AppleScript Pro Sessions Return
Attendees at the 2008 AppleScript Pro voted it the “best event ever,” which was valuable feedback since 15 alumni were in attendance. But now concerns have arisen that there was something fishy with the vote beyond all the seafood consumed that week. “We are not positive the vote was accurate,” said Ray Robertson, session co-leader. “We are going to go back and make sure we get it right this time. It is going to be grueling to have so much fun again.”
“We were covering Leopard for the first time,” said Shane Stanley, session co-leader. “I suspect an AppleScript rounding error, but we’ve been unable to replicate the problem. This time, we are going to use both vanilla AppleScript and scripting Excel to make sure the vote is accurate. Even though I’m from Australia, it is my understanding it won’t be the first time this has happened in Florida.”
In addition to correcting voting errors, the conference will cover automation of InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat in the new CS4 and earlier versions. “There will be no hanging chads,” said Robertson. “Everything at the conference–except the actual door prizes–is now digital. We were thinking of digitizing Shane to avoid the costly airfare, but it just wouldn’t be the same.”
The sessions will also cover scripting Microsoft Excel 2004 and 2008. Matt Neuburg, author of ‘AppleScript: The Definitive Guide’, Second Edition, will be returning again to cover AppleScript Studio and will also provide an introduction to using Ruby with Apple Events. “We are relieved that Matt will be able to make it,” said Stanley. “I understand the state of California is broke, so we weren’t sure if he could make it out.”
The five-day sessions will be held at Dolphin Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida. A special conference rate offers a limited number of hotel rooms starting at $99/night. “This is a family-friendly and affordable area,” said Robertson. “Even as our economy tanks, think of this as a ‘learningcation’ which is a whole lot more fun than a ‘staycation.’ Besides, learning automation is one of the best ways to keep your company profitable.”
The event is sponsored by McMunn Associates, based in Collingswood, New Jersey with offices near Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. Past AppleScript Pro Sessions have drawn attendees from New Zealand, Europe, and Central America, as well as from Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. The classes are suitable for both new and experienced scripters, with the emphasis on practical skills that can be used across a range of applications.
Pricing starts at $1,500 for any three days, with a special discounted package of $1,800 for all five days. The early bird rate is available through March 16, unless sold out earlier. For more details, please contact Ray Robertson at [email protected], or visit the AppleScript Pro Sessions website at www.applescriptpro.com.
