I just had lunch with an ex colleague named Jeff Witt that worked in early IC design over the timeframe of MOS, RCA (1802) , and even Solid State Scientific of Montgomeryville. But there is some fertile ground around AMI to cultivate a speakers from in general, of this sort.
I'm trying hard to avoid a lecture. So I'll just say this. Persons from the timeframe Doug mentions, the 1970's, are getting very old. Time is running out, to invite them at all to VCF events - keynote, guest, workshop, whatever. I suggest engaging with them, now and for the next few years, to attend. Their availability won't be an option, before long. Suggestions were asked for: that's my suggestion and response to some other suggestions. End of lecture. Herb Johnson Old person -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT info