VCFMW 2023: When Vintage Computer Festival Midwest Got Too Big 

My brother's video about our recent Vintage Computer Festival/Chicago trip is up! Lots of good times and enjoyable sights in this one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-l3IXl7h6r4g.html For those in the comments who've asked where to see the photos he took in the city and that whole process with film, look no further.

You are one hell of a writer and narrator... it felt like I was watching a presentation at the Boston Museum of Science. Glad you had a good time!

So glad we got to meet you. That's my wife and I at 15:10 getting a selfie (yes we waited in line haha). We made the 15 hour drive after watching VCFMF on your channel for the past few years and it was well worth it!

"'Why? Why bother with all this old junk,' as they say. And well, as with so many niche hobbies, one person's trash is another person's weekend project that spiraled out of control and became a years-long obsession." ♥

Given how let down you sound about not being able to wander the floor I think VCF needs an exhibitor day, just a day so those who make the show possible can look around without being harassed or harangued and can actually enjoy the show. This would need to be in tandem with better security just to stop joe public from getting in.

Thank you for the shoutout to my OPL Archive exhibit! The show is definitely insane and I hope someday we'll get to talk more at length about that synthy goodness, but at least I was able to sneak an OPL sticker over to you. :)

I was fortunate enough to meet Clint at the show, and i have to say, he is one of the kindest and most attentive "personalities" I have ever been privileged to meet. He took the time to talk and seemed generally interested in everything that people had to talk to him about, and while the line was long, it was well worth the wait. Seriously - thank you for taking the time to meet and greet everyone. On a side note - I was talking to some of the VCF staff at the show, and they stated this is probably the last year at the Clarion. They are using the size of this, and the revenue pulled in as justification to move to a bigger and better place.

I get the impression that they've long outgrown their roots as a hotel con and may need to embrace a larger convention center. I don't think that's a bad thing! It's just the nature of the business.

Woot! My chonky Heathkit H10 paper tape punch showed up! Thanks for the mention! :D

This is a great video, as always. What really separates your channel from many others like it is that you don't just spit out facts and report what happened. You always manage to tell an engaging story. You are a credit to the hobby, Clint.

Weird thing is I don't really have much of an interest in vintage computers or computers in general, yet this has remained one of my favorite channels for over a decade. I just really love how you make videos and there's this "universal" enthusiasm and nostalgia to them that translate no matter my level of interest in the actual subject.

Honestly VCF has kind of outgrown its usual conference center. Like you mentioned, even with every room being utilized things were still absolutely packed and tables were spilling out of the building, and parking was chaos. If it continues growing like this a bigger location will be a must very soon. TYSM for signing my Thinkpad btw!

So much care you spent on those floppies. What a great person you are. I’m glad to know you, Clint.

I understand Clint’s apprehension about lack of security, but the outdoor stuff that sprung up and the general vibe is all so organic and old school. There has to be a way to meet in the middle on this. Growth does mean more rules, but with this kind of community there definitely can be a way to keep a bit more order in the amazing chaos, but not kill the vibe or ruin the feel that this conference creates.

the show was super fun but super packed, but i'm so glad i was able to meet you for a second time! i'm the green haired girl at 16:05 and i cannot believe that face i made 😭

Wow, a room full of computer nerds and geeks, I've never seen so many!! definitely my happy place!! I wish I lived in the US,😊

For A Few Moments, I Was Back In The '90's. Thank You.

This is great. Imagine yourself reflecting on these "good ol" days in 20 years. I'm sure when this becomes larger and more commercial, you will miss these wild days. Bless the community and how it has grown.

Hey Clint (and Luke), Clark here, I'm the guy who had the restored Atari 2600 kiosk this year. Honestly quite surprised we were stationed right next to each other once again, haha. Absolutely love this show ever since I first started attending in (I think) 2019. The people we meet and the interesting/amazing stuff we get to see is no understatement, and a pleasure every time! I personally ended up coming home with more than I brought for once too, lol. Hopefully next year I can bring another impressive main display piece, and this time I'll make sure there's more room ahead of time as I actually got REALLY lucky that I was able to open up the wall to make a whole other pathway/space. That could have been even more of a nightmare in that corner with how many people piled up. Definitely agree that there needs to be a que line next time for all the content creators (especially you). One last thing, I will mention that I do still have the "LAN Party in a Box" aka the Cubix subsystem, so if you're still interested in that at all, let me know! Anyhow, I'm sure I'll se you again either next year or sometime in between at another event like MGC again. See ya!

11:20 I am amazed at the wide range of people and ages in this line that are into vintage computers and stuff.

