im doing a work shop at a apple store do i need to take my mac with me

Ideally yes. It's your machine, loaded with whatever apps you've put on it, some of which may affect or be affected by whatever you do in the workshop. But looking again at your question, you mention both Mac and Laptop. If it is a big 27" mac I would be inclined to call the store and ask.

Thanks for the star and good luck with your change over. That's a wise move to seek help with such a project.