Segway Fest

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Segway Fest is an annual convention of Segway PT users and enthusiasts. It is held in varying locations each year. Segway Fests are currently put on and sponsored by SEG America with assistance from Segway Inc. Segway Inc. employees are always in attendance, and many give technical or instructional seminars on topics such as the design process of the machine, tips and tricks related to care and maintenance, and legislative issues. In addition to talks, seminars, and meet-and-greets, large group Segway rides (known as "Glides") also are scheduled.

[edit] Segway Fests

The first Segway Fest was organized and put on by Jim Reynolds in August of 2003. Held in Chicago, this was the first large scale gathering of Segway enthusiasts. Notable attendees were Dean Kamen, Steve Wozniak, and Make magazine's Phillip Torrone. Approximately 150 Segway users and enthusiasts from around the country attended.

Segway Fest 2004 was held in Bonita Springs, Florida. Also organized by Jim Reynolds, Segway Fest 2004's less centralized location led to a slightly decreased turnout, with approximately 130 attendees.

In 2005, SEG America (formed in 2004 as the National Segway Enthusiast Group) took responsibility for organizing Segway Fests. With this change of hands, SEG America embarked on an ambitious plan to host three regional SegwayFests with leadership support from John Grohol at Segway Inc. The first of these regional events was organized by Laura Knight, and was held in Sacramento, California. Here, attendees were among the first members of the general public to have an opportunity to ride Segway's Concept Centaur.

Manchester, New Hampshire would see the next regional event, organized by Kelsey Frasier. Manchester was chosen as an event location due to its proximity to Segway Inc.'s factory and headquarters, which were graciously opened to attendees of the Fest. Other notable events included a barbecue dinner at Dean Kamen's house, and a private screening of a near final cut of the film 10 MPH.

The final event, organized by Will Hopper, took place in Washington, DC. This event proffered numerous glides, and included a presentation by Steve Kemper, author of the book Code Name Ginger.

In 2006, SEG America decided that it would return to the tradition of a single, centralized Segway Fest. Fred Kaplan organized Segway Fest 2006 in Long Beach, California. This Segway Fest has the significance of being the first Segway Fest to occur after the introduction of the second generation Segway PTs, and as such many of the seminars discussed the technical challenges in re-engineering the Segway PT user interface systems.

In 2007, SEG America announced no plans for Segway Fest, and in fact, SEG America disbanded due to lack of interest.