Is it possible to go to just the two-day, type tech session before the conference, without registering or attending the conference itself?

I know that this sounds wacky, but I've got a firm commitment back in Germany on Oct. 3 (which means I'd have to miss Oct. 2, too... probably not worth it to pay for the conference and miss the last two days ). And I'm really interested in TypeTech.

I have similar problems.
You could ask that to Mrs. Cynthia Batty, Secretariat@ATypI.org
Best,
AS

When I visited Prague I flew into Germany then took trains to cross into Austria* and the Czech Republic, and that was trivial. Flying straight in might be different, but I'm pretty sure you don't need a visa for a US passport. To be safe, ask ATypI.

* Salzburg, Innsbruck, Salzkammergut and Vienna. BTW, who told you Vienna was so beautiful? I guess beauty is subjective, and if you like neoclassical stuff it certainly has the most impressive stuff in the world as far as that goes. But on my list there are very many cities (including Salzburg) that are much more beautiful. To me Vienna is very pretty.

BTW, I might also hop over to Bratislava - it's very close. Krakow is a supposed to be a very beautiful city too*, although that's a few hours north of Prague.

* From what Nathan and this Polish guy I know have told me.

Honestly though, my recommedation would actually be to spend as much time as you can in Prague. Only Barcelona is better.

hhp

I attach two pics from Krakow.
AS

Hrant,

Thanks for the info! I have been to Salzburg once, not nearly long enough, and it was easily the most beautiful city I've ever set foot in. After a 13-hour series of flights and preceding time totaling to over 24 hours without sleep, I landed in Salzburg, checked into my hotel in the early afternoon, then decided to walk around instead of crashing and messing up my sleep schedule for the whole trip.

I bumbled and staggered up and down the street and noticed a path up the wooded mountain across the street from my hotel. I got on it and followed it wearily. About forty minutes later I reached the top, where someone had long ago cleverly erected a restaurant and Biergarten. If only all mountains were so equipped!

So yes, so far Salzburg is my favorite city. Second would have to be Munich. Tons of people tell me Vienna is the most beautiful, but also expensive, and Prague has that part beat. But I speak zero Czech, so traveling alone is far less stressful in Vienna. I still have not yet made a firm decision about the Vienna part.

Dan,

Since the technical forum has its own separate fee, I'd bet that they would gladly take your money for that one part of the conference. Money good. But it is a question for ATypI.

I hope they let you go, and I hope I see you there!

Gentlemen,

you're not reading the ATypI website, are you?

Visa information and useful links to tourism sites about Prague and the Czech Republic:
http://www.atypi.org/08_Prague/60_city/40_travel

An extensive collection of clickable maps:
http://www.atypi.org/08_Prague/60_city/30_maps

Information about Prague, the the golden city of one hundred spires:
http://www.atypi.org/08_Prague/60_city

Information about hotels:
http://www.atypi.org/08_Prague/50_accommodation

Information about the conference venue:
http://www.atypi.org/08_Prague/40_location

Detailed program and a list of speakers:
http://www.atypi.org/08_Prague/30_program

BTW: I think you can register only for the TypeTech Forum & FontLab Workshop, without registering for the conference.

Regards,
Adam Twardoch
ATypI Prague 2004 program committee

Canadian residents should also note that the Czech Republic very recently lifted its visa requirement: http://www.canada.cz/am3/asp/text.asp?pageID=EvLVn7Pe&lang=3

Adam, the list of non-visa countries on the ATypI site should be updated.

Adam, thanks for posting the list. It's good to see that I can safely travel on my Vatican passport.

Cheers, Si

John Hudson wrote:

> Adam, the list of non-visa countries
> on the ATypI site should be updated.

What information should be added/changed?

Adam

Oh, now I get it. So Canadians used to need a visa but don't anymore.

A.

Anyone know of good flight deals from NY->Prague or Toronto-> Prague?

http://www.wulffmorgenthaler.com/log/PO28072004.gif
:-)

Richard, there are direct flights from Toronto to Prague, but I don't know what the rates are. There are no direct flights from Vancouver, so Toronto is one of the options I looked at. In the end I opted to go via London.

