99/4ATX 2021, Austin TX interest?

[+FarmerPotato]

Hello,

 

We had a good weekend TI fest in August 2019. The venue was the air-conditioned classroom at ATX Hackerspace, now known as Asmbly.

 

 

I'm gauging interest in two possible venues for 2021.

 

Option 1.  Use the same venue as 2019, that is, if it is open for group meetings: Asmbly (was ATX Hackerspace).  The classroom was just the right size for 12 people. Asmbly has not yet changed its policy: no in-person meetups for now.

 

Option 2.  I can ask to schedule the outdoors pavilion at Articulture Designs (family connection). They have outdoor classes, mask required inside. Inside they have restrooms and drinking fountain. Outside we can have food. A rain-check plan might be covering things with canvas and running inside. 

 

Both venues are 14 minutes from the airport, but Articulture is closer to more stuff.

 

Here is a photo of the covered deck at 4pm. It is rather nice in the shade. There is a pull-down movie screen, so we could use a projector. There are plenty of electrical power outlets on the deck.

 

 

There are also many outdoor tables:

 

 

Here is a place to relax: (not shown: a big tree with hammock.)

 

 

 

[+FarmerPotato]

Sample agenda:

 

Friday

 

Meet and greet for early arrivals

 

Saturday

8-10  Open. Breakfast tacos.
10-12 Presentations, demos, tutorials
12-2  Open. Lunch, delivered
2-4   Presentations, demos, tutorials
5-7   Go to restaurant for dinner

 

Possibly open til late night.

Sunday

10-4 Open. Tutorials.

Features:

 

Demos
Lots of conversation
Soldering
Hardware displays
Raffle
Fun!

 

[+Ksarul]

The option I'd choose is maybe (if that option was available), as it really depends on what the wife decides we're doing this summer. . .

[glazball]

Just getting back into the TI-99/4A after a few years of neglecting it.  I may not have much to add, but I'm down for some beers and friendly chatter.  I would certainly suggest having it indoors.  August heat in Texas is no joke!

[+9640News]

I would like to go, but that is close to a 1100 mile drive for me.  Chicago is just two months out from that timeframe, and about 1/3rd the distance.

[sometimes99er]

Road safety ...
 

 

[GDMike]

I'd love to go too, but too much on my plate lately. 

[+OLD CS1]

6 hours ago, sometimes99er said:

Road safety ...

Bloody bureaucrats and women.

[+RXB]

Zoom meeting sounds fun!

 

[Airshack]

I would enjoy attending this year. Any words on nearby hotels? Willing to drive others in my rental car. Would be nice to have the out of town folks stay at the same hotel if able.

[+RXB]

What days it does not say in any post?

 

[+FarmerPotato]

7 hours ago, RXB said:

What days it does not say in any post?

 

Not decided yet. This poll was about the location.

[+OLD CS1]

I am open to any date or venue, but not with any restrictions.

[+FarmerPotato]

On 6/12/2021 at 7:15 PM, OLD CS1 said:

I am open to any date or venue, but not with any restrictions.

Huh? You mean restrictions like "Aug 14, but TI employees and their distant relatives are not eligible for raffle"?

 

Note: Aug 21 is University of Texas dorm move-in weekend, a downside for anyone traveling.

 

Aug 13-15 is more viable for a hotel, or even driving in general.

[+FarmerPotato]

On 6/12/2021 at 2:23 AM, Airshack said:

I would enjoy attending this year. Any words on nearby hotels? Willing to drive others in my rental car. Would be nice to have the out of town folks stay at the same hotel if able.

@OLD CS1 stayed in a hotel by the airport, last time. Ideas?

 

Austin has lots of hotels near the airport.   Microtel is a budget option by the airport (Austin-Bergstrom airport, code AUS. Sample flight)

 

There are good options close to ASMBLY in North Austin. I checked Aug 13-15 vs Aug 20-22 (UT move-in weekend, seems to make a big difference.)

 

I will look into more venues. Such as a meeting room at a hotel, or the banquet room at the IHOP (which will entertain groups soon.) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[+OLD CS1]

3 hours ago, FarmerPotato said:

@OLD CS1 stayed in a hotel by the airport, last time. Ideas?

IIRC, I stayed at a Hilton Garden right by the airport.  There was a lot of construction in the area at the time, but I expect that will be completed by now.  I would need to dig up my receipts for pricing info (I apparently moved things to a new folder where I would not lose them.)

[+FarmerPotato]

Sorry folks. 
 

Without an indoor space, I think it won’t  happen this year in Austin. 
 

Also, I started a new job=many more  demands on my and Amanda’s time, for a while. 
 

There will be a 99/4ATX weekend fest in summer 2022. 
 

After 99/4ATX 2019, we formed a Retrocomputing Central Texas club (“rocket”). We met monthly—until the pandemic. There have been some Zooms since. When that’s going again, I’ll post here too. 
 

BTW, Midwest Gaming Classic, in Milwaukee, is on for November 5-7, 2021! I’ve booked my hotel, and will be exhibiting TI-99/4A and educational toys , as usual. 

 

https://www.midwestgamingclassic.com/

 

I wonder if it will collide with Chicago Faire.

Edited July 13, 2021 by FarmerPotato

[+OLD CS1]

I am set to attend (exhibit) VCF-SE at SFGE in August^*.  I will look into MGC for November.  I will not be attending the Chicago Faire in the foreseeable future.

 

* Considering a curtained booth to exhibit some of the latest @Retrospect titles.