ACM SIGGRAPH Theater and Events

DescriptionThere are extraordinary advances being made in Computer Graphics, VR, AR, and MR in both Australia and New Zealand. Join this event for a glance at the landscape of CG in Australasia and for a chance to expand your network with like-minded people. This is an unique chance to meet two SIGGRAPH Asia conference chairs: Ken Anjyo (SIGGRAPH Asia 2018 Tokyo) and Tomasz Bednarz (SIGGRAPH Asia 2019 Brisbane). Both chairs are currently based in New Zealand /Japan and Australia.

Speakers: Ken Anjyo, Tomasz Bednarz, Mark Barry, Nick Hore

Contact: June Kim (june.kim@siggraph.org)

DescriptionAn introduction to SIGGRAPH 2018 conference programs translated in Japanese and brief talk in English of current Japanese research institution which presented at SIGGRAPH 2018.

Speakers: Jessica Hodgins, Nik Aberle, Jules Kenville, Emma Gauthier, Ken Anjyo, Mikki Rose, Syuhei Sato, Kaisei Sakurai, MHD Yamen Saraiji, Cao Feier, Yoichi Ochiai

Contact: Miho Aoki (mihoalaska@gmail.com) and Muhammad Arief (muhammad.arieff@gmail.com)

DescriptionWe welcome your participation in a discussion of the ACM SIGGRAPH Digital Arts Community (DAC). The year-round activities of the DAC, including our online exhibitions, outreach, social networking, and other events we sponsor is discussed. Discover how you can contribute to a vibrant Digital Arts Community and promote dialog and interactions between visual artists and the larger ACM SIGGRAPH community.

Contact: Janice Searleman (jetsza@gmail.com) and Victoria Szabo (vszabo@siggraph.org)

DescriptionIs this your first SIGGRAPH? Are you lost with so many amazing sessions? We can help. This introductory overview focuses on distinct profiles: research, animation, production, industry, and more. Come with us to discover SIGGRAPH!

Speakers: Alain Chesnais, Tony Baylis, Mashhuda Glencross, Tomasz Bednarz

Contact: Aruquia Peixoto (aruquia@gmail.com)

DescriptionWe are now in a truly global business where work has no geographical limitations anymore. Are you curious about CG studios in Asia? How’s the environment? What about the culture? Would you like to hear vivid, candid stories about working in Asian CG studios from people who have done it? Mark your calendars; this is one session you don’t want to miss!

Speakers: Tomasz Bednarz, Isamu Hasegawa, Bektur Ryskeldiev, Harley Zhao

Contact: Juyeon Hong (erhugirl@gmail.com)

DescriptionThis session focuses on innovation, creativity, and community building that stemmed from the gathering of like-minded individuals at the SIGGRAPH conferences. Mary Whitton, Chair of the SIGGRAPH History Committee will present “Technology Innovations that Kickstarted Raster Graphics.” Darcy Gerbarg, Chair of the first SIGGRAPH Art Show in 1981, will present “How the SIGGRAPH Art Shows originated and why Tom Duff’s 1-page computer program was exhibited in the first art show.” Jan Searleman and Bonnie Mitchell, along with students Megan Miazgowicz, Amanda Glass, and Jack Spencer, will present "Preserving the Past: SIGGRAPH Art Shows from 1980 to the present" and showcase the new ACM SIGGRAPH Art Show Archive.

Speakers:
Bonnie Mitchell, Jan Searleman, Mary Whitton, Darcy Gerbarg, and student presenters: Megan Miazgowicz, Amanda Glass, and Jack Spencer

Contact: Jan Searleman (jetsza@gmail.com) and Bonnie Mitchell (bonniem@bgsu.edu)

DescriptionFor the last several years, the ACM SIGGRAPH Digital Arts Community has organized juried online digital art exhibitions to showcase the quality, creativity, and variety of our community’s work, and to promote critical discussion in the field. We will review past exhibitions and introduce recently launched exhibitions, including “Designing Knowledge” and “Origins + Journeys,” and discuss future submission and curation opportunities.

Contact: Victoria Szabo (vszabo@siggraph.org) and KathyRae Huffman (kathyraehuffman@gmail.com)

DescriptionAre you curious about the CG industry and education in Canada? This session explores ways in which we can develop a long-term link between industry and higher education in order to cultivate mutual benefits and long-term relationships with speakers from both industries and universities. Don’t miss the chance to hear vivid, candid stories from speakers from both industries and universities.

