KansasFest, the 26th 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 22, through Sunday, July 27, for six days and five nights of sessions, demos, announcements, contests, and camaraderie.

The week kicks off with keynote speaker Margot Comstock, co-founder and editor of the much-loved Softalk magazine.  Comstock will be available immediately afterward for a Q&A and autograph session.

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, Structris 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 $385 for a double room or $455 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 July 1; registration for staying on-site closes July 8. To register, please visit the official Web site at http://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. For photos, videos, schedules, and presentations from past year’s events, to sign up for the email list and for inquiries, please visit the event’s Web site.

[This is a re-post of a message from the official KansasFest Mailing List sent out by KansasFest attendee and Organizing Committee member Peter Neubauer. It contains the list of prizes announced on the KFest blog.]

The prize collection for KFest is looking pretty impressive thanks to generous vendors and mysterious “anonymous benefactors.” Check out the KFest blog or the copy below for the prizes available and how to win them.

I look forward to seeing all of you soon!
-Peter

Each KansasFest attendee goes home with more than they brought. The memories and friendships made at KansasFest last a lifetime, and the lessons and experiences learned from fellow Apple II enthusiasts, both within and without the structured sessions, lead to even more enjoyment of our favorite platform.

But what about more tangible mementos? How about some fantastic swag?

When you pack for KansasFest, leave room in your luggage, as every person at KansasFest has the opportunity to go home with prizes that will make you a true Apple II power user. Among this year’s selection are hardware, software, and magazines that you won’t find at any other computer convention:

• FC5025 floppy disk controller card (with floppy drive from 16Sector)
• Replica-1 unassembled kit
• Simply Softdisk G-S and Softdisk Supreme CDs (courtesy Syndicomm)
• Focus IDE card
• iPod Shuffle (2GB / black / engraved)
• Assembler/Macrosoft software package (courtesy Nibble Magazine)
• Juiced.GS one-year subscription (courtesy Gamebits)
• 8 Bit Weapon’s Electric High EP CD (courtesy Gamebits)
• $50 cash prize (courtesy Ryan Suenaga)

How does one win such fabulous prizes? There are several ways:

• Enter the HackFest. This programming contest challenges you to create a cool Apple II program in a limited amount of time. Your entry doesn’t need to be practical or even complete to win!
• In honor of Roger Wagner, attendees (men and women!) are invited to “Tie One On” and wear outrageous or ugly ties to the Friday night formal banquet. The person with the best (or worst!) tie will be decided by a member of the planning committee.
• Attendees staying on-site in Rockhurst University dorm rooms may decorate the door to their room. Posters, signs, knick-knacks, and other accessories are all fair play, as long as they can be safely removed at the end of the conference. The best door sign may prove worthy of a prize!
• Show up! Just for being at KansasFest, we guarantee you’ll go home with more than you expected.

Other potential prize venues include playing games such as GShisen or Bite the Bag. These prizes are in addition to whatever gear you haul from Sean’s garage or buy at the vendor fair. Our thanks to all community members and vendors who have contributed to this year’s offerings. So come enjoy the people, activities, and prizes of KansasFest!