Meet Me at TypeCon
We just had our last SoTA board meeting before we all gather in Buffalo for TypeCon, and I tell you, it’s shaping up to be another great week.
Last year, I know there were a number of Typophiles in attendance whom I did not really get a chance to talk to or even meet. Once again, I’ll be managing some of the logistics, wrangling buses, and overseeing front-end this year; and I realize that when I’m in that mode I can sometimes put out a “Don’t bother me, I’m busy” vibe. But don’t buy into it. Seriously, come up and introduce yourself.
You might have to tell me your screen name or otherwise jog my memory. I always think about this too late to do anything, but wouldn’t it be great if we could have figured out a way to cross-check the TypeCon registration database with the Typophile membership and get an image of every Typophile’s avatar on the TypeCon badges. Sometimes it’s tricky to match up a face & name to an avatar & screen name.
Hope to see lots of fellow Typophiles in Buffalo.
— Kent.






















11.Jul.2008 8.48am
Ditto.
11.Jul.2008 9.47am
Don’t tell me the lights are shining anyplace but there!
Same here y’all. I always look grumpy even after coffee.
11.Jul.2008 10.11am
Not so!
11.Jul.2008 10.59am
Horrors! That is clearly before coffee.
11.Jul.2008 11.31am
This is not what I call grumpy.
I too am looking forward to seeing everyone and meeting new folks. I’ll be the one with the name tag that says “zara.” :)
11.Jul.2008 4.02pm
Wham! The wig strikes again!
It stinks that I’ll be missing out on all of the fun. And I even had a friend in Buffalo who was willing to put me up for a few days!
11.Jul.2008 4.07pm
Kent, Stewf and Zara... look forward to catch up with you all soon ;-)
11.Jul.2008 7.36pm
I’m really looking forward to seeing people again, particularly after having to miss out on last year. I can personally vouch that almost* everyone above was a pleasure to hang out with.
*Nothing personal, I’ve yet to meet a few of you. Hopefully that’ll change.
12.Jul.2008 6.27am
I’m in Detroit, on my way to majestic Buffalo. I can’t wait to see everyone! I’m really excited about all the speakers this year, but am jazzed at seeing Sagmeister for the first time and Herr Spiekermann yet again - he never fails to please.
I probably won’t look grumpy, before or after coffee - more likely dazed and confused, but happy.
Let’s work on the Typophile avatar thingie for next year. Who wants to take it on?
12.Jul.2008 4.29pm
Tamye - that is something we can definitely pursue here at Punchcut. I imagine the magical Christian can write a fancy script to automate the collection of avatars.
13.Jul.2008 1.08am
So sorry I can’t be there. This will be the only TypeCon I’ve missed since my first ’Con; TypeCon Minnesota. This year overlaps with a personal, family engagement (we’re wishing my parents off on their upcoming humanitarian mission).
I’ll miss the late night dinners with all kinds of random and fascinating conversations including watching design rockstars explain the Helvetica R on a cocktail napkin. I’ll miss exploring random cities with friends that I only see once a year at the ’Con.
Enjoy Buffalo! I’m also bummed that I won’t see P22’s home turf. =/
Regarding the avatar/icon it’s a great idea. I hope everybody will keep Twitter active with TypeCon action. Use the “hashtag” #TypeCon when you’re there. Or you can post directly to Typophile from your smartphones.
14.Jul.2008 8.36am
Help a player out: What’s the Typophile Avatar Thingie? Is that the tee design with all the avatars made into a T?
14.Jul.2008 8.47am
Carl, it is the TypeCon name badge that has your own avatar on it so that everyone will recognize you :-P
ChrisL
14.Jul.2008 8.53am
A-ha! I like that. I suppose anyone who feels inclined could print them out and stick them on their badge this year. Not automated, but still possibly helpful. Or someone could bring a button-maker and we could make buttons with the avatars....
14.Jul.2008 8.56am
Sounds like a plan!
ChrisL
14.Jul.2008 9.31am
Isn’t this why most of us use our real names on Typophile?
14.Jul.2008 10.20am
> I suppose anyone who feels inclined could print them out and stick them on their badge this year.
I’m doing that.
> Isn’t this why most of us use our real names on Typophile?
True. But for example, I have a photographic memory but am really bad at remembering names. It’s more easy for me to remember someone’s face than his/her name. So the avatars help a lot, even if you’re using your real name.
14.Jul.2008 1.03pm
>I’m doing that.
good idea.
when trying to keep track of who said what in a thread, I find myself thinking kind of like: “OK, Bold white “J” in a black square said... and white sans letters “Ms” in a red gradient filled square replied with...” It’s just easier that way :o).
-=®=-
14.Jul.2008 1.38pm
Script R in a green field makes a good point :-P
ChrisL
14.Jul.2008 2.24pm
Carl, Should I bring my crafty button-maker? ;)
14.Jul.2008 3.38pm
I don’t suppose it makes square buttons, does it Amy? In any case, if you do, we could all print our avatars a certain size and have buttons. What size buttons can you make? If they are bigger than an inch, it would be worth it. You can keep the button after the conference for other meetings.
14.Jul.2008 3.42pm
I can see the sign now “Amy’s Button Factory and Suvlaki Shop” :-)
ChrisL
14.Jul.2008 6.07pm
Arrived a few hours ago myself, after a nasty 12-hour trip from Toronto (yeesh: a canceled flight from Toronto to NY last night - where I was to have dinner with friends before flying to Buffalo this morning - and thus 3 hours of sleep to catch the make-up flight to Laguardia at 6am, shuttle to JFK, delayed flight to Buffalo, &, etc., &c.; as I said: yeesh), and so stumbled into the Hyatt around 4:30pm, got the computer hooked up, had a long shower, and now about to crash.
BUT, looking forward to the coming days. I’m planning on the shuttle-trip to RIT tomorrow, and already snuck a peek at the Grosvenor exhibit (it looks to be delicous, although it’s simply not right that the books are held captive under glass).
Is there usually some sort of informal gathering at these things to help identify who’s here for Typecon?
Oh, and does anyone know where Paradise Press is? I’m taking in the letterpress workshop on Wednesday and can’t find an address for PP...
Jason
14.Jul.2008 6.33pm
Isn’t Toronto about a 3-hour drive to Buffalo?
ChrisL
14.Jul.2008 6.54pm
Don’t get me started Chris (too late). When my flight from Toronto to NY got canceled last night, I attempted to book a bus from TO to Buffalo, rather than fly the 500 miles to NY only to turn around and fly back the same distance, and in the process I canceled my morning flight from TO to NY, and then attempted to cancel my NY-Buffalo flight, only to find that simply to KEEP my return flight from Buffalo-NY on the 21st it was going to cost $300. That’s $300 for the privilege of NOT taking the NY-Buffalo flight. Makes sense, right?
So, onto the TO-NY flight went I, and then onto the NY-Buffalo flight, which was completely bungled by Delta. Why didn’t anyone tell me not to fly Delta?
But, to return to your simple question: it’s actually 2 hours. 125klms. My cab driver from the Buffalo airport to the Hyatt told me it would have cost $200 to take a cab.
Good thing I’m half drunk on sleep deprivation, because for the moment the whole thing seems pretty funny...
14.Jul.2008 8.21pm
Partadise Press is located within Printing Prep. 12 East Tupper at at the corner of Washington Street. It’s walkable from the Hyatt.
The Hyatt is on Pearl Street. Washington is two streets over. Head north on Washington a couple blocks and you’ll hit Tupper.
14.Jul.2008 8.36pm
Hee hee. I am sleep deprived too but gleeful at the prospect of seeing you all again.
14.Jul.2008 8.40pm
I am so sorry, Jason. That is a horrible story. Who says airlines are a service industry. I wish you well and hope you have a better trip home. Take care and at least enjoy the conference. Say hello to everyone for me?
ChrisL
14.Jul.2008 9.35pm
So you won’t be there either, eh, Chris? Same here. :-(
Have fun, everybody!
14.Jul.2008 10.44pm
Following Joe’s lead I’ve posted a Twitter reminder on the TypeCon blog. There is also now a TypeCon Twitter account for official updates. Anyone I’m missing here?
14.Jul.2008 10.48pm
I believe Jason Santa Maria is attending TypeCon this year and is also on Twitter.
I’m so so so excited to see all of you! We leave in the morning and arrive tomorrow (Tue) early evening in time for the party. Yipee. Sleep deprivation here we come!
15.Jul.2008 4.33am
Ricardo — Not coming? Darn, I was looking forward to meeting you (again — and maybe remembering this time ;-)
Jason — Sorry to hear about your travel woes. That reminds me of the recent hassle I had getting from Albany, NY, to Montreal for the AAUP conference — 10 hours! (via Newark; don’t ask). Same deal: It would have been faster to drive, if I’d only been able to forecast the delays. Come up to the mezzanine if you get a chance after RIT and say hello. (We’ll be working here until about 5:00.)
Jonathan — Thanks for posting the directions to Paradise Press. I’m sure I’ll be getting questions about where to go tomorrow and hadn’t gotten around to figuring it out.
One great thing about this year’s location is that almost all of the workshops (except the letterpress ones) are just across the street from the hotel, so none of that nasty bus business (except for some of the evening off-site events).
And the main presentation space, marketplace, and galleries are all pretty much right together, so no wandering around several floors trying to find things (or worse, for us organizers, schlepping boxes up and down and all around).
Today: the goodie bag stuffing!
— K.
15.Jul.2008 5.13am
I was planning to go, but my wife broke her ankle over the July 4th weekend, so I am staying in Brooklyn to look after her.
JamesM
15.Jul.2008 5.40am
Thanks for all the sympathy regarding my travel headache, but I obviously either made things sound much worse than they were, or else you folks are far too kind. Anyway, a decent night’s sleep in a very comfortable room and all is well. Looking forward to meeting each of you over the coming days. And thanks, Jonathan, for the directions to PP.
15.Jul.2008 6.13am
I was planning to go, too, but work was slow in June! :-/ Maybe next year, Kent.
15.Jul.2008 6.14am
James —
What?! Bummer. Give my best to Nora. I hope she’s up and around again soon.
— Kent.
15.Jul.2008 6.17am
Stephen, can you sign me up for the Twitter list? Username is greenboathouse.
15.Jul.2008 6.40am
Was Nora giving you a roundhouse kick, James? :-)
Wish her a speedy recovery for me!
ChrisL
15.Jul.2008 7.17am
“I suppose anyone who feels inclined could print them
out and stick them on their badge this year. ”
That’s exactly the reason why I had some of these lovely Moo stickers printed up last year. They’re both dandy and dandy.
“I believe Jason Santa Maria is attending TypeCon this
year and is also on Twitter.”
This is true. JSM’s Twitter account is @jasonsantamaria
My Veer cohort Jon Parker is attending as well. He’s @cacomixI
See you folks on Wednesday.
15.Jul.2008 11.23am
I too will be arriving tomorrow morning, [hopefully] around 7:30am. I have a very, very long night ahead of me.
@Grant - I love those stickers! And of course your photography makes them look that much more awesome.
See yizall tomorrow!
15.Jul.2008 1.22pm
Stephen please add me on... http://twitter.com/tootsiewoo
15.Jul.2008 1.53pm
I m pre boarding at Buenos Aires airport to NY then Buff arriving in 18 hours to the hotel.... see you soooooooon!
15.Jul.2008 3.52pm
See you all soon. Bummed I missed it last year like Chris R. but I’m looking forward to seeing the Usual Suspects and meeting new folks.
-glenda (deguzman) bellarosa
15.Jul.2008 5.00pm
I’m hopping in my little hatchback and driving up from Philly tomorrow morning (into the evening). I hope to be there with enough time to make myself look human for the Sagmeister talk.
This is what I look like (I’m the tall one). And I’ll be wearing a shirt with this R on it, probably on Thursday.
I can’t wait to see/meet/party with you all!
15.Jul.2008 6.07pm
My son chose to be born two years ago this weekend and my wife insists said occasion should be marked. I suspect he did this on purpose. He’s always been very willful.
So as you all get buried in a veritable lake effect of typographic inspiration, whip up a nice NJH monogram, would you? It will make Nathaniel happy and I’ll feel a part of a creative community even if I’m only wiping frosting from places frosting should never be.
16.Jul.2008 4.32am
Xtian — You were sooo close to making it happen this year. Silly Nathaniel.
So, is this going to be a regular problem? We haven’t quite settled the dates for next year’s Con (still negotiating with hotels), but we’re aiming to keep it in mid July again. When is his actual birthday?
— K.
16.Jul.2008 4.46am
next year’s Con
Where will it be?
16.Jul.2008 6.31am
I’m hoping Nate’s birthdays will be a regular thing, yes.
He was born July 21, 2006. He already recognizes many letter, but he’s still weak on classification. He keeps calling Veljovic a Didone.
I’ll attend next year, one way or another.
16.Jul.2008 7.04am
Please add me to twitter. I’ve now met a few people and have toured around 20 basements in the lovely greater Buffalo area. There is some great type on old valves and furnaces. The air quality down there leaves something to be desired though.
16.Jul.2008 9.03am
Anybody know where I need to drop off the item I brought for the auction?
16.Jul.2008 9.05am
As usual, see Tiffany, she knows everything :-)
ChrisL
16.Jul.2008 10.19am
Can’t wait to meet as many folks as I can manage this week - I’m already in Buffalo (just chilling out today/tomorrow with some friends), so I think I’ll swing by registration today and see if I bump into anyone.
I’m on Twitter (@danrubin), checking @replies religiously on the iPhone.
Are most people arriving Thursday?
16.Jul.2008 6.17pm
It’s a long commute, but I am driving down and back to T.O. tomorrow for a workshop, then again on Friday and Sunday. (Prior engagement on Saturday)
(If anyone in Toronto needs a ride one of those days, email me: russ.mcg@gmail.com)
Also, please add me to the twitter thingy.
-=®=-
17.Jul.2008 4.29am
Next year’s location is a closely guarded secret until it is revealed this weekend here at the Con. Afterward, I’m sure something will be posted at TypeCon.com for all to see.
James — Bring your auction items to the Marketplace (back right side of the main area). If no one’s there, come find me (usually around Registration) and I’ll hold them in the office.
Chris — Tiffany is still going to be involved with the auction; but actually, her Board term ended last year. So this year she gets to enjoy the conference as a regular “civilian.” ;-)
— K.
17.Jul.2008 6.58am
Yay! Poor Tiff finally gets to relax and enjoy! How about you , Kent? You never sit down either!
Give everyone my regards, Kent!
ChrisL
17.Jul.2008 7.50am
Does any one know when the Typecon Store is opening... today?
17.Jul.2008 8.07am
Friday and Saturday 9:00 - 5:00, and Sunday 9:00 - 3:00.
18.Jul.2008 1.21pm
Is Paul Hunt there at TypeCon or is he still in England furiously finishing his typeface?
ChrisL
19.Jul.2008 3.35am
Paul’s here. He’s on a panel about contextual letterforms this afternoon, along with Eben and John Hudson, which I’m moderating.
— K.
19.Jul.2008 5.06am
Here he is...
19.Jul.2008 6.29am
Say hello for me!
ChrisL
22.Jul.2008 12.33pm
I’m really happy to have met a few more Typophiles, but next year we really need to make a point of having a meet-up. I didn’t get to meet quite a few of you and this leaves me a little bit miffed and disappointed.
25.Jul.2008 10.21pm
Good point. Maybe we can get a Typophile party going. Or a designated meet-up point & time.
Atlanta dates please!
26.Jul.2008 12.06am
I feel a little backwards, for having joined Typophile AFTER typecon; oh well. I met so many nice people asking “Are you on Typophile?” that I just had to join.
Then again, real life meetups of Internet people are always exciting due to the “Are they a serial killer?” factor.
26.Jul.2008 7.50am
James,
I am a cerial killer, Allbran and Grapenuts :-)
ChrisL
26.Jul.2008 8.28am
^ you would have had a field day in Buffalo Chris. It’s a cereal sort of town.
26.Jul.2008 9.37am
:-)
Is that why the old Shredded Wheat Box had a picture of Niagra Falls on it?
ChrisL
27.Jul.2008 4.37pm
Shredded Wheat Box had a picture of Niagra Falls on it?
Yes.
I think Mark meant Surreal sort of town.
27.Jul.2008 4.44pm
Never could spell.
27.Jul.2008 5.14pm
Thanks Mark and Rich!
That Shredded Wheat box brings back childhood memories:-)
ChrisL
28.Jul.2008 12.52pm
“That Shredded Wheat box brings back childhood memories:-)”
That packaging is so old, do you mean, from your parents childhoods, or Homer’s childhood?
Cheers!
28.Jul.2008 1.14pm
LOL!!! My own childhood! That box was the packaging on the cerial I ate as a kid.
Oh, and Homer is my 1st cousin :-)
ChrisL
1.Aug.2008 11.08pm
Surely you mean “cereal”.
Now if we could only get the Atlanta dates...
If you thought Buffalo was weird wait til you check out Atlanta; city of no zoning worth mentioning. You never know what’s coming on the next block - could be anything. Sometimes it’s a very good place to eat though. :-)
-e.
2.Aug.2008 6.55am
Atlanta dates will likely be the same week as Buffalo was - in the July 14-19 vein, if we get everything settled with our hotel of choice. We’ll announce as soon as it’s a lock - if we get into this hotel, I guarantee everyone will love it!!!
Atlanta is going to be fun... another city full of friendly people to look forward to. Southern hospitality is no myth. Combine that warmth and laid back vibe with the sophistication of a grand city like Atlanta, and you know it’s going to be some kind of wonderful.