Steve Wozniak

Apple co-founder with Steve Wozniak stands up and joins others in the audience in applauding the Federal Communications Commission vote on Net Neutrality during an open hearing at the FCC in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015.

(ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE)

SPRINGFIELD - For anyone who was disappointed that the upcoming talk by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak sold out so quickly, there's good news.

Because of the high demand for the free tickets, the event has been moved from the ballroom to the arena at the MassMutual Center, more than doubling the number of people who can attend.

The Springfield Public Forum is hosting the Q&A with Wozniak on May 1 at 5:30 p.m. Originally, it was set for a space that fit 1,200 people. Those tickets were snapped up in less than nine hours and a waiting list was started.

Now, everyone on the waiting list gets a ticket and the Forum's website is set up to take more reservations until all 3,000 seats are claimed.

"We wanted to make sure everyone who wanted to attend could," said Springfield Public Forum Executive Director Michelle Morash, who started in that role this year. This will be the first major event under her leadership and the first as the Forum celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Wozniak is credited with inventing the personal computer. The moderated question-and-answer session is expected to focus on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, followed by questions from the crowd.

When the event was set for the ballroom, Morash said they were not expecting the tickets to go so quickly.

"It was impressive. We really thought that it would take a few days," she said.

Forum President Stephen Brand said they were pleased so many people wanted to see Wozniak's appearance.

"The general public is really intrigued by this company that started in a garage," said Brand, who added that Wozniak "created a product that everybody in the world wants or has."

"Our dream is that our speakers will catalyze action," he said.

MassLive is the media sponsor for the event. The Eastern States Exposition has come onboard as a sponsor, joining MassMutual, The Markens Group, Wilbraham & Monson Academy and Paragus Strategic IT.

To make a reservation, visit www.springfieldpublicforum.org.