaustin]

By the way, tickets in April/early May do seem to be rather cheap.  Only a bit above $300 from Indianapolis last time I checked, which is pretty low for a cross-country trip from our lower tier airport.

FWIW, I just checked some tickets from Cincinnati to SFO. From mid May to mid June, the price goes up $60.
[/quote]

Also, what about the people that have to fly to both cons and hotel costs?  It's still a near $1000 vacation

[HoffmanMyster]

By the way, tickets in April/early May do seem to be rather cheap.  Only a bit above $300 from Indianapolis last time I checked, which is pretty low for a cross-country trip from our lower tier airport.

FWIW, I just checked some tickets from Cincinnati to SFO. From mid May to mid June, the price goes up $60.

Also, what about the people that have to fly to both cons and hotel costs?  It's still a near $1000 vacation
[/quote]

Oof...      Is there a particular reason why we're not considering a rotating annual meetup?  I know it would cause some people to not be able to make it every year, but it would at least allow us to get the largest number of geekhackers together at a given time.  (?)

[Input Nirvana]

Keycon-Keycon-Keycon....I'm gonna not think that Keycons are an Mkawa ploy to test and refine his "keyboard mind control machine" on the masses like Kool-Aide on culties. That being said, and my being in Silicon Valley (down the road from Sammy-Kois place) I may be persuaded into creating a hostel-like environment for wayward geekers. Could prolly set up 4 geeks on air mattresses. I'll be partaking in all geeker activities so a lot of transpo can be covered as well, my truck hauls 6 bodies.

So all you girl-geeks feel free to reserve your spot ASAP before it's gone!

[HoffmanMyster]

So all you girl-geeks feel free to reserve your spot ASAP before it's gone!

Dibs!

[tjcaustin]

Keycon-Keycon-Keycon....I'm gonna not think that Keycons are an Mkawa ploy to test and refine his "keyboard mind control machine" on the masses like Kool-Aide on culties. That being said, and my being in Silicon Valley (down the road from Sammy-Kois place) I may be persuaded into creating a hostel-like environment for wayward geekers. Could prolly set up 4 geeks on air mattresses. I'll be partaking in all geeker activities so a lot of transpo can be covered as well, my truck hauls 6 bodies.

So all you girl-geeks feel free to reserve your spot ASAP before it's gone!

Does long hair count as "girl"?

Even if it comes with a beard, broad shoulders and other man things.

[demik]

116 dollar ticket both ways to norcal. NOOBS

[litster]

I might have to show up for KeyPorn 2014!

[HoffmanMyster]

116 dollar ticket both ways to norcal. NOOBS

You buy my ticket, I buy yours.  Deal?

[demik]

116 dollar ticket both ways to norcal. NOOBS

You buy my ticket, I buy yours.  Deal?

ONLY if you make up the difference in girl scout cookies

[HoffmanMyster]

116 dollar ticket both ways to norcal. NOOBS

You buy my ticket, I buy yours.  Deal?

ONLY if you make up the difference in girl scout cookies

Jokes on you, they're $400 per box up here.  Looks like you owe me!  (I think.  I have no idea how much plane tickets cost.)

[CPTBadAss]

By the way, tickets in April/early May do seem to be rather cheap.  Only a bit above $300 from Indianapolis last time I checked, which is pretty low for a cross-country trip from our lower tier airport.

FWIW, I just checked some tickets from Cincinnati to SFO. From mid May to mid June, the price goes up $60.

Also, what about the people that have to fly to both cons and hotel costs?  It's still a near $1000 vacation

I think you're referring to me as well here since I plan on going to both Cons. Which is why I was suggesting that the Cons not bookend the summer .

Keycon-Keycon-Keycon....I'm gonna not think that Keycons are an Mkawa ploy to test and refine his "keyboard mind control machine" on the masses like Kool-Aide on culties. That being said, and my being in Silicon Valley (down the road from Sammy-Kois place) I may be persuaded into creating a hostel-like environment for wayward geekers. Could prolly set up 4 geeks on air mattresses. I'll be partaking in all geeker activities so a lot of transpo can be covered as well, my truck hauls 6 bodies.

So all you girl-geeks feel free to reserve your spot ASAP before it's gone!

Input Nirvana, do I really have to call dibs?

I might have to show up for KeyPorn 2014!

Do it litster!!

[tjcaustin]

By the way, tickets in April/early May do seem to be rather cheap.  Only a bit above $300 from Indianapolis last time I checked, which is pretty low for a cross-country trip from our lower tier airport.

FWIW, I just checked some tickets from Cincinnati to SFO. From mid May to mid June, the price goes up $60.

Also, what about the people that have to fly to both cons and hotel costs?  It's still a near $1000 vacation

I think you're referring to me as well here since I plan on going to both Cons. Which is why I was suggesting that the Cons not bookend the summer .

Well yes, but I wasn't directing that at you either since you weren't saying keycon was cheap for everyone.  Also, you get to have a lazy drive with m/hashby to keycon midwest so stfu

[Input Nirvana]

Might be an idea to use this thread to collect preliminary info used to finalize the locations/dates of both Keycons so geeks can make decisions. A shared spreadsheet of weekend dates would be good, geeks could enter username and block dates can't go...just babbling. Also, I'd consider doing a Midwest/fall Keycon even though I'm in the Bay Area and will do the NorCal Keycon. It's important to me to meet other geekers and contribute to our "thing". That's one reason I'd open up my place for some of you to stay (reduce your cost, make it more fun/interesting, etc).

[HaaTa]

Hmm, it's close to me...how many keyboards should I bring...
Might have to merge the Kiibohd meetup for that month in with this

By then I should have my force curve gauge finalized (if someone helps I might be able to bring it...it's sorta *HEAVY*).
Should have some prototype switches ready too.

On a semi-unrelated note I'll be doing a rare keyboards presentation for (people at) Evernote in March. They like their mech keyboards

[dorkvader]

I will be bringing whatever cool KB's I can fit on the airplane Oh, and some tripleshots

[CPTBadAss]

I will be bringing whatever cool KB's I can fit on the airplane Oh, and some tripleshots

Please bring the highly painted surface

[mkawa]

Might be an idea to use this thread to collect preliminary info used to finalize the locations/dates of both Keycons so geeks can make decisions. A shared spreadsheet of weekend dates would be good, geeks could enter username and block dates can't go...just babbling. Also, I'd consider doing a Midwest/fall Keycon even though I'm in the Bay Area and will do the NorCal Keycon. It's important to me to meet other geekers and contribute to our "thing". That's one reason I'd open up my place for some of you to stay (reduce your cost, make it more fun/interesting, etc).

sounds like someone just volunteered to help with scheduling!

[mkawa]

Hmm, it's close to me...how many keyboards should I bring...
Might have to merge the Kiibohd meetup for that month in with this

By then I should have my force curve gauge finalized (if someone helps I might be able to bring it...it's sorta *HEAVY*).
Should have some prototype switches ready too.

On a semi-unrelated note I'll be doing a rare keyboards presentation for (people at) Evernote in March. They like their mech keyboards

i'm heading up sometime in the next few weeks. i'll let everyone know when. hopefully we can kiibohd it up while i'm there.

[CPTBadAss]

Might be an idea to use this thread to collect preliminary info used to finalize the locations/dates of both Keycons so geeks can make decisions. A shared spreadsheet of weekend dates would be good, geeks could enter username and block dates can't go...just babbling. Also, I'd consider doing a Midwest/fall Keycon even though I'm in the Bay Area and will do the NorCal Keycon. It's important to me to meet other geekers and contribute to our "thing". That's one reason I'd open up my place for some of you to stay (reduce your cost, make it more fun/interesting, etc).

sounds like someone just volunteered to help with scheduling!

Ming, in all seriousness, I'd be happy to help if you want.

[Input Nirvana]

Might be an idea to use this thread to collect preliminary info used to finalize the locations/dates of both Keycons so geeks can make decisions. A shared spreadsheet of weekend dates would be good, geeks could enter username and block dates can't go...just babbling. Also, I'd consider doing a Midwest/fall Keycon even though I'm in the Bay Area and will do the NorCal Keycon. It's important to me to meet other geekers and contribute to our "thing". That's one reason I'd open up my place for some of you to stay (reduce your cost, make it more fun/interesting, etc).

sounds like someone just volunteered to help with scheduling!

Ming, in all seriousness, I'd be happy to help if you want.

[Input Nirvana]

Might be an idea to use this thread to collect preliminary info used to finalize the locations/dates of both Keycons so geeks can make decisions. A shared spreadsheet of weekend dates would be good, geeks could enter username and block dates can't go...just babbling. Also, I'd consider doing a Midwest/fall Keycon even though I'm in the Bay Area and will do the NorCal Keycon. It's important to me to meet other geekers and contribute to our "thing". That's one reason I'd open up my place for some of you to stay (reduce your cost, make it more fun/interesting, etc).

sounds like someone just volunteered to help with scheduling!

Ming, in all seriousness, I'd be happy to help if you want.

I'm all for CPTBadAss handling logistics crunching...it'll be good for him. Puts hair on your chest.

[dustinhxc]

I heard Ron has a pinball machine too. Can someone confirm that?

Edit: For those who don't about about what jwaz and I are talking about, check it out here.

Pinball - confirmed.
Pool Table - confirmed.
Gaming PC with Steam and projector in conference room - confirmed.
Go-Karts - confirmed, but not running, and not really a safe parking lot any more. 

This event must be on a weekend -- there is an actual company infesting the premises during the week.

 - Ron | samwisekoi

Go Karts!!! Oh Mann... 

[cherpalla]

DAMN EAST COAST LIFE

[jdcarpe]

DAMN EAST COAST LIFE

You know planes fly from east cost to west, right?

[tjcaustin]

DAMN EAST COAST LIFE

You know planes fly from east cost to west, right?

Yeah, but babies need babysitters, bro.

[CPTBadAss]

Fine fine fine. I will organize a GB for plane tickets AND babysitters.

Ya'll are soo needy

[tjcaustin]

Fine fine fine. I will organize a GB for plane tickets AND babysitters.

Ya'll are soo needy

Ship all babies to my house, my shiba inu and caucasian shepherd will watch them.  Problem, as they say, solved

[cherpalla]

DAMN EAST COAST LIFE

You know planes fly from east cost to west, right?

Yeah, but I've already got all my vacation booked up to go to Dreamhack and a few other parts of Europe this year :/

[CPTBadAss]

I want to go to Dreamhack! @.@

[admiralvorian]

I'm so down for this; I work in Cupertino so Mountain View is easy!!!

[Badwrench]

Any update on dates?  My wife is a huge planner and keeps asking when this is taking place. 

[KeyPop]

I might be open depending on the exact date

[tjcaustin]

If/when we get dates for both of these, I can set up my vending plans for what I'll have to sell there.

Oh and save for two plane trips with hotels.