These con videos are so comfy for me. Thank you Clint, Luke and all the other nerds for their hard work!

Your attention to detail blows my mind! Very entertaining to watch you put everything together in meticulous fashion.

I will never question why people will go out of there way to restore old systems, I praise you guys. Not just for nostalgia purposes but to help us remember where it all started. The fact that a lot of the original equipment is still functional and alive out there makes me smile. You guys possess a talent that I'll never have...but wish I did. I'm going to come to one of these Festival one year and make it a point to see you, and to indulge in some retro computing business. This is definitely one of those events that I know I'd love from beginning to end...there's not much else I can think of that would make me excited than something like this. Problem is, I'm afraid I'd want to buy half the place...or take too many free items that I don't need or can't use. Still, I'm in Canada, in the Niagara Region so that's a bit of distance for me too...still, it would be worth it. So maybe next year I'll plan to come, who knows. Praying I don't forget (like I usually do with everything).

I feel like if VCF Midwest charged like even 15-20 bucks for a mandatory badge/bracelet you had to have on to get inside I'd be completely ok with it, considering they're keeping interest in retro computing alive, but also having badges visible means its easier to keep track of people who don't actually have access to be inside, would help clean things up just a tad as well. Great job Clint!

The passion, love, respect and dedication you show for vintage hardware is truly inspiring. good for you Clint.

I think the canvas hat really gives the bear computer more character!

It was a real treat meeting you at VCFMW, Clint! At the last minute, I gave you the Bureau 13 game CD and bought an LGR case badge from you. I hope to see you at another VCF event, possibly VCF Southwest 2024, in Dallas?

I just discovered a vintage computer museum in my own country with hundreds if not thousands computers from 1970 onwards , many of which are working and even usable by the public. It gave me a vibe like this Festival of yours. I really hope I can visit it in the USA one day. I need one of those LGR badges. Oh, and your philosophical contemplation about museum fatigue (around 19:45 )is just what I felt... they had SOO many awesome rare computers that after a while you just run past the endless showings of more more more rare Ataris, Japanese MSXs and Apples because you want a coffee and donut.

Caring about old obsolete computers and other tech can also be just as simple as Marge Simpson potato meme, I just think they're neat.

I don't think Joosa Riekkinen, (a Finnish game programmer) was thinking in 1998 that he's game Liero is going being sold by an American youtuber in the year 2023. Amazing stuff Clint. 😄

Really appreciate how much effort you put into everything Clint, wish you could make it to the UK one day!!

Holy crap, those look better than the shareware disk I used to buy back in the day.

The bear PC was absolutely a highlight for me to see in person. Glad I had a table, got to talk to a LOT of people, it was a blast. Agreed on the checks on setup day. I’d also ask that exhibitors are allowed in earlier than the genpop the day of. I’ve heard one could get in somewhere hidden but never found or heard about it. I think it’s gotten big enough that it needs more formality now. As one that runs a meetup, I get how a pain it is, when it becomes work, it’s work. But… it’s there.

I loved the show. I had never been to one despite living close and I was shocked at how large of an event this was. I really enjoyed the vendors popping up in the parking lot. So much fun to browse. I'll be back next year for sure. Despite the issues with security, and space, this show is really incredible for being free and the organizers should be extremely proud.

I get second hand exhaustion just thinking of prepping, loading up gear, driving or flying miles away, setup for 2 days and then undo and back home again. I kinda wish these things could be a week or something with the prospect of lower traffic days where you can enjoy without claustrophobia and being rushed, but I understand why they aren't.

These videos are so cool. It reminds me of going to computer shows back in the late 1990s and early 2000s with my uncle. I was 10 when I started going to these shows and into my teens. Sadly, these shows don't exist anymore in my area. Beige plastic and huge CRT monitors as far as the eye can see. Good times.

TYSM for the hard work and care you put into the setup, I live all the way in Arizona and not experienced in vintage computing so I hope I find a similar community here in this state.

It was awesome to meet you! And I am proudly displaying my cool crab Keychain everywhere!

You're such a good storyteller! I'm not into vintage computing at all, but I always enjoy your stories (that's how I see them). You're special, Clint! ❤

This is great but I cannot wait to watch the travel blog after this, 2 and half hours is gonna fly by, sometimes your content gets to me at just the right times, thank you for all the hard work and entertainment.

Oh those shareware floppies are such a cool idea! If thats not the spirit of using retro and vintage pcs in modern times I don't know what is.

What once was a big conference room PC showcase to now a PC museum + flea market. Wow. Holy cow. That Inn needs an expansion then.

