Warp Expo West - Of the Community, For the Community, By the Community
On September 18th, the Southern California OS/2 User Group (SCOUG) held its annual big event, this year called Warp Expo West. While SCOUG organized and funded the Expo, it was really possible because of the OS/2 community.
SCOUG has always taken seriously its responsibility for serving the OS/2 community. In the early days, it was through support of OS/2 demos at computer stores. We also offered many classes and lectures on using OS/2. There were Installation Workshops to help OS/2 users install and configure OS/2 on their machines. These days, the Installation Workshop has grown to be the Help Desk via IRC. SCOUG also produces a monthly newsletter published in print and on the web site that offers tips, reviews, and articles on all aspects of OS/2.
A big OS/2 event like Warp Expo West was, therefore, a natural progression. When the Warp Expo West committee began planning the event, the OS/2 community responded even better than we expected!
The presenters came from far and wide. Some of them were from IBM who took the initiative to share their technical information with us. Others were consultants or software developers who are specialists on a particular topic. Some were hobbyists with a passion in a particular area. All of them put together professional quality presentations that would stand out anywhere.
Once I recovered from the impressive presentations, I was amazed by the volunteers. About 20% of the attendees volunteered to help with the event. Many of them drove, flew, or took the train in from other cities. I watched several people walk in the door and ask, "where do you want me to start?" With a support base as enthusiastic as this, a successful event is inevitable.
We had significant support from volunteers before the event too. Some helped us by compiling information for the Server Madness exhibit. Others helped collect candidates for the Vendor100 program. Many of these volunteers knew they were not going to be able to attend the show, yet they still wanted to invest their time in making the Expo a success.
Of course the exhibitors provided exceptional support too. We expected local OS/2 vendors to attend the Expo, but they went above and beyond the call. Many of them contributed raffle prizes without being asked. Sundial Systems, the company I'm part of, put on an OS/2 Warped Jeopardy game show as one of the presentations. In addition to the vendors, some of the exhibitors were members of the OS/2 community showing what they did with OS/2 that was interesting. They weren't selling a thing, but went to the same effort as any other exhibitor.
All of the SCOUG members and the planning committee rose to the challenge as well. Thousands of hours and a similar number of email messages went into the planning and execution of Warp Expo West. This small group of people worked so hard because they wanted to offer this event for and to the OS/2 community.
Warp Expo West was a tribute to that community.
In closing, I'd like to comment on the popular sport among OS/2 users of proposing a future plan for OS/2. Many try to use the model of the successful Linux community. But, the point they all miss - and the reason Warp Expo West was so successful, and that Warpstock USA, Warpstock Europe, and Warp Tech will be also - is that there is much more character in the OS/2 community than in any other high tech environment. And like many others worldwide, I am proud to be part of it.
Rollin White, 1999-10-01
Comments: 0
|
![[Forum]](../../../images.os2.org/en/forum.gif){kind=small}
![[Forum]](../../../images.os2.org/en/forum2.gif){kind=small}
