KansasFest FAQ
The following article is set up in a form commonly seen on the Internet, called Frequently Asked Questions. It is designed to answer the most common questions people have about KansasFest, the Apple II event of the year. It is not designed to answer general questions about the Apple II, although there may be some overlap.
Questions? Please contact us!
Q: What's a FAQ, and how is it pronounced?
A: The letters "FAQ" stand for _F_requently _A_sked _Q_uestions. When people first hear of or learn of a subject, such as KansasFest, they often have several questions which others before them had when they also first learned of the same subject. A FAQ is a document listing both the questions and answers most frequently associated with new users, to save themselves (and others trying to assist them) time and frustration.
And by the way, it's pronounced "fack", nearly identical with "fact".
Q: What is the purpose of this FAQ?
A: This FAQ is set up to assist people interested in KansasFest, also known as KFest. Many Apple II enthusiasts are interested in attending or just want some information about this event, so the most common questions are answered here.
Q: What is KFest?
A: KansasFest, abbreviated "KFest", is a computing conference held every summer at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. Its original formal name was "The Apple II Summer Conference" while its nickname was "KansasFest", which was abbreviated to "KFest". Today, the conference's official name is "KansasFest".
Q: When was the first KFest held?
A: The first KansasFest was held in 1989. July 2010 will welcome the 21st KFest.
Q: When is KFest this year?
A: KansasFest 2010 runs from Tuesday through Sunday, July 20-25, 2010.
Q: Where is KFest held?
A: KFest is held at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. The address and phone number are as follows:
Rockhurst University
1100 Rockhurst Rd
Kansas City, Missouri 64110-2508
United States of America
(816) 501-4000
(800) 842-6776
Q: If it's held in Missouri, why is it called KansasFest?
A: Good question. It does take place in Kansas City, but if it makes you feel better, the Kansas border is very close to Rockhurst University.
Q: Who comes to KFest?
A: While KFest was originally devoted to programmers, nowadays all kinds of folk from all over the world surface at Rockhurst University. Programmers, users, newsletter publishers, and everyday folk show up from Europe, Canada, Australia, and throughout the United States to celebrate the Apple II.
Q: Has anyone attended every KFest?
A: One person: Tony Diaz of Computer Circulation Center (formerly known as Alltech Electronics).
Q: Who sponsors and organizes KFest?
A: It was originally sponsored by Resource-Central, the folks who brought you the wonderful _Open-Apple_ and _A2-Central_ (among several other Apple II) publications. After Resource-Central became ICON, The Apple II Summer Conference became ICONference. This lasted one summer until ICON shut down. Two different companies sponsored KFest before InTrec Software, publishers of _ProTERM_, took over a few years back.
Currently, KFest is organized by a committee headed by Tony Diaz. The session scheduling is done by Andy Molloy. Devin Reade maintains the email lists, and Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd organizes HackFest, the programming contest. KFest is sponsored by Jerry Cline of InTrec Software.
Q: How much does KFest cost? How do I register for KFest?
A: Current prices for KFest can be found on page 20 of this newsletter or at the KFest home page at http://www.kansasfest.org/. Discounted prices are available for early registrants. You may register online or download the registration form and return it via email, mail, or fax to
Jerry Cline
InTrec Software, Inc.
3035 E Topaz Circle
Phoenix, AZ 85028-4423
Voice: (602) 992-1345
Fax : (510) 842-1226
Email: jerryc@intrec.com
If the above options are unavailable to you, please contact Jerry for alternative arrangements.
Q: Which airport do I fly into, and how do I get from there to Rockhurst?
A: The major airport nearly everyone flies into is Kansas City International, which goes by the code letters MCI (not KCI, which will get you to Indonesia). There's a couple of small commuter airports that are closer, but unless you're Tony Diaz (who flies his own plane), you're unlikely to use these. The general aviation airport closest to Rockhurst is OJC, or Johnson County Executive, located at 12901 West 151st Street in Olathe, Kansas — about 27 miles from Rockhurst.
Even though MCI is the closest major airport, it's still most of an hour's drive from there to Rockhurst, so walking is out of the question and cab fare would be substantial. Your best bet would be to try to catch a ride with another KFester who'll be flying in or passing by around the same time you'll be arriving. Carl Knoblock unofficially organizes rides to and from the airport. The best way to get in on the ride planning is to join the KFest email list, as described later in this FAQ.
Q: What kind of official activities go on at KFest?
A: The official activities include a keynote speech, sessions on various computing topics, product demonstrations, the HackFest programming contest, and a vendor fair.
Q: What if I want to host a session?
A: Submit your ideas for a session via our online session submission form. Sessions can include new ways to use programs, new programs, networking, or nearly anything else you can imagine. Everyone has something they can teach.
Q: What kind of unofficial activities go on at KFest?
A: Unofficially, there have been movie outings, pizza nights, Bite The Bag contests, late night eating at Denny's, runs out to Krispy Kreme, Floppy Disk Ninja, Apple II Jeopardy, and huge groups of folks going to eat huge pieces of beef at K.C. Masterpiece and McCoy's restaurants.
Q: Are meals provided?
A: Tuesday night usually features a trip to the Sweet Tomatoes buffet-style restaurant, while Wednesday afternoon brings us the KFest Kookout barbecue. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available afterward in the Rockhurst cafeteria starting with Wednesday dinner and ending with Sunday breakfast, except for Saturday dinner, when KFest attendees descend upon a local restaurant. All meals located at Rockhurst, including the Kookout, are included in the registration fee. Special diets (vegetarian, etc.) will be accommodated at all meals.
Q: I hear that the Rockhurst University dorm is wired for Ethernet. Is there a way I can access that while I'm there?
A: Yes. In each dorm room in the halls of Rockhurst is an outlet that seems to be phone jack. This isn't a phone jack. It's an Ethernet port — to be exact, an RJ-45 connector that is compatible with 10 Base-T Ethernet. The entire Rockhurst dorm is connected to the Internet this way. Rockhurst has a fairly strict policy for accessing their network. PC users may be required to download anti-virus software and other applications to conform to Rockhurst's security policies. Macintosh users, so far, have not been required to follow these procedures because of the general lack of viruses for the platform.
Whatever your computer (including the Apple II), you may need specific configuration instructions, such as proxy and IP settings, that will be available upon your arrival. Check with one of the event organizers at checkin. With many attendees being professional network engineers, system administrators, and power users, we'll ensure everyone is settled in very quickly.
Q: I hear that there's wireless Internet access in the Rockhurst dorm. How do I get hooked up?
A: Shortly after you arrive and check in, an address to a website and a code will be given to you. You will login to this site and authenticate, which will then authorize you with wireless access for the duration of the conference. Various Apple Airport Base Stations and other equivalents brought by convention attendees will likely help expand the available coverage. Please see one of them (Ken Gagne, Sean Fahey, Geoff Weiss, Eric Shepherd, and Ryan Suenaga are likely candidates) if you'd like to get on the wireless 'Net.
Q: What should I bring?
A: A complete packing list is located on the official Web site. What you bring will depend on if you're flying or driving, but certainly you'll want to have a computer with you (some people bring laptop Macintoshes; others bring their complete Apple II setup) and all associated accessories. Also at the least, follow the advice of Ford Prefect and bring along your towel. Seriously, the provided linens tend to be smaller than average.
Q: How can I learn more about KFest?
A: Visit the KansasFest World Wide Web site at http://www.kansasfest.org/ or send an email. You could also subscribe to the KFest mailing list.
Q: Should I go to KFest?
A: Need you ask? KFest is a must for the serious Apple II fanatic. Do yourself a favor — you're worth it. Show up at KFest 2010, the summer camp for Apple geeks.
