Registration is now underway for MacTech Conference 2014 (https://www.mactech.com/conference/about), which will be held Nov. 5-7 in Los Angeles. It’s a three day event where “iOS and OS X meet reality.”
The fifth MacTech Conference is the flagship event for IT pros, enterprise pros, and developers. The event will be held at the Manhattan Beach Marriott, which is close to the Los Angeles Airport. The discounted guest room block is expected to sell out, so you register for the event now at https://www.mactech.com/conference/register . Note: Super Early Bird pricing is in effect only until June 15th.
The main conference event is three full days of sessions, speakers, labs, fun activities, and, of course, food. You can find all the details at https://www.mactech.com/conference/schedule
Workshops
As an extension of last year’s newly added workshops, there’s an expanded array of pre-conference workshops. Attendees will have a choice of both half day, and full day, on an array of IT and developer topics. There are eight pre-conference workshop options (https://www.mactech.com/conference/workshops) that attendees can choose from, including two certifications/accreditations. The six workshop topics include:
° Rapid Start: Objective-C & Cocoa for iOS & Mac;
° Security;
° Automation Mindset: Scripting, Command Line, and More;
° OS X Server;
° Mastering Auto Layout;
° Using Amazon Web Services.
Updated certifications
Attendees can get both Apple certified and Microsoft Office for Mac accredited on the same day. The Apple certification includes an instructor led study group, as well as the exam on site by an Apple Authorized Training Center (See https://www.mactech.com/conference/certification). What’s more, attendees can also take a Microsoft Office for Mac Accreditation Course/Exam (no extra charge) given by a Microsoft trainer. There’s actually enough time that they can take both of these, and walk away with two new credentials. See https://www.mactech.com/conference/microsoft-office-accreditation for details.
Expert speakers
MacTech Conference’s speaker line-up showcases a variety of industry experts who are only the best at what they, but want to share that knowledge. You can find the current list of speakers at https://www.mactech.com/conference/speakers — but there are more to come.
More sessions
With the new expanded schedule, MacTech is adding in more sessions than ever before. More information will be unveiled at a later date.
More labs
The MacTech Conference labs have always been well regarded. However, people wanted more of them, and more topics, and that’s going to happen.
Vendor forums
MacTech Conference has always been a great place to get face-to-face with vendors, and form those relationships that help get things done. QuickTalks and Vendor Tables will continue to be a part of the event this year, but MacTech is now extending new Vendor Forums where attendees can select the vendors they want to hear more from with a “deeper dive.” Since the vendors are integrated into the event, meals, and more, the chance for those expanded relationships continue throughout the event.
Activities
MacTech Conference is not only about learning, it’s also forming relationships and building networks. It is known for conference activities that not only give attendees an opportunity to spend time with their peers, but also to help them meet new people and expand their network. As an immersive conference, it will literally have attendees buy from morning to night.
“The big question is always ‘What are we doing this year?’ We’re not quite ready to tell you yet,” says Neil Ticktin, editor/publisher of MacTech Magazine. “Let’s just say that you should make sure to keep your Wednesday and Thursday evenings open.”
Pricing
You can register now with “Super Early Bird” pricing at $899 which saves you $600 until June 15. See the pricing plan and dates at https://www.mactech.com/conference/about#Pricing . But remember: the hotel guest rooms will sell out, and you can’t reserve a room until you’re registered. As always, price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, breaks and activities.
Dates
The Pre-Conference day is Nov. 4. The Conference is Nov. 5-7 (Wednesday through Friday). Many people are already planning on coming in early for the weekend, or staying the weekend after.
Who attends MacTech events? See for yourself the type of company you’ll keep at this event at https://www.mactech.com/conference/whos-attending or the types of comments they tweet at https://www.mactech.com/conference/tweets