MacVoices Interview > Road to Macworld – Ben Waldie Will Automate The Web

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Chuck Joiner's Road to Macworld series continues with AppleScript guru Ben Waldie, who will deliver a session that you will want to attend if you’re interested in getting more out of your Internet activities. In Automating The Web, Ben will discuss making your workflow faster and more efficient by integrating your online workflow with your Mac and other web-enabled devices and services. He gives us preview, and also updates us on the state of AppleScript in iWork and beyond.

[Listen in iTunes]

[Listen or Download Online]

Macworld Show Discount Until March 14th

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I'll be speaking at Macworld again this year. If you're thinking of going and haven't registered yet, you can save $100 on your registration via this link until March 14.  I hope to see you there!

2013 Penn State MacAdmins Conference > Automation Sessions

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I'm presenting two sessions at the Penn State MacAdmins conference next week:

  • Mac OS X Automation WorkshopThursday May 23, 2013 - 9:15am - 12:00pm - With AppleScript, Automator, and Services in Mac OS X, there’s more reason than ever before to begin automating time consuming and repetitive tasks. In this session, we’ll explore the potential of each of these automation technologies, discuss their benefits, and see how you can use them to boost your productivity and efficiency. Join us as we dive right in, begin creating Automator workflows, building services, and writing some simple AppleScripts. Take time to finally learn how to take advantage of these unique technologies in a relaxed “learn-by-doing” class.
  • Giving Your AppleScripts a Face LiftFriday May 24, 2013 10:45am - 12:00pm - You’ve been using AppleScript Editor on your Mac for years. You’ve developed dozens of useful scripts. It’s time to take those scripts to the next level by migrating them to AppleScriptObjC (Cocoa-AppleScript). In this session, we will expore the potential of this powerful technology. See first-hand how you can use Xcode to develop native Cocoa applications using AppleScript, complete with interfaces that allow you to capture data and provide detailed user feedback. In addition, learn how to add greater power to your AppleScript-based applications by integrating directly with Cocoa.

If you're attending, be sure and find me to say "Hi."

My Productivity Session Schedule for Macworld/iWorld/MacIT 2013

168796_10151283456801624_803934990_nAttending Macworld / iWorld / MacIT Conference in San Francisco next week?  I'm doing a number of presentations on productivity.  I hope you can make some of them.  Here is my schedule of sessions:

MacIT Conference

Friday, February 1st, 2013 - 3:50pm - 4:35pm - Automation and Security in Mountain Lion

Mountain Lion introduces a number of security measures designed to make your users more efficient. Some of these measures, however, can impact AppleScripts and other automation tools. In this session, we'll discuss the automation-related security changes in Mountain Lion. You'll learn how these changes will impact your existing scripts and workflows, and what you need to do to ensure compatibility and minimize support issues. Any user or Mac IT admin who utilizes automation in their daily routines won't want to miss this important session.

MacWorld / iWorld

Thursday, January 31, 2013 - 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM - Mac User Productivity Tips

It's an all-too-common scenario. You're working on an important document when you hear that familiar sound. A new email has arrived! It might be something important, so you switch to Mail, where you find the latest edition of the Star Wars newsletter. The next thing you know, it's two hours later and you're on Wookieepedia again, the Star Wars wiki, researching the metaphysical properties of lightsaber crystals. What were you supposed to be doing again? Let's face it, it's becoming harder and harder to remain focused on the task at hand. Your inbox is full. Your Desktop is cluttered. You can't find that PDF file you need. You're late for an appointment. How can you possibly manage to get everything done without going insane? In this session, we'll explore some general Mac productivity tips that can help you take control of your data. You'll learn how to organize your files, prioritize your todos, and deal with email overload, so you can get back to focusing on the task at hand. Any Mac user who's feeling overwhelmed and is interested in improving productivity will want to attend this informative session.

Thursday, January 31, 2013 - 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM - RapidFire - Killer Tips for Email Productivity

Let's face it, email is like like the Terminator. It's out there.  It can't be bargained or reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, remorse, or fear, and it will never, ever stop, until you are dead. In this 5 minute RapidFire session, you'll learn some quick and dirty tips and techniques that can help you combat our shared enemy, the inbox.  Learn how to gain focus and clarity, while reducing stress, as you strive for true victory - an empty inbox.

See you there!

-Ben

Save $300 on the MacTech Conference 2012

 Planning to go to the MacTech Conference and listen to my talk on AppleScript servers?  If you haven't registered yet, you can save $300 until October 8th.  Here are the conference details...

Description:
MacTech Conference for Apple Developers, Enterprise, IT Pros and consultants is October 17-19, 2012 in Los Angeles.  The event: a three-day, information-packed event that will have sessions and activities throughout the day and evening. This immersive conference is hotel-based, giving attendees the opportunity to not only learn from the best, but also to meet new people and spend time with their peers as well. Details about the conference is at http://www.mactech.com/conference .
From Earlier Announcements:
• World-class sessions by world-class talent.
• NASA Jet Propulsion Lab's Special Session on "Interplanetary Networking, Curiosity Style."
• Matt Drance, former Apple evangelist and voice behind Apple Outsider, Keynote on Tech's Role in Shaping the Future
• Speakers from half dozen countries.  See full line up at http://www.mactech.com/conference/sessions
Other important details:
• Pre-registration pricing (save $300) ends October 8th.
• MacTech's hotel guest room block has already out-paced last year and sold out once, but more rooms have just been added.
• Meals and Activities included.
NEW: Evening Activities and Entertainment Announced
• On the first evening, MacTech Conference attendees will be guests at nearby Walt Disney Animation Studios. Not only will they get a behind-the-scenes look at the Animation Studios and talk with Disney technologists and artists, but also have a rare look at how Walt Disney Animation Studios uses advanced technology to create their animated films.
• On the second evening, MacTech's party tradition continues with a walk down Universal's CityWalk to Jillian's where attendees can enjoy all that Jillian's has to offer (bowling, Guitar Hero room, air hockey, video games, arcade, billiards and more). Or, for true entertainment, attendees can try their hand at the now famous Karaoke at the party.
• As part of the entertainment flavor of MacTech Conference 2012, Profiles in History: Treasures from the Vaults will have a variety of Hollywood treasures on display the first day of the event, during registration and throughout the day.

NEW: MacTech Conference 2012: Special Post-Event Sessions Added

• Code 42 Special Presentation: Protecting Enterprise Information in a Mobile World.
• Cryptic Apps Special Presentation: Using Hopper Dedicated Disassembler for Mac and iOS.

• Apple Certifications Exams proctored by v.2

MacTech Conference 2012 > Deploying an AppleScript Server

I'll be speaking about AppleScript servers at the upcoming 2012 MacTech Conference.  Hope to see you there.

-Ben Waldie

 

Deploying an AppleScript Server

AppleScript automation capabilities have existed on the Mac for years, and are widely used throughout the Mac enterprise market. Like many businesses, you may be using scripts to streamline your user workflows and improve productivity and efficiency.

In this session, you'll learn how to take scripting to the next level by deploying a dedicated AppleScript server. Find out how your users can hand off files and other data to the server for processing, allowing them to focus their attention on other important tasks. Explore ways of implementing schedule-based scripts, which can run at night or during other downtime. Get tips for migrating existing scripts to function in an unattended environment.

Any Mac professional who wants to increase efficiency, improve quality, and take workflow automation to the limit will not want to miss this session.

Attendees will learn:

  • What an AppleScript server is, and what it can do
  • Tips for implementing your own AppleScript server
  • Tips for implementing folder watching scripts
  • Tips for implementing scheduled scripts
  • Tips for migrating existing scripts for use on an unattended machine

The MacTech Conference runs from October 17-19, 2012 in Los Angeles.  It's a 3-day, immersive, technical conference specifically designed for Apple developers, IT Pros, and Enterprise.

[Learn more or register on the MacTech Conference website...]

MacIT | Macworld | iWorld Discounts

Planning to attend MacIT | Macworld | iWorld 2012?  Here are some discount codes you can use when registering...

  • Save $25 on my Mac OS X Automation Workshop using priority code CCU18842
  • Save $50 on an All Access Pass or MacIT Conference Pass using priority code BTR34210
  • Get a free exhibit hall pass (limited to the first 100 applicants) or save $15 on an iFan Pass using priority code BSU47117
You can register here.  Hope to see you there!
-Ben Waldie

Automation and Productivity Sessions at Macworld | iWorld 2012

Well, it's that time of year again. Folks are gearing up for Macworld San Francisco. This year, the conference has been renamed Macworld | iWorld, and a secondary conference has been added specifically for MacIT. As usual, I'll be there, presenting a number of sessions on automation and productivity. Here's the list of my sessions...


MacIT Sessions

[More info about MacIT]


Macworld | iWorld Sessions

If you're planning to attend my workshop, you can save $25 using priority code CCU18842 and registering here.

[More info about Macworld | iWorld]

Going to be there too? If so, be sure to find me and introduce yourself.

Hope to see you there.

-Ben Waldie

Macworld 2008 Presentation > Office 2008 and Automator

Macworld 2008 - A Day at the Office Series
Office 2008 and Automator: Creating Office workflows with Automator
[Watch now...]