Los Angeles Convention Center
This week is the annual SIGGRAPH conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Tens of thousands attendees will convene over the next few days for classes on CG techniques, hands-on demonstrations of new technology, meetings, discussions, and gatherings of all kinds. SIGGRAPH also includes a nonstop animation festival and a feast-for-the-eyes exhibition of new CG technology. For CG aficionados in North America (and around the world), SIGGRAPH is like Disney World—there’s not enough time to do and see everything, but whatever you do manage to fit in is always inspiring, intriguing, and just plain fun.
This is my 21st SIGGRAPH. The first day, Sunday, is usually pretty laid-back. I attended the Unofficial 3ds Max User Gathering, a gathering organized every year by 3ds Max enthusiasts for as long as I can remember. The past few years it’s been set up by Mike McCarthy, Autodesk Master and all-around knowledgeable guy. I look forward to this meeting every year as a chance to meet up with old friends and make some new ones.
Unofficial 3ds Max User Gathering
No 3ds Max party is complete without Bobo Petrov, master MAXScripter and everyone’s favorite Bulgarian.
Back at the hotel, it seems everyone staying here is attending SIGGRAPH. Over cocktails by the pool, I chatted with an artist from the NASA 3D Resources team and an instructor from VANarts. What did we talk about? 3D modeling and animation, of course! These kinds of relaxed and enlightening encounters are what I love most about SIGGRAPH.
Stay tuned for more as the days continue and the conference ramps up to full speed.