Who is Who: If you are going, tell us a bit about yourself

[JCork]

Name:
Josh Corken

Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH:
This will be my third time attending the oh-so-amazing SIGGRAPH! My first SIGGRAPH was last summer in LA (just an attendee) and my second was the first ever SIGGRAPH Asia in Singapore, where I was a student volunteer. By far one of the best experiences of my life!

School:
I attend Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) which is in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. There I have had the privilege of being the SIGGRAPH Student Chapter President for almost 2 years now! Visit our website to see everything we do because we are awesome! http://siggraph.iupui.edu/

Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect?
I attend SIGGRAPH first and foremost, for the people. Everyone I have met is so amazing, knowledgeable, and inspirational! Some other reasons are the CG inspiration, classes, behind the scenes information, and PARTIES!

Since I am a returning student volunteer, I can now say that wearing that red vest is a privilege and an honor, no matter how goofy we look. :) I love it and the student volunteer program!

Comments:
I hope to meet as many of you as possible in New Orleans! It's going to be a blast! :beer:

[artpars]

Name:
Hakan Pars POLAT
VFX Supervisor, istanbul

Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH:
This will be first time to attending siggraph. Actually i can't wait and i am so excited. Many people can feel same things. Me and my wife will celebrate our honeymoon in siggraph 2009. You can guess how we love to be there..

Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? (Voluntary)
Inspiration ! There are lot's of amazing conferance wich is giving very different perspective to look cg industry. Main idea is definitly inspiration.
I am expecting many things. I am interesting display technogies and amazing applications. I am expecting to learn many productions piplenes.. and Many things...

Comments:
I would like to know many people. I would like to grow my network in this field. I have VFX company in Turkey, i hope i can bring fresh perspective to my company.
http://www.bhb.com.tr (http://www.bhb.com.tr/)

[patfour]

Name:
Paul (Allen Tillery IV, if we're going all out here :))

Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH:
This is my second time attending; I was a Student Volunteer back in 2007, so this will be my first SIGGRAPH as master of my own schedule.

School:
I recently finished my BA at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and I'm currently working on my MFA at SCAD's Atlanta campus.

Why are you going to the conference/what do you expect?
When I was an SV in '07, I enjoyed everything about conference, but I was especially blown away by the Electronic Theater and the Computer Animation Festival. I vowed that one day I'd have my own work playing at SIGGRAPH.

Two years later, lo and behold: the dream's come true! My senior film Window Pains is in the Computer Animation Festival, and I'm excited beyond words. The film's sound designer will be attending with me - he's a good friend I haven't seen in months, and I can't wait to meet up with him again. I'm also looking forward to making new friends and drawing inspiration from everything the conference has to offer.

Comments:
HUGE appreciation to everyone whose work makes SIGGRAPH possible! As an SV, I had just a glimpse of the human effort behind the event. I can't express how much I'm looking forward to the conference, and how grateful I am to those who work so hard on it. Thanks!

[jdollus]

Name:



John Dollus



Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH:
7 (96,97,98,99,2000,2002,2006) - pretty much when it's not in CA unless I have specific purchasing in mind


Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? (Voluntary)
This year I'm looking to reconnect with friends who have scattered a bit in the industry, see a film from our studio in the animation festival (subtle plug for Vilnius Museum), soak in the creative atmosphere and soak in the Nawlins nightlife.


Comments
In previous years, the classes, talks and panels have always had a good variety making scheduling difficult but for this one I've really struggled to find a reason to go full conference.

[tharrell]

Name: Trey Harrell

Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH: 3

Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect?

Looking forward to catching the animation festival, and also to network at the job fair a little more aggressively than previous visits. I'm in a pretty good place to shift from my freelance cg/developer gig at the moment, so no time like the present, right?

I normally try and hit up east coast Siggraphs when I can, and being from Florida, this one's within easy driving distance. Looking forward to meeting some familiar names from the forums!

Comments:

Autodesk in particular has promoted their Masterclasses this year pretty dismally, which is to say: not at all. To this date (less than a month out), I still can't find an actual schedule anywhere. Since I've got to budget this stuff out ahead of time, AD missed out on my usual $750-1000 worth of masterclass tuitions, and I picked up an animation festival pass instead. It'll be a shame if I miss a Shleifer track if there ends up being one though.

[splintercannon]

Name:
David Schuler

Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH:
This will be my second time attending SIGGRAPH. Last year in LA was unforgettable! It was so unbelievable to see everything and everyone from the industry come together. It was almost overwhelming.

School:
I am a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. (Go Pens! Stanley cup champs!) I graduated with a bachelor in Media Arts and Animation in 2007.

Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect?
I am coming first and foremost for the Job Fair and Exhibition. I want to land that first REAL JOB. Freelance is nice, but I want REAL INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE. But, there's just so much of everything else to see! I want to see what the industry is up to and what's to come. I want to meet people and make new friends and professional contacts. I want to become inspired to create and expand my knowledge of the animation world around me and immerse myself in it. Plus, PARTIES. (Can't forget about that!! XD)

Since last year, I know a more about what's there and I'll be able to pace myself a little better. I want to hit up more of those conferences! (Last year's Pixar speech was incredible)

Comments:
I can't wait to get there! I hope to see you guys again! Whelp, I've got to get back to finishing up my PORTFOLIO!

[RaeTracer]

Autodesk in particular has promoted their Masterclasses this year pretty dismally, which is to say: not at all. To this date (less than a month out), I still can't find an actual schedule anywhere. Since I've got to budget this stuff out ahead of time, AD missed out on my usual $750-1000 worth of masterclass tuitions, and I picked up an animation festival pass instead. It'll be a shame if I miss a Shleifer track if there ends up being one though.
Autodesk is doing their masterclasses online-only this year, sad to say. It's surprising they'd want to miss out on all that tuition, but maybe they didn't feel it was worth it for a non-LA conf? Too bad, because I've also enjoyed the classes a lot in the past!

Info here:
http://area.autodesk.com/siggraph2009

[Creativebyhabit]

Name: J. Spaan
Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH: 2 time, 2007, and 2008





Why are you going to the conference: Mostly Networking, I would love to say I got hired by Dreamworks. I know that won't happen, which is fine. I have been working as a freelancer since I Graduated March 2008 Valedictorian, from School of Communication Arts in Raleigh, NC.


Comments: The one thing I wasn't able to attend the parties. The school I attended with Had strict rules. I am trying to find any parties, I also want to meet the fxphd guys, and Would LOVE to attend the pixar parties, even tho I'm sure that one is hard to get into. I'm a Maya/Adobe Fan.
www.creativebyhabit.com
I also look forward to seeing the Digital Tutors guys.

[alfamike88]

Name: Omaikel Alfaro



Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH: first time attending
School (Voluntary) Fullsail university Orlando ,Fl



Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? (Voