Over time, every conference develops its own personality. Macworld SF is no exception. And its characteristics become even more evident when I’m in the trenches teaching and demoing.

I had three different opportunities to experience this phenomenon today, beginning with the user session, “Everything You Wanted to Know About iPhoto” that Rick Smolan and I facilitated. Happily, our room, Hall 304, was nearly full by the time the session began.

The minute we opened the floor to questions, people raised their hands and chimed right in. The discussions were lively and intelligent. Yes Macworld is a consumer show, but these consumers are pretty darn smart. And they’re curious. For a teacher, this is a great combination.

Next stop was a digital photo demo in the O’Reilly booth. I think these are the most difficult of teaching assignments, and I tip my hat to those who work the Expo floor all day and manage to convey any type of valuable information in the midst of noise and chaos.

Once again there was lots of eye contact, good questions, and a genuine desire to learn something new. Most people even realized that some questions would not be of interest to the general audience, and they saved them for after the presentation when they could ask me one on one. Nice touch indeed!

Last stop for the day was the User Group Lounge. The presentations here are very informal, and the setting is quiet and relaxed. Unlike the previous two stops, I didn’t have the benefit of using an overhead projector and computer.

Once again, audience members moved to the front of the room, paid close attention, asked intelligent questions, and showed a true sense of humor and enjoyment. Humor is so important at these shows.

As I was walking back to my room to drop off my computer before heading out for dinner, I thought about all the different people I had met today, and I realized that they are the reason why I like working this show so much.

They are truly passionate about computing, but don’t display any of the arrogance that sometimes accompanies a level of technical knowledge. They help each other. And they seem to be more interested in finding answers rather than showing how much they know.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say that Mac users are the best people in the world of technology … but certainly, they are the nicest.