It was beary nice to meet you in person

So cool and important to document these meets and events as well ! Not just peoples phones but actual videography. I can see this vid being a super interesting time stamp in 15-20 years.

Looks like a great event! I often think that people 'our age' lived through a unique time, from Pong & Atari VCS through to 4K gaming. From 1.4 MB floppy disks to 2TB SSDs. The progress has been incredible, but there's something special about the retro stuff.

Mr. Clint wish you all the best, always happy to see another video of yours. Whoever attended that event may not know how lucky they are. I am making my own VCF at home in the little space I have though I don't have that kind of vintage stuff but am happy with what I have. I wish we could have such an event in the Middle East!

Smashing episode. Dude i totally get you, I went with a friend to the cambridge computer museum in the UK. After 1 hour I had to go for a nap in the toilet due to retro tech brain overload

This year's VCFMW was the best. It was larger than the other VCF shows. To coin Ron's Computer Video channel, this was more like VCF National. I met so many like minded people and got to talk at length with Ben Heck. What a character. See ya'll at VCFMW 2024. Bring money lol.

It's great to see you taking time and meeting all these people who watch your videos! Really makes me smile 😊 everyone travelling from wherever they watch them

Looked like fun strolling through all that vintage 'puter history! The first computer I had was a TRS-80 model 3 with 48k ram and casette!

The name of Liero is a Finnish word, that can be translated to both worm and a not so good person. I think it is fitting for the game. (Also the publisher, MetsänEläimet, translates to AnimalsoftheForest)

You have somehow captured the essence of something so special. The moments of happiness and excitement that I experienced watching this must be compounded by those who were actually there in attendance. I love the floppy disks you made up, they looked fantastic! Keep up the good fight!

I got there around 1PM on Saturday and all of the badges were already gone. It was wild; I'll be better prepared next time. Nice meeting you there!

If you ever did an LGR store with limited runs such as your shareware floppys, I'd totally love to buy one as a way to help support the channel some!

Thanks for showing the OPL Archive. I didn't know about that - very cool.

Thanks for including the making of the floppy games. I have my own business and know the fiddly nature of these things, but you did a stellar job 👍

i hope that one day i can go see this vintage computer festival for myself as living in london and being a 14yr old teen.

19:30 i recognized the box that guy pulled up instantly! asherons call was my first mmo and online social experience, it holds a special place in my heart. after several incidents and periods of my life i unfortunately dont own anything i had as a kid or teen anymore but im eager to buy some old pc game boxes and asherons call is top of the list

I really want to get to that con/show some day. I do love, while a little chaotic, that the show is soooo big there's a crazy flea market feel outside. Sounds like it's time to find a bigger venue and growing the show. This is amazing and I LOVE IT!

I (and my buddy) had the table that had 200+ Macs and I also couldn't ever really leave to see the rest of the exhibits. Thank goodness we were able to rehome everything except one lonely Mac Performa 600 that I took back home with me so that way next year I'll probably just do one table and set up a few things for people to play with and leave that poor Performa to it's own devices. Was good to see you, though! Oh, that Duo 280 at the end was from us as well.

What a neat hobby this is, thanks for not forgetting why you go through all this effort.

13:23 hey that's me! What I really enjoy about VCF is that I'm not terribly social but find it truly easy to talk to people about their passions and my own. Apart from the learning opportunities, the purchasing opportunities, it's a good social opportunity...

12:50 I have the exact same HP monitor. It was my first TFT screen that I received as a Christmas present from my parents. 😊 Still using it today for my home server. Every time I see it it brings back so many memories.

I got to enjoy walking around VCF Southwest this year. Got to meet 8-bitGuy, got to have a ton of nostalgia around Color Computers. Glad these events happen!

Woodstock of vintage computers

Glad you had fun! Hopefully you're feeling better, after catching COVID (as did I and atleast 20 of my friends there). I know I had a blast, even with the unwanted viral souvenir.

so jealous you could go to things like this!! i haven't seen anything similar to this in canada and would 100% love to find something like this here!!

Those shareware titles are literally my childhood summed up. Nostalgia intensifies

Sounds like VCFMW topped the clusterspork that was VCF East this year. I'm actually surprised they don't charge for that show. Its A LOT of work and expense to run something like that at that scale.

Hamfest? HAMFEST! I haven't heard that in ages. I remember going to them with my grandfather 35+ years ago. I gotta say, hearing that term made my day. Between the shot on highway near Ashville (I love that section), the shot dropping into cinci, and hamfest, lots of fun feels in this one (even more than the typical vintage compy386 stuff). Thanks.

YAY! It's @AmigaOfRochester (and, me I guess) at 22:42! 🙂

Good thing seeing Leeloo from Fifth Element visit you table 15:09

This looks like so much fun... Well for us the attendees. I'm sorry you didn't get to mill around, I can tell that it was agonizing. I didn't even know VCF existed until this year. Now I'm dying to get a few friends together for the next VCF PNW

The Pyramid, The Bear and The Tower of Oddness was a fun PD adventure game back in the day. :p

Great video! It was nice to meet you during the morning on Saturday before things got really crazy (here's still hoping Cities Skylines 2 is good!), and then I was also able to attend the RU-vidrs panel by staking out a seat an hour early. (I was also the poor sap who asked about Shorts.) There was just so much at the show, it was impossible to experience it all! I really loved seeing the old Weather Channel machines running classic weather forecasts, that was incredibly nostalgic and cool to see. Hopefully the show continues for years to come, preferable in a bigger space; it's such a cool event with a great vibe. I had a great time!

Love seeing this! Thank you! 😊

It's bittersweet that VCFMW has kind of been a victim of it's own success. Part of these shows' fun over the years WAS the very haphazard casual nature of them. More like a big user group meetup than a convention. But as much as I'm glad that I got to be part of the event through this interesting transitional period, I am also excited to see where they go. Jeff and Co are real mensches, so I know they'll figure it out.

I had a great time and fully expect to return next year!

That backdrop is gorgeous. Love the racks of computers.

Yes thanks for including me I n your video at the 19:30 mark. I didn’t get a chance to stop by your booth as the line was always too long but loved your displays. I did pick up an Atari XEGS and had a blast at my first VCF. You need to get a disguise so you can wander around as the displays were so much fun to look at. Just wear a covid mask hahah.

Kind of has a vibe that reminds me a bit of when I was a kid and I'd tag along with my brother to his Commodore Club meet-ups at the bingo hall that was a couple blocks from our house. Except multiplied a hundred fold.

In case you missed it (and most people did) the guy running the learn to solder booth was Ward Christensen, inventor of the BBS! I had a great talk with him while there.

Thanks for the awesome report.

I concur on the rejection of obsolescence! My booth (amiga of Rochester) spent the 3 days repairing and literally resurrecting old computers for others.

I'm sitting here with a big grinning face and watching your video. Greetings from Germany =)

I too was blown away by just how busy it was! It was a pleasure meeting you, if only for a very brief moment before the youtuber panel. You seemed understandably overwhelmed at that moment, but im grateful you gave people the opportunity to say hi and chat. Bummer you wont be there next year, but I'll probably still visit regardless. Ps, I hope you liked the music CD I gave you. If not....oh well?

13:30 is like shakedown street but for computers!! 😂😂

Looks great, wish I could visit. Going the Blackpool Play Expo UK next week, love to see an impromptu retro car boot sale spring up!

14:41-14:47 and 21:23 I found me and my lady!! We're waiting in line to meet you, right past the girl with pink hair! I gave her a copy of the Cool Crab printout I made to get signed. Thank you so much for everything. The videos, the blurbs, being at VCF and being so friendly! I framed the Cool Crab picture that you signed and it's going on my wall! P.S.: I may have left you a little note on the Woodgrain 486 hehehe.

I always look forward to this. Thank you.

Wow! theses computers looks really nice, nice video LGR!

I really do appreciate both videos on the subject. I havent had the time to watch the full 2 hour video but wanted to get a more breakdown video. Thank you for this post, LGR youre so thoughtful! I plan to watch the full video in time

Really great video on the VCF!! Great capture of the vibe.

That was funny about the long-winded broad range announcements at the show being so loud. Nice review of the show, thanks.

It looks like an epic weekend away. Your videos are always such a pleasure to watch Clint. I love your commentary.

I grew up just a few towns away from Elmhurst Illinois and didn't hear about it until last year, which was just after I moved a state away. Wish I could meet the "Vintage Tech Tubers" that got me back to my original aesthetic: Woodgrain (Even ended up applying some vinyl woodgrain to my first PC build, and even got custom wood trim for my first, new car! Yes, I could always just send images through Twitter or Email, but something about speaking in person, or showing the real thing, is like nothing else.

Congratulations! Excellent Video! Thank You! 👍

super popular guy it looks like not sure what I would ask you in person, other than to say thanks but I dont need to waste your time to do that everything I need to know about and from you, are shared in these here video series. thanks for taking us along for the journey JB in Canada

Woo! Been waiting for this. I’ve seen so many great videos from this event so far.

This year was packed! I had to park a mile away. Wish I could have met you but the line was nuts.