Welcome to Blur

The models of human-computer interaction are changing. From the iPad to motion capture to augmented reality to the “minority report” interface, the ways in which we interact with computers are moving far beyond the keyboard and mouse.
That simple idea is the impetus for Blur.
And so, I’m very pleased to announce that we’ve confirmed dates for Blur: February 22-23, 2011 at the Omni Orlando at ChampionsGate. The hotel/grounds/facility is wonderful. The weather (Florida in February) will be great. And Blur’s gonna be a brain melter. Here’s why:
Blur’s focus is on *using* the different technologies that are changing the models of human-computer interaction. Sure, we’ll have content/sessions, but the core of Blur is about each and every attendee getting to jump in the motion capture box, put on the minority report gloves, try out the latest AR interface, or “play” with some technologies so cutting edge that they aren’t commercially available yet. In short, Blur is not for observers. Blur is for hands-on, use the coolest stuff coming or going over two days, and live to tell about it, people.
How are we going to do that? Well, we’re already working on the “cool stuff” side of things, and I’ll be announcing things over the next month or so.
But functionally, what Blur being focused on using/interacting means is that we cannot and will not allow tons of people in. If we want to give everyone the chance to use stuff, it’s simply not possible. I don’t know exactly what that number is yet, but I suspect it’s no higher than 300. And it may be lower.
We’ll be opening up the first raft of tickets for Blur in a couple of weeks. The initial invites will go out to folks that filled out the contact form. So, if you want to reserve your place on the invite list, fill out that form.
Forget loaded expo floors where you’re trying just to get a glimpse of the next big thing. Welcome to a ballroom filled with technologies, where you have the time and space to explore them in depth. Welcome to a new kind of technology conference — one focused on using, not talking. Welcome to the future of how we’ll interact with computers, today. Welcome to Blur.