From the Chair

In 2003, after many years of attending SIGGRAPH and seeing the significance of the show within the CG industry, John Finnegan, associate professor of computer graphics technology at Purdue University, decided to become more involved. Three years later, he's running the show, spending the past 20 months motivating his committee to develop a SIGGRAPH like never before.

“I have worked with a lot of groups over the years in putting on large events,” Finnegan says. “I have to say this group definitely took my call to action, ‘to be the best SIGGRAPH ever,’ and rose above the challenge. The time, energy, and talent of every member of the team is simply phenomenal. I am amazed on a daily basis as to what they brought to the process and what they delivered.”

Finnegan and his committee focused this year's show on the essence words: InterAction and InterFace. And as you trek the halls of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center you'll notice Finnegan's overall theme of “INTER-.” “The myriad of ‘inter’ words all include the coming together of disparate entities to make a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts,” he notes. “I think this concept is what SIGGRAPH is about.”

So, what exactly did this year's committee deliver? “Simply the best,” Finnegan says. “Emerging Technology is bringing cutting edge technology to the conference. The Computer Animation Festival has scoured the globe for the finest animations available. In addition to the incredible submitted Art Gallery content, we worked with The Ohio State University to add a special ‘Charles Csuri Restrospective,’ the first extensive exhibition of his work, providing an historic look at CG and animation.”

Finnegan also notes that this year's job fair is expanded, providing more options to job-seekers than ever before. Plus, the exhibit floor features many first-time exhibitors, broadening the already significant gathering of CG hardware and software companies from around the world. “It's the one place you can go and get all your [technology] questions answered.”

SIGGRAPH 2006 returns to the East Coast after many years away. Finnegan found that Boston not only acts as a great venue for the conference, but also presents attendees with great opportunities away from the show. “Boston is a great family city, so attendees can not only attend the premier CG conference, but they can bring their families and experience the rich history, the cutting edge technology, some of the world's best museums, and much more.”

No matter what attendees seek at SIGGRAPH 2006, Finnegan affirms, “I don't think anyone will be disappointed.” As with years past, the show is bound to be a hit. And it just might live up to Finnegan's call to be the best ever. Welcome to Boston! Enjoy the conference and exhibition!