KansasFest, the 25th annual convention dedicated to the Apple II computer, is now open for registration. Users, programmers, hobbyists, and retrocomputing enthusiasts are invited to Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, from Tuesday, July 23, through Sunday, July 28, for six days and five nights of sessions, demos, announcements, contests, and camaraderie.
The week kicks off with keynote speaker Randy Wigginton, Apple employee #6, who worked on the Disk ][ disk drive, Apple DOS, and Applesoft BASIC. Wigginton will be available immediately afterward for a Q&A and autograph session.
The week then offers a variety of presentations and workshops, including but not limited to:
- Teaching kids to program with Matthew Hellinger
- Disk ][ theory of design with Tony Diaz
- Hardware hacking with Stephen Buggie
- How to build an arcade machine using MESS and MAME emulation with Carrington Vanston
- Disk copy de-protection with Martin Haye
- HackFest, an annual programming challenge open to coders of all skill levels
- A vendor fair and exhibit hall for attendees and the general public to show off, play with, and buy and sell new or unusual hardware and software
Attendees are encouraged to share their knowledge by presenting their own hardware and software sessions, especially of the Apple II but including Macintosh, Windows, Linux, iOS, and others. All KansasFest sessions are presented by the attendees, who are known for unscheduled events and debuts, too. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at new software, preorder opportunities for new hardware, a live-action text adventure, a podcast recording session, GShisen and Dueltris tournaments, or an athletic round of Bite the Bag, there are experiences to be had and memories made at KansasFest that aren’t possible except in the company of surprising, brilliant, diehard Apple II fans.
Register before June 1 to guarantee a price of $375 for a double room or $445 for a single, which includes admission to all sessions as well as most meals. Official KansasFest shirts are extra and optional and must be ordered by May 31; registration for staying on-site closes July 8. Veterans of the event are invited to bring a first-time attendee; if each indicates the other’s name on the registration form, both will receive a $25 referral rebate at the event. To register, please visit the official Web site at https://www.kansasfest.org/.
KansasFest sponsor 16 Sector invites any and all Apple II users, fans, and friends to attend the world’s only annual Apple II conference. Please browse our Web site for photos, videos, schedules, and presentations from past year’s events and for our email list.