Chuck Joiner has made his latest User Group Report available on the Macintosh User Group (MUG) Center Web site. His current update features Club Express’ Dan Ehrmann, who discusses making MUG administration easier with the tools his company offers, and BYU MUG’s Andrew Jacobs, who talks about his group’s plans to offer video meeting archives to members.
Elsewhere in the MUG world, Joiner notes that user group members can obtain passes to the Digital Lifestyle Expo, which comes to New York City on Sept. 25 and 26, for US$59, a savings of $20 off the pre-registration and $40 off the regular registration. Visit the MUG Center to learn more, as well as find out how your MUG can exhibit at the show and how your MUG leader can obtain a VIP pass.
The MUG Center also offers information on obtaining a copy of You Software’s You Control: Fonts for evaluation, newsletter review and meeting demonstration purposes. In addition, user group ambassadors can learn how to download Apple’s presentation materials for the iMac G5 from Apple Sales Web. Aimed at helping groups present the new computer to their members, the materials include the iMac G5 keynote presentation, an audio interview with the computer’s product manager, an asset kit, a “Take one” flyer and images for use in a newsletter.
In addition to presenting Apple’s latest products, MUG meetings often cover a wide variety of other topics. This week, Sept. 14 finds “Converting Music From Vinyl to Digital” at Pennsylvania MUG; a presentation on iTunes at Tulsa Users of Macintosh Society; “Movie Contest Winners & All Things iPod” at South Mississippi MUG; “Selling on eBay Part 2” at Lakeland Area MUG; and “Upgrading Your OS: How, Why and When — An Introduction to Tiger” at Maryland Apple Corps.
On Sept. 15, AppleSiders will showcase Mac utilities and backup software; various Apple Stores will offer a Pro Day that focuses on financial management with MYOB AccountEdge 2004; and Oak Creek Apples will present “Converting Records Using Spin Doctor.”
On Sept. 16, the online MUG Center chat at World Without Borders will cover “Reviewing Apple’s MUG Resources;” Syracuse MUG will welcome Apple advisory systems engineer Greg Hall; Arizona MUG will discuss “XCode — Intro to Programming;” Tex-MUG will feature “Cool Applications, You Control, XShelf, MacJanitor & 4th Dimension;” Boston Final Cut Pro Users Group will demonstrate the new Canon XL-2 DV camera and offer a sneak preview of RESFEST Boston; and Capital Macintosh will offer a talk with Intego’s Meredith Tucker.
On Sept. 18, dealmac’s Dan de Grandpre will stop by Houston Area Apple Users Group; “Ben Waldie Presents AppleScript” will be the focus at Annapolis Apple Slice; database software 4D will be the highlight at AppleMousse; the twelfth annual Mac Computer Expo will be hosted by North Coast MUG; and AppleWorks will be presented at MacTechnics.
Finally, on Sept. 20, Oxford MUG will host “A Look at the Roots of OS X: the NeXT Operating System;” Internet MUG will offer “MYOB & iLife;” Apple Dayton will feature “.Mac and Remote Desktop;” and DuPage Apple User Group will discuss GarageBand.
As always, visit each MUG’s Web site for meeting times, locations and entry fees, if applicable.
Macintosh User Groups interested in seeing their events listed on MacCentral are welcome to send us their news. We post roundups of MUG events and gatherings each week.
If you’re wondering what user group events are happening in your area, visit the MUG Center’s online calendar. Apple also hosts a user group site where you can look for a MUG near you or find out how to start your own group.