[jackdied]

Jack Diederich (my nick is an old UNIX login, "jackdiederich"[:8]). I'm an invited speaker this year so I'll definitely be there.

At least two automated trading firms sent contingents to PyCon last year so you won't be alone (I think both were state-side). As for microbrews? Although it started with states that had odd blue laws for liquor licenses (limited regular licenses but unlimited for on-premises brewing) you can now find micro-breweries in every major city and most minor ones. PyCon always has a beer BoF group.

[nailer]

You're the guy that wrote decorators! Wouldn't mind checking out your 'I love graphs' lightening talk, there's a lot happening in that space and the lightening talks are often the best content/time value of the whole conference.

Must have missed the beer BoF last year, though managed to imbibe a fair bit anyway (The Map Room in Chicago was great). Will check it out this year & see you there.