Rule #1 of getting good travel deals: travelzoo.com
The deals come and go, and just a month or so ago they had really good air/hotel package deals to Prague from North America, so always keep checking.

hhp

If any of you happen to 'cross' Austria, and maybe even travel to / or through a small city named 'Linz', or even Vienna, please let me know, so we can eventually meet up..

Even if I am pretty close to the Czech border, I may not be able to attend ATypI Prague, sadly enough, due to not being a rich and famous type and graphic designer, by now..

David, it's possible ATypI might take you on as a volunteer for the conference, in which case you'll get a break on the admission fee.

hhp

Hmm, A volunteer.? Sounds interesting..
Thanks Hrant, I am about to contact them about this..

Check the Czech Airlines discount fare offered to the attendees of the Prague conference.

David wrote: "Even if I am pretty close to the Czech border, I may not be able to attend ATypI Prague, sadly enough, due to not being a rich and famous type and graphic designer, by now. "

David,

it is a common misconception that only "rich and famous type and graphic designers" go to ATypI conferences. First of all, there are very few, if any, such people. When I went to my first ATypI conference in 1998 (to Lyon), I was a very poor student -- I lived in Lyon in a youth hostel. Of course, I was lucky to use the student discount. ATypI conferences are IMO worth saving money for it.

We have now a good deal with Czech Airlines (http://www.atypi.org/08_Prague/60_city/40_travel ) while for people from European countries -- most railway companies offer some sorts of discounts if you book in advance.

Best,
Adam

I'll second what Adam has said about ATypI conferences. ATypI grew out of a manufacturer's association, so it has always been more associated with the business side of type than other type clubs and conferences, and this is one of its strengths. And, yes, this means that the conference attracts professionals, but in no way is it limited to professionals. There are always a good number of students in attendance, as well as people who are just starting out in the business.

ATypI Prague marks the 10th anniversary of Tiro Typeworks. When Ross and I saved our pennies, checked into a dodgy hotel in San Francisco's Chinatown, and attended our first ATypI in 1994, we had not completed our first typeface designs and didn't know anyone. We had an introduction to Dave Farey and Matthew Carter courtesy of Gerald Giampa, and that was it. One of the first people we met at the opening reception was Margaret Richardson, then editor of U&lc and she and other people went out of their way to make us welcome and to introduce us to people like Gerard Unger, Sumner Stone and Petr van Blokland. It is something I remember with gratitude, and I always try to meet some new attendees, particularly type design students, at each conference and make sure that they are made as welcome as Ross and I were in 1994.

I really encourage people not to stay away from ATypI because they're worried that it is elitist or only for professionals and experienced designers. Come to Prague, and if you find it hard to get talking to people, come and find me or Adam. We'll be happy to meet you, buy you a drink, and introduce you to some people.

I'll second all of that.

I too will happily buy you a drink and introduce you to some other type nuts.

Also, just because somebody is a Big Name Type Designer or works for Famous Type Foundry doesn't mean they're unapproachable. Almost all of them are in this because they love type, and very few of their heads have swollen to the point where they're jerks or unapproachable.

Actually, it's kind of funny; even most people who are relatively sharp-tongued online are mostly pretty mellow in person.

So if you can afford it, and you love type, you should come out. Just be sure to introduce yourselves, okay?

Cheers,

T

When you introduce yourself, be sure to ask to be introduced to others! Perhaps we can set up a special code for such help:
"Thomas Phinney new Geometrical Sans" ;-)

***

I recall to have meet John Hudson at the terrasse of a caf� in the harbor of Barcelona, for a lunch organised by a large American foundry (Belgium by its name) the year after, in 1995.

(my first was in 1993, in Belgium where I meet Yves Peters all all the type troops).

In 1993, I recall to try to speak a very bad English to some famous people, when years after I realized that some of them speak quite good French in fact at my surprize.

But the most impressive for me was to be able to have comments on my Apolline from booth Zapf and Frutiger in same time!!!

