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FRIDAY SPEAKERS
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FRIDAY ROUNDTABLE
SATURDAY SPEAKERS
Stefany Allaire
Rebecca “Burger Becky” Heineman
Rebecca “Burger Becky” Heineman is a pioneering figure in the video game industry, known for her extensive contributions as a programmer, designer, and company founder. Born in 1963, Heineman’s career in gaming started in the early 1980s. She earned the nickname “Burger Becky” from her colleagues, a moniker that has become well-recognized within the gaming community.
Heineman’s journey in the world of video games kicked off with a bang when she won the National Space Invaders Championship in 1980, showcasing her exceptional skill and passion for gaming. This victory was a springboard into her professional career, beginning with her work at On-Line Systems, which later became Sierra On-Line, a company renowned for its adventure games.
Over the years, Heineman has worked on numerous groundbreaking titles across various platforms, showcasing her versatility and pioneering spirit. She was a founding member of Interplay Productions in 1983, a company that played a crucial role in the development of the role-playing game (RPG) genre with titles like “The Bard’s Tale” and “Wasteland.”
Heineman’s technical prowess is not limited to game development; she has also been involved in creating game engines and technology, contributing to the advancement of the gaming industry’s technical foundations. Her work has spanned several generations of consoles and computer systems, adapting and innovating with each new technological wave.
Throughout her career, Heineman has been recognized for her contributions to the industry, including her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights within the tech and gaming communities. As one of the first openly transgender women in the video game industry, she has been a vocal and inspiring figure, working towards greater inclusion and diversity in gaming.
Today, Rebecca Heineman continues to influence the industry, working on new projects and sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of game developers. Her legacy is not just in the games she has helped create but in the paths she has paved for future developers in a more inclusive and diverse gaming world.
SATURDAY ROUNDTABLE: The story of Ensoniq
Moderator: Dave McMurtrie
With an extensive expertise in the history of Commodore International, Dave McMurtrie embodies the perfect fusion of technical prowess and nostalgic passion. His journey into the realms of computing traces back to his early encounters with Commodore computers, notably the groundbreaking Commodore 64, which sparked a lifelong fascination.
Dave’s career path seamlessly integrated his love for Commodore with a specialization in Unix Systems Administration. During the mid-90s, while navigating night shifts as a computer operator at a university, Dave found himself delving deeper into Commodore’s rich heritage, fueled by a potent blend of nostalgia and intellectual curiosity. Utilizing university library resources, he embarked on a journey of discovery, laying the foundation for what would become a deep interest and knowledge about the history of Commodore.
Over the years, Dave has emerged as an expert on Commodore history. His tireless dedication to research, coupled with a commitment to preserving the legacy of Commodore, has led him to archive invaluable internal documentation provided by former Commodore staff. These documents are available for public access at https://archive.org/details/@dave64wayback. Working closely with Brian Bagnall, the well-known author of many Commodore books, Dave played a role in preserving a significant portion of Commodore’s early history from the Ontario Archives, including evidence documents from the Inquiry into the failure of the Atlantic Acceptance Corporation. Additionally, Dave founded the Commodore International Historical Society Facebook group, providing a platform for enthusiasts to connect, share, and celebrate the rich history of Commodore International.
Furthermore, Dave’s YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/@commodorehistory, offers a unique blend of Commodore history and technical subjects.
Dave’s contributions to the retro computing community extend beyond the digital realm. At VCF West in 2023, he had the privilege of interviewing Leonard Tramiel, offering audiences an intimate glimpse into the inner workings of Commodore’s golden era. Moreover, his Commodore History presentation at VCF East in 2023 provided a deep dive into Commodore’s earliest history.
Today, Dave remains steadfast in his dedication to Commodore, integrating these classic computers into his daily routine. His passion continues to inspire and educate enthusiasts. Follow him on Twitter at @commodoreihs for more updates and insights.
Al Charpentier
Albert J. Charpentier has worked for over forty years in consumer electronics technology, with expertise in the semiconductor, consumer electronics and computer related industries and has been awarded 20 patents during his career. He led the development team responsible for the Commodore 64 Computer. Founder, CEO, CTO Ensoniq Corp. a leading manufacturer of high-end electronic musical instruments, audio chips and add-in audio cards for to the OEM computer makers, such Dell, Intel and HP. Ensoniq was acquired by Creative Labs. Founder, CTO of AgileSwitch that developed electronics control ICs for solar power systems and EVs, it was acquired by Microchip 2019.
Bill Mauchly
Programmer at Ensoniq
SUNDAY SPEAKERS
(Frank O’Brien
Frank O’Brien is a noted expert on the Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC), the onboard computer used in the Apollo spacecraft that played a crucial role in the success of the Apollo missions to the Moon. He wrote “The Apollo Guidance Computer: Architecture and Operation,” a comprehensive book detailing the development, architecture, and operation of the AGC. His work is highly regarded for its in-depth analysis and has become a key resource for those interested in the technical aspects of the Apollo missions.
O’Brien’s interest in space and computing has led him to become a significant contributor to the field of aerospace history and technology. Besides his writing, he has been involved in various educational and preservation projects related to space exploration history. He often participates in lectures, presentations, and discussions on the AGC and the broader aspects of space exploration technology.
His background combines expertise in computer science, a deep understanding of the Apollo program, and a passion for educating the public about space exploration’s technical and historical aspects. While specific details about his personal life and professional background outside of his work on the AGC might not be as widely publicized, O’Brien’s contributions to the understanding and appreciation of space exploration technology have made him a respected figure in the space and technology communities.
Frank O’Brien has contributed to the spaceflight community as a volunteer to NASA for 30 years. He is one of the editors for NASA’s primary resource on the Apollo moon landings, the Apollo Flight Journal. Because of this work, he was accepted as a Solar System Ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the premier center for planetary exploration. As an Ambassador, Frank speaks several times a month to community groups, senior organizations, and museums about the NASA mission.
For over 20 years, he has volunteered at Infoage, and is now the Technical Director of the Infoage Space Exploration Center.
Frank is a former pilot and aircraft owner, and graduated from Rutgers with a degree in Computer Science and an MBA. He is also the author of a very successful book on the computer that flew astronauts to the moon.
SUNDAY ROUNDTABLE
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