Speakers: Woonam Kim, Serguei Mokhov, Ali Pournassari

Contact: Juyeon Hong (erhugirl@gmail.com) and Jessie Su (jess0411@gmail.com)

DescriptionThis is an homage to the SIGGRAPH 2018 conference theme of “Generations.” This year’s Women in CG session looks toward women who have or are continuing to shape the world of Computer Graphics, our female CG pioneers. This panel draws upon their vast experiences and wisdom gained during their long and sustained careers.

Speakers: Marie-Paule Cani, Danielle Plantec, Tania Richard

Contact: Jessica Sommerville (info@jessicasommerville.com) and Aruquia Peixoto (aruquia@gmail.com)

DescriptionTo provide more young presenters with a platform for sharing innovative ideas and gaining valuable exposure, SIGGRAPH 2018 is introducing the first ever Thesis Fast Forward program. Doctoral students in the final stage of their Ph.D. studies, or Ph.D. degree holders within a year of graduation, are encouraged to submit to this event. The central element of the submission is a three-minute video presentation by the candidate, explaining the central theme of their thesis, using no more than two supporting slides. The intent is to make the presentation accessible to a non-expert audience, representative of the typical cross-section of SIGGRAPH attendees.

Based on the video submissions and, as a secondary criterion on the provided abstracts, a jury will select up to 12 candidates who are asked to perform three-minute oral presentations live at a special session at SIGGRAPH 2018. A panel of experts provides immediate commentary after each live presentation and select a best performance. The live presentations is judged solely on the content of the live three-minute presentation.

Contact: Eftychios Sifakis (sifakis@cs.wisc.edu)

DescriptionFollowed by networking session • International Center • 4:30-5:30 pm

The creative sector of British Columbia has maintained a steady incline over many years. With a focus on Animation, Visual Effects and Film, this session will inform you on how to leverage government programs, training and incentives for your next project, whether it be a feature, a series or a short.

Presenting Speaker: Bob Wong, Vice President, Creative BC

Contact: Paul Griggs (paul@sparkcg.ca)

DescriptionIn this panel discussion, industry and academic leaders share the latest developments in CG in Latin America.

Speakers: Andres Burbano, Fernando Fogliano, Pedro Mario, Milton Terumitsu Sogabe

Contact: Aruquia Peixoto (aruquia@gmail.com)

DescriptionInterested in starting an ACM SIGGRAPH Chapter, but don’t know how? Curious to understand what Chapters do, but don’t know where to look or who to ask? Then this is the morning you won’t want to miss!

Come to the ACM SIGGRAPH Theater for our Chapters Fast Forward presentations, where each Chapter presents what they’ve accomplished over the last year, where they are heading, and what challenges they face. The Professional and Student Chapters network leaders and the Chapters Committee will be standing by to answer your questions about starting and running a Chapter. Stop by for fun presentations, exciting conversations, and lots of Chapterrific fun!

Contact: Jacky Bibliowicz (jacbib@siggraph.org)

DescriptionFollowed by networking session • International Center • 4-5 pm

Discover the VR/AR ecosystem of British Columbia. See how companies can leverage existing government programs and incentives to maximize their existing resources and how AR and VR relate to the BC Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (IDMTC).

Presenting Speakers: Joe Masi and Mark Wiebe, Ministry of Finance

Contact: Paul Griggs (paul@sparkcg.ca)

DescriptionFollowed by networking session • International Center • 11 am-12 pm

This panel brings together experts to discuss diversity in studio environments to promote a culture of inclusion and engagement. It will explore innovative approaches studios are taking to increase diversity in the workplace, and how they foster a sense of belonging and community, while making organizations vibrant places to work.

Moderator: Zoe Cranley, Conference Chair, Spark CG Society

Keynote: Danielle Costa, VP Visual Effects, Marvel Studios

Panelists:
Victoria Long, Talent Acquisition Manager, DNEG
Colin Beadle, HR Manager, Atomic Cartoons
Lorraine Rozon, Recruitment Manager, ILM
Natali Altshuler, Vice President - Head of Development, EA Sports Vancouver