Newsletter: HMS in two weeks

content/english/news/hms-2024-two-weeks.md

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+---
+title: "Handmade Seattle Almost Here"
+meta_title: ""
+description: "Two weeks left! Here's what's ahead at Handmade Seattle"
+date: 2024-11-07T05:00:00Z
+image: "/images/hms/lecture-hall.jpg"
+categories: ["Press Release"]
+author: "Abner Coimbre"
+tags: ["conference", "hms"]
+draft: false
+---
+
+**Hello Handmade Community,**
+
+Two weeks left! Here's what's ahead at Handmade Seattle.
+
+First I'm excited to announce that we've finally [shipped](/) a lightning-fast replacement for our old, clunky WordPress site. With support from my staff and the Handmade Network team, we've built a site that's smoother, faster, and way easier to navigate. Though we're still adding some of the older content, I think you'll appreciate how much cleaner everything feels:
+![](/images/hmc/landing-light-theme.png)
+Above is the light theme in honor of [Ben Visness](https://handmade.network/about), who loves it for unknown reasons.
+
+**Special Thanks to Jes and Freya**
+
+I want to give a big thanks to [Jes Chuhta](/media/seattle-2023/the-state-of-software-ux/), a talented designer who shaped the Handmade Cities brand into something that really stands out now. Also, a shoutout to [Freya](https://acegikmo.com), who is a recurring speaker and friend of Handmade. Jes made it to Handmade Cities because of Freya. She loved the ethos and has since helped us move beyond “programmer art.” 
+
+Their influence on Handmade Cities is unmistakable.
+
+**Handmade Seattle in Two Weeks**
+
+The conference is nearly here: **Wednesday - Friday, November 20 - 22nd 2024**. 
+
+![](/images/hms/landing-2024.png)
+
+The [lineup](/seattle) is finally coming together. Admittedly, it’s not finalized yet, but it’s really shaping up well. I acknowledge that having to wait is not ideal, because an official lineup is the lifeblood of a conference. That said if you trust us, please [register](https://handmadecities.com/tickets) early so we can push through this year and make a strong comeback in 2025.
+
+P.S. Friday will be all about in-person hangouts. No livestream, just real connection.
+
+**Why Boston Recordings Are Delayed**
+
+This year came down to either closing up shop or finding a way to press on through the bad economy. I chose the latter, which has meant smaller attendance, slow-ass responses from yours truly, and difficulties with advance planning. Even worse it’s also meant some delays, especially the Boston in-person recordings for online ticket holders. If you’re tired of waiting, send me an [email](mailto:support@handmadecities.com), and I’ll make sure to process a refund. (I'm committed to editing and publishing the recordings shortly after Handmade Seattle.)
+
+When I asked in [Discord](/discord) if I should have perhaps shut down, you all told me to keep going, and I’m grateful. Most in-person conferences that pause don’t return. Your encouragement has kept me motivated. 
+
+That said, I apologize for this year’s circumstances. I really should have done a better job communicating the state of affairs on the regular.
+
+**We’re Still Alive, and 100% Independent**
+
+In my opinion, surviving a bad year brings immediate change for the better. Take 2020. We pivoted fully online, self-hosted a chat server, hit \#1 on Hacker News, and sold enough tickets to stay profitable. The year after we became fully-hybrid: a model that allowed me to become a full-time business owner, pay staff members, and make it possible for Handmade Seattle to reach people globally.
+
+Now it’s 2024. Amidst the layoffs a startling evolution is taking shape: [Handmade Meetups](/meetups) are growing like crazy. They've become a communal meatspace when there’s no conference. Next year, I'm planning to build upon Handmade Meetups as a serious platform: our very own meetup.com, but without the spying, ads and vendor lock-in. 
+
+Name your favorite city. Imagine traveling to Tokyo and finding a Handmade meetup happening nearby. New friends, cool projects, surprise job offers, conversations on software quality—anywhere in the world.
+
+**See You Soon**
+
+I’m looking forward to [Handmade Seattle](/seattle), rain or shine. I’ll keep you posted with more newsletters as we approach, including daily schedules, speaker slots, and invites to our private chat server.
+
+Your indie organizer,  
+Abner
+
+P.S. I’ve kept references to Majora’s Mask and ChocoVine to a minimum. Please expect a lot to slip through once Handmade Seattle kicks off. That's how I decompress.