SCALE Linux and Free Software Convention Returns to Pasadena for First Time Since COVID Lockdowns – Orange County Register

Southern California Linux Expo And the city of Pasadena is coming together again.

Known by its acronym SCALE, a convention for enthusiasts of the Linux computer operating system and other free and open source software was last held at: Pasadena Convention Center Early March 2020 — just before the COVID-19 lockdown.

In the weeks leading up to the 2020 dates, SCALE organizers monitored the number of COVID cases, consulted experts and considered whether to cancel.

But the show continued. As years ago, thousands of Free Software users, developers, advocates, and professionals flocked to Pasadena for keynotes, tech talks, and booth-filled convention floors.

The 2020 Games are over and within days, gatherings of all sorts were off the agenda as a new virus multiplied and threatened a world without a vaccine or cure.

SCALE has taken a turn for the worse in 2021 as tech conferences turn to Zoom, along with day-to-day work, school, and family gatherings.

In 2022, SCALE organizers hoped to return to Pasadena, but that didn’t happen.

“In the months leading up to March 2022, Omicron was booming in LA and across the US,” recalls SCALE conference chairman Ilan Rabinovich.

“While all experts expected things to calm down by February, many organizers, speakers and sponsors traveled without knowing what the world would look like in February and March. I was reluctant to do so.

“We moved for the summer just to be on the safe side, but unfortunately our home ground in Pasadena was already booked for the rest of 2022.”

SCALE was postponed to July and held at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel.

However, the situation for SCALE 20x in 2023 is looking up. This is the convention’s 20th (now most) annual event. Programmers, sysadmins, advocates, students, and others passionate and curious about Linux and other free software will return to Pasadena from Thursday, March 9 through his Sunday, March 12.

“I am thrilled to be back in Pasadena in 2023,” Rabinovic said. “Our community loves that downtown Pasadena is walkable and has many dining and entertainment options. The city has welcomed and supported us over the past eight years.

Rabinovich is pasadena city council and the visit pasadena The team to make SCALE home.

Now in its 20th year, SCALE will feature more than 100 exhibitors and nearly 200 speakers, and is expected to draw about 3,000 people over four days, said convention volunteer Dennis Rex.

A 4-day SCALE pass covering all talks, keynotes and exhibit halls is $90. Expo Hall only passes are available for $20. For more information and to register for SCALE 20x, please visit: https://www.socallinuxexpo.org.