Thanks a lot, everyone..
As I already stated, I would love to go there, and meet all you nice, fellow Typophiles and Type Designers.. All these stories make me curious..

( Its just the little financial problem, right now, that stops me.. I contacted ATypI about maybe volunteering at the Prague conference, but did not get any response / or answer so far.. Lets see.. )

Wow - ATypI has an official airline? Cool. Can we get an official chocolate too? C�te d'Or, please? :-)

The content of an ATypI conference (except maybe Leipzig) is certainly worth the admission fee - but there is the matter of actually being able to afford it. I think most of us waste more than the equivalent of the fee on junk during the year, so in part it's a matter of self-discipline and planning (not fortes for me...). On the other hand, getting good deals on transport and lodging certainly helps! So here's what I've found:

If you plan on making a longer vacation out of this, you might consider staying away from the Archa area, and go for something more central, like the really charming-looking Meran, which is in this pretty good package:
http://www.francevacations.net/travelzoo/text11.cfm

If you want to spend extra and be closer to the Archa (which the conference hotel is not), I can recommend the Meteor Plaza, where I've stayed:
http://www.pragueholiday.cz/meteor.html
It has a 14th century cellar which they've turned into a wine/cocktail bar. And their breakfast was memorable.

And this site seems to have a great selection and good deals for Prague:
http://www.hotelclub.net/

Now, if you are rich, and want to make this a special vacation in addition to attending the conference, there really is only one place to stay:
http://www.pragueholiday.cz/irongate.html
Amazing looking place.

hhp

Hey, this is special - a boat hotel!
http://www.hotelclub.net/DirectHotel.asp?Checkin=2004-9-30&Checkout=2004-10-3&ncl=&id=7225
I wonder if it moves.

hhp

for those who really need to save money (like myself...), a cheap alternative:

http://www.prague-hostels.cz/elf/hostel-elf.htm

best,
-g.

If you are coming to Prague, I strongly recommend booking your accomodation very soon. Several places I tried were booked solid in late September, and it is apparently one of the most popular times to visit the city.

I'm staying here: www.pension-pav.cz

OK, I've changed my mind� I just can't miss out on something this close by (I'm suffering from all of the post-TypeCon fun� SF was just too much to swing from over here). I'm going to do TypeTech, the Conference, everything (well� I might skip the Gala Dinner�); a whole week! yippee!

Okay everyone, forgive my little dance of joy� If there is anyone who lives between Frankfurt an Prague who wants to tag along, please drop me a line.

I'm going to be there early (possibly as early as Sunday night, the 26th) and focus on experiencing Prague instead of using up valuable time and money with a side trip to Vienna. No Vienna this year. :-( But maybe I can make the most of Prague instead. It would be cool if we could hook up with some Czech-speaking type folks. I'm also keen to hang around the German-speaking quarter, if there still is one. Czech is such a sexy language, but too difficult for me to make use of at this point. There should be enough gorgeous public lettering and ironwork to keep me busy for three days.

Dan--I'm glad to hear you can make it!

Get in as much extra time as possible. Prague is an amazing city with no shortage of diversions. I wish I could go for a longer trip...

John, I'll be making my "Vienna side-trip" on the 5th through 9th of Sept. Let me know if you want anything from Vienna or Offenbach.

Unfortunately, Veronica has decided that Miranda just isn't quite up for travelling yet, so they're going to stay home. This gives me some incentive to keep the trip shorter.

I haven't booked my flight yet, but since I'm running the Type Tech Forum Wed-Thu, I think I'll be coming in on Monday or Tuesday (27-28). Haven't sorted out the details.

Cheers,

T

Shameless self plug:
If you're going to Prague, you can get a free dingbat or EPS set + stickers + catalogue by handing out/putting up a few of my catalogues/posters while you're there. Check http://www.kennmunk.com or email me for details. I wish I could go myself... Enjoy Prague and go easy on the absinth, but not on the beer.

A juicy hotel option:
http://www.easyclicktravel.com/deals/tzaug18_BoscolocarloIV_Prague.aspx

hhp

>I haven't booked my flight yet, but since I'm running the Type Tech Forum Wed-Thu, I think I'll be coming in on Monday or Tuesday (27-28). Haven't sorted out the details.

Tom, I got a reasonable deal out of Seattle on SAS. Sunday to Sunday. Might want to ask the Adobe travel agent to check it out.

Anyone know if the conference hotel is full? The form I returned said it had to be in during July.

Cheers, Si

My ATypI experience echoes the positive notes of other posters. I offer one more story that may help swing any fence-sitters to come: every summer my typeface design students ask "should we come to ATypI?" (which for them takes place after a year of little income and considerable expenditure, and on the eve of trying to get back into the job market). Most of them manage to make the trek, even if it is halfway round the world. So far most have come back to me and said it was well worth it; and none complained that they misspent their time and money.
And, be sure that the gestures of welcome and hospitality mentined above have been very real, and in some cases substantial.

Absolutely Gerry! It's not about the money, it's about the people, experience and what you can learn from both... and a great opportunity to meet up twice a year

I just wished I could come this year, since Prague's so damn close... oh well... I just hope to see loads of pictures from you people having a good time then

My plane tickets are on their way. My conference fees are paid. But I am still trying to get in touch with the group that ATypI hired to manage the hotel booking.

>:-(

I am trying to secure a double room in the conference hotel and then split it with someone else. I'm checking in Monday the 27th and checking out Monday the 3rd. I may have to get a double room elsewhere close by. If anyone already has one and wants to split the cost, drop me a line. I prefer a private bathroom, Ethernet access and a quiet, non-smoking non-vomiting non-whoring roommate.

I faxed the form and the the hotel people informed me (within a few days) that the conf hotel is full. Others on the list, Ibis & Green something, have space. In their defence they asked for forms to be returned by 18 July.

Cheers, Si

> the conf hotel is full.

Good. Now I won't feel guilty recommending more decent (location-wise) places to stay. That Carlo IV for example is a superb value, and minutes by foot from the ARCHA.

hhp

Good Flight/Hotel deals here:

http://czechvacations.com/index.php?page=category&cid=5&deal=149

Thomas/Adam:

Will the TypeTech workshop be using FL 4.6 or the new v.5?

My girlfriend (who will not be attending the conference) and I will be staying at the Hostel Le Papillon, on Jungmannova 5. Check-In: Sept. 28 Check-Out: Oct. 4

i will arrive in prag in the 25th and will stay at the hostel elf.

I'm arriving on the 22nd, staying at the Pension Pav, and will, as usual, attempt to a) find the best restaurants and bars, and b) empty the antiquarian bookshops of type related stuff, before everyone else arrives.

Anyone know how to say 'I'm looking for books on typography and printing history' in Czech?

Anyone know how to say 'I'm looking for books on typography and printing history' in Czech?

"Nevím kde je můj manžel."

Farking OY.

I just got a hotel yesterday. Most of them are full. This one is $180 a night and about two miles from the Archa. The upside is that it's an Art Nouveau hotel across from the Powder Tower and the Castle, and there's two miles of nothing but gorgeous Altstadt between it and the conference venues. So perhaps I will actually lose weight at this ATypI. Is anyone else staying near the Castle?

BTW, my last post was a joke that seemed funny at the time. But there was no way to convey the joke-ness of it. Don't walk into a bookstore and say that.

If someone else has a double room you're still interested in splitting, please contact me privately. I'd rather spend more money on specimens and less on hotels.

John Butler, it is very funny. Your Czech is really good :-) Actually, you were complaining: *I dunno where my husband is*. But is seems to me you have a little trouble with Czech diacritics.

John Hudson, I�ll take you to the best places, if you want (bars, pubs and antiquities). For now, try http://www.symposionbooks.com
And meantime keep practising this sentence:
*Sh�n�m knihy o historii typografie a tisku*

Pavel

>Your Czech is really good :-) Actually, you were complaining: *I dunno where my husband is*.<

LOL!!!

But translated into Greek it says:
"The toilet in my car needs to have the Goat milked"
:-)
ChrisL