Category: CoCoFEST!

CoCoFEST! 2022 Survey, We Want to Hear From You!

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

CoCoFEST! 2022 was a huge success this year. I want to hear from you to make it even better for next year. I have created a survey for everyone to leave their opinions. This is open for everyone, even people who did not attend this year’s CoCoFEST! Please take 10 minutes to fill out the survey and let your voice be heard. I plan to share these responses at the next business meeting for the Glenside Color Computer Club. If you want to reach out to me directly, you may email me at cocofest@glensideccc.com. Thanks in advance for taking the time to fill out the survey.

Please click on the link to take the survey. https://forms.gle/E4hy2vBQRTz1Jtm37

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Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday June 16, 2022 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain

Note new videoconferencing links below!

I would like to once again thank all of the attendees (physical and virtual), exhibitors, vendors, presenters, and staff who helped make the 2022 Glenside “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! a success. I heard some folks exclaim it was the most fun fest they’ve attended in a long time, which is heartening. I’d also like to give a shot out to Jason Timmons, our auctioneer (and VFC-Midwest organizer) as well as Michael Lee (VCF-Midwest organizer), who both graciously allowed the use of VCF-Midwest items like power strips and audio video equipment to help put on our show.

Even though it is still early, there’s no better time to start planning the 2023 event. Especially right now, when memories are still fresh, we’d love to take some time before, during or after our June business meeting to gather both comments and concerns in order to bring everyone improvements next year.

We’ve heard mainly room concerns (one time and re-occurring security key system issues, as well as A/C issues), with more praise given to the conference venue (dance floor issues notwithstanding). As some are aware, the hotel management changed a mere 2 weeks prior to our event, which no doubt played a role. In any event, we can’t fix what we don’t know about, and we can’t ensure the positives are kept unless folks let us know. So, please feel free to send any of the officers your thoughts, come to this month’s discussion and offer your perspective, or catch one of us after the meeting.

I know Summer is imminent, which means potentially less time to enjoy your classic computing hobby. Still, while you grab some sun and/or travel this season, I hope you stay plugged in and up to date on the hobby as well as find a few minutes to play a new game or two (Paul Shoemaker just released “Ghost Rush” in the past few days, to get you started, and I know Nick Marentes has just finished a few.)

We will open the call early at 6:30PM as in previous months, for some time to catch up and say hello to new faces.

Meeting Agenda: (https://docs.google.com/document/d/18NOTXjfD2yo9nZq-sFLcyDYWTzVE2Fw0/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101249560154994960936&rtpof=true&sd=true)

To join the Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/95723672795?pwd=MVlSZG5Nd0FjVU1WNzlVQXlBRU91QT09

Meeting ID: 957 2367 2795
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,95723672795#,,,,478869# US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 957 2367 2795
Passcode: 478869
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adWzcwDPZE

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://zoom.us/meeting/tJEqdequqTktE9Fc96ZBSO9gTu-SU3koRhjz/ics?icsToken=98tyKuCtqTkpHNOXtxCCRowMB4job-7wtnpaj_p7n0azOQJgTVrxAvcPAYcsG9fi

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/290791956162) and our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

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CoCoFEST! 2022 Is a Wrap!

Posted on | by Jim Brain

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in some way at the 30th Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! We had a packed exhibit hall, full presentation schedule, lots of foot traffic, and a fun but not overly hectic “No Minimum Bid Auction”.

Show Results

I’ll update these numbers if modifications are needed, but here’s some potentially useful statistics on the 2022 show:

  • 39 Exhibitors/Vendors
  • 60 (of 62 total available) Exhibitor/Vendor tables in use
  • 112 Attendees
  • 65 Dinner reservations

With the 2022 show being free admission, we relied on table reservations, dinner reservations, and the auction proceeds to fully fund the show. Since this was the first time admission would be free and the abbreviated timeframe between the 2021 and 2022 shows (~6 months, which could affect auction donations or attendance or both), I am pleased to report the following financial statistics:

  • Dinner: $1320.00
  • Tables: $1095.00 (tables were $20 for 1st, $15 for rest)
  • Auction: $2364.00 (50 auction lots sold)
  • Dues: $420.00 (28 attendee memberships. All 1st tables also receive a bundled membership, which means 28+39 = 67 total memberships purchased at the show)

Thus, total 2022 gross proceeds totaled $5199.00!

For 2022, the venue costs went up a bit, to $3507.44 (compared to 3048.17 in November 2021), with net proceeds totaling $1691.56.

2023?

As Tony would say in his yearly CoCoFEST! address: “Will there be another ‘LAST’ CoCoFEST!? Yes, there most surely will be!”

A month or so back, Grant and I looked at the 2023 calendar for suitable dates, and I mapped out the dates that had been most often selected for previous fests. For reference, here are the insights:

(I put in the scheduled 2020 date, even though the fest was cancelled in 2020)

In general, weeks #16-20 get most of the love, which translates into 4/22/2023 to 5/21/2023. We selected the mid-May date in 2022 to try to get at least 6 months in between fests, but it seems best to move the date a bit earlier as in years past. Thus, for 2023, we’re working to secure 4/22-4/23 (week 16) as the 2023 show dates. I’ve verified Vintage Computer Festival – East does not conflict (they are scheduled the week prior), but we’re waiting on Midwest Gaming Classic dates, as we borrow some equipment used for that show, and thus preferably want to avoid conflicts. Our backup date is the following weekend. For 2024, week #18 is May 4th weekend, which I thought would be nice for a space theme if desired, but it’s too early to schedule that date.

Feedback

Grant will be sending out a survey in a bit so folks can share their perspectives on the fest, but early response has been positive. Of things noted in 2021, the dessert shared with with the catered dinner was much better in 2022, we did leave more time between presentations, and kudos to those who suggested the hot cocoa station, as it was both on brand and well utilized. I know Grant’s going to push the Sunday start back, since 8:30 came a bit early for most this year (which is fine, why not enjoy Saturday night/Sunday morning!)

Pics Or It Didn’t Happen!

I curated some photos from the places I found them. If you’d prefer one not be in the gallery, let me know.

We didn’t do it, as far as we know, but…
2022 Glenside CoCoFEST!

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Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday April 21, 2022 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain

Note new videoconferencing links below!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank in advance all of the folks who are working diligently to prepare for our our upcoming CoCoFEST! event. As a past attendee, it can be easy to take for granted all of the hard work folks put in to ensure the fest happens and happens well.

There’s been multiple committee meetings, the most recent discussing things as varied as:

  • Door prize tickets (make sure you stop by the admission booth to get your ticket!)
  • Auction logistics (last year’s auctioneer Jason Timmons has graciously agreed to run the auction again this year)
  • Attendee badges (Salvador Garcia’s design includes space for two lines of text, a name and vendor/exhibitor/officer information)
  • Video feeds (we’ll have both an exhibit floor feed and a presentation feed, via our YouTube and Facebook pages)

Obviously, CoCoFEST! Coordinator Grant Leighty has been principal in ensuring all the tasks are identified cand completed, with assists from TandyList maintainer Randy Weaver, Treasurer Eric Canales concerning fest fees, Tony Podraza handling bookkeeping, and Rich Bair supporting admissions. Many thanks to all of them and the remainder of the coordination committee for the work they are doing.

Let’s not forget the host (7!) of speakers for this year’s event. It’s nice to have both a mix of well known and relative newcomers as well a mix of topics that should include something of interest for everyone. I appreciate D. Bruce Moore, John Linville, L. Curtis Boyle, John Strong, CoCo Crew, Paul Thayer, Ken Waters, and Kevin Phillipson taking the time to prepare and present at the show. We could put on a fest without speakers and presentations, but I don’t think it would be nearly as fun or engaging.

Whether it be pre-enjoyed or new, we also appreciate the myriad of products offered by vendors taking time from their busy schedules to man a table or 3. I hope everyone leaves with a new item for the hobby from one of our vendors.

I’ll give a shout out to Jason Timmons for conducting the No Minimum Bid Auction with humor and wit. I think the banter makes the auction even more enjoyable, even for those who successfully keep their bidding hand in their lap.

Finally, thanks to those who will be joining us in less than 4 weeks either in person in Elk Grove or virtually via the Internet. The interest and engagement you provide motivates the planning committee, the speakers, the vendors, and the club to put in the work to make the event happen. Never underestimate how much just enjoying the event means to those who sell, exhibit, speak, or otherwise handle show functions.

This month’s meeting will no doubt focus on the fest. Last minute items to discuss, questions to answer, and any financial details to share. We’d love for you to join. Given our recent registration as a non -profit, we’ve been able to secure some additional discounts on technologies we use to run the club and the fest, which means we’re switching from BlueJeans videoconferencing to Zoom. Note the new link below.

We will open the call early at 6:30PM as in previous months, for some time to catch up and say hello to new faces.

Meeting Agenda (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k3K_t-wQq9dI34DoYc5iE5va1ifwKnIm/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101249560154994960936&rtpof=true&sd=true)

To join the Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/95723672795?pwd=MVlSZG5Nd0FjVU1WNzlVQXlBRU91QT09

Meeting ID: 957 2367 2795
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,95723672795#,,,,478869# US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 957 2367 2795
Passcode: 478869
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adWzcwDPZE

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://zoom.us/meeting/tJEqdequqTktE9Fc96ZBSO9gTu-SU3koRhjz/ics?icsToken=98tyKuCtqTkpHNOXtxCCRowMB4job-7wtnpaj_p7n0azOQJgTVrxAvcPAYcsG9fi

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/290791956162) and our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

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CoCoFEST! 2022 Update, Time is Running Out

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

I hope everyone is having a great start to Spring this year. It’s nice to enjoy longer days and warmer weather. This also means that CoCoFEST! is getting closer. 2022 marks our 30th anniversary for the Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! If you have not made your travel plans or booked your vendor/exhibitor table, time is running out.

FREE ADMISSION

This is the first year that admission to CoCoFEST! will be FREE to attend. We’re hopeful this will both encourage more local folks to visit our event and potentially join Glenside. As always, if you would like to become a member of the Glenside Color Computer Club, we will be collecting membership dues at the Fest. Vendors and Exhibitors, note that your fees include a 2022 club membership. If you have any questions, or you would like to pay for the membership before CoCoFEST!, please contact Glenside Treasurer Eric Canales for assistance.

HOTEL

CoCoFEST! Will be held at the same location as last year. This is a larger venue from year’s past and it will provide us plenty of room to grow. If you have not booked your room yet, please do so as soon as possible. The cutoff date for the special rate of $99 a night plus tax will end at midnight (CDT) on April 29th. Please remember to use the group code “COF” when making your reservation.

COVID-19 Update

I have received a few emails about the vaccine and masks mandates in order to attend the event. I am happy to announce that there are NO masks or vaccine mandates at the hotel or to attend CoCoFEST!. Cook county lifted the health orders back on February 28th. If anything changes, I will post an update on the Glenside website and I will send an email to all registered vendors and attendees. I do NOT see this changing in the near future.

Dinners

There is still time to register for dinner on Saturday night. The dinner will be catered by the hotel and it will be served as a buffet. There will be plenty of food for everyone to enjoy, but you MUST pre-register to ensure we have an accurate head count.  The dinner is only $20 a person, and dinner for kids 12 or younger is free. I must provide the head count to the hotel on May 6th, so we will end preregistration for the dinner on May 5th.

The Preliminary Menu

  • Two options from the following list:
    • Meatloaf
    • Chicken
    • Pork Loin
    • London Broil
    • Broiled Tilapia
  • One side from the following list:
    • Garlic Mashed Potatoes
    • Wild Rice
  • Seasonal Vegetables
  • Dinner Rolls
  • Dessert
  • Freshly brewed Coffee and Tea

Like last year, I will be sending an email to everyone who has preregistered for the dinner to provide feedback for which items that we want to be served. We need to choose two items for the main entrees. Also, if you need to request vegetarian/vegan meals, please contact Grant Leighty.

Speakers

This year we had no problems finding people who wanted to give a presentation. I actually had to turn people down and offer them a spot in next year’s CoCoFEST!  This is a great problem to have, and I will be looking for ways to accommodate more speakers at future Fests. This year we will have seven speakers that will provide new products, new games, technical presentations, and podcasts. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.  Please check out the speakers bio and information.

2022 Speakers

  • CoCoCrew Podcast
  • D. Bruce Moore (New Game Announcement)
  • John Linville (De Re CoCo)
  • John Strong (New Product Announcements)
  • Ken Waters and L. Curtis Boyle (BASIC09 and GFX2 enhancements in NitrOS-9/EOU)
  • Kevin Phillipson (Turbo9 Project)
  • Paul Thayer (Developing Retro Games in the Modern Era)

Vendors/Exhibitors

Our new venue offers space for 62 sales or exhibit tables, and 34 vendors/exhibitors have reserved all but NINE (9) tables currently. If you’re considering showing off a project or offer items for sale, do not delay in visiting TandyList for your table(s) today. The first table is $20, and each additional table is $15.

Auction

We will have an auction again this year. Since we just had a CoCoFEST! just a few months ago, we are looking for donations. Please look around your house and see if you have any items that you may want to donate to the auction. If you are not able to attend this year’s CoCoFEST!, but you have items that you want to donate, please contact Grant Leighty. We are willing to pay for reasonable shipping fees.

We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s 30th Anniversary of the “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! We would still like to have everyone preregister at TandyList so we can keep the lines short at the registration tables. If you have any questions about CoCoFEST!, please contact Grant Leighty, CoCoFEST! Coordinator.  

 

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59 Days till The 30th Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST!

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

We are now less than 60 days away from the 30th Anniversary of the “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST. I wanted to provide an update as we are still preparing for this year’s show. I will be at the Glenside meeting this Thursday, March 17th to answer any questions that you may have.

  • Tables have been in high demand this year. If you are thinking about getting a table to show off your latest project, and/or sell your items for the show, do not wait much longer. As of this post we only have 15 tables available. If you are interested in reserving a table, you can do that at TandyList.com.
  • We have also had a great turnout for presentations this year. We plan on having seven presentations on the latest projects, new hardware, and software. We will not be accepting any additional speakers for this year.
  • We will be hosting the traditional Saturday night dinner. I have requested for the latest menu from the hotel, and we will have an informal poll to provide feedback on our buffet serving options.
  • I am happy to report that things are returning to normal. As of this post there will NOT be any mask and vaccine mandates.
  • To both help speed up entrance at the show and to cut down on people standing in lines, we’re encouraging attendees to pre-register. Remember, this year’s show is free to attend.
  • To both cut down on paper currency handling at the show, we’re encouraging attendees to use electronic and/or credit card payment options. This also include the day of the show and the auction.
  • There are still hotel rooms left to reserve, but you have until April 29th to make your reservations at the discounted room rate of $99 a night. You will need to use the group code of COF.

We would love to have you attend the show this year, and remember it is FREE to attend. Please pre-register at TandyList.com for a table, the dinner, and to attend the show.  For additional information click here.

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CoCoFEST! now open for registration!

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

Hello everyone. We’re happy to announce we have opened up registration for CoCoFEST! 2022 in Elk Grove Village, IL. You can register now at TandyList.com.

This year admission will be completely FREE for all guests! There is a small cost for vendors, which also includes a years membership with our club. For those who wish to attend and also be a contributing member to our club, you will have the option to both register to attend and pay your yearly dues if you wish online. In order to minimize lines at the door, we ask all attendees to register even if you are only attending. We’re excited to have you and can’t wait to see you all!

If you have any questions, concerns, or trouble with registration, please reach out to Randy Weaver for technical support, or Grant Leighty (CoCoFEST! coordinator) for anything else.

More information about CoCoFEST! 2022 can be found here.

Registration for CoCoFEST! 2022 vendors and attendees can be found here.

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Now Signing Up For CoCoFest Presentations

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

If you would like to give a presentation at the 30th Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFest, please contact the CoCoFest Organizer, Grant Leighty. We will try to accommodate everyone that wants to give a presentation this year. Please send an email to Grant Leighty at cocofest@glensideccc.com. So we can finalize the schedule for CoCoFest, please send an email as soon as possible.

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CoCoFest 2022 is FREE to Attend

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

I am happy to announce that CoCoFest 2022 will be free to attend next year. You will still need to pay the $15 in club dues if you wish to be a member of the Glenside Color Computer Club. This will allow you vote in the meetings, and for the club officers. The cost of tables will be the same as last year, $20 for the first table and $15 for each additional table. When you purchase tables, it will include the membership to the club for 2022 for the person that purchased the tables. The price for the Saturday dinner will also be $20. Preregistration is strongly encouraged and, it will be available next month around January 15th.

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