Macworld Expo Keynote--Some Opening Color

QuickTime Streaming Killed The Keynote Report :)

Mac users that could not make the trip to Moscone Center in San Francisco for the 2001 Macworld Conference & Expo most likely viewed the live QuickTime Streaming or satellite broadcast of Steve Jobs opening keynote. (This fact particularly struck me when I observed a conference attendee simultaneously watching the keynote live and over the net on his PowerBook equipped with a Ricochet 128K wireless modem during the keynote.) Thus, this article is focused on capturing the nuances of Steve's keynote from another camera angle of sorts -- through my eyes.

Before The Keynote

Waking up at 6 AM in the morning is no longer early enough if you want to have a chance at getting into the Esplanade Ballroom. Although this forum holds thousands of people, roughly a quarter of it is already filled with Apple employees, VIP's and the Media. Unfortunately, many new to Macworld fail to realize that their minimum $195.00 User Conference Pass does not guarantee seating in the ballroom that is dispensed on a first come, first served basis. Those that are not in line by early morning were shuttled to overflow rooms to watch the keynote via the satellite broadcast. Record attendance this year also meant that many conference attendees that didn't pick up their badge holders on Sunday or Monday were also diverted to the overflow rooms.

Entering the Esplanade Ballroom

Steve is like a rock star. He sells out forums that hold thousands and even the less seasoned media degrade to children when the doors are opened. They make a mad dash from the lobby to the front of the ballroom to get a good seat. Ushers repeatedly shout "no running!" as one person took to leaping over the chairs to get in front. This vicious cycle begins anew shortly after when the paid conference attendees are let in.

T-Minus 10 Minutes

This year, Steve opted for Adiemus by Karl Jenkins for the introductory music. It reminded me of a Disney production and did a great job of energizing the crowd for their intense applause when the lights dimmed and Steve casually strolled out onto stage.

Steve

The man loves his job. Sitting close to stage, you can see his pleasure radiating through his "humble" expression. A random Mac fan shouting "Go Steve!" was no longer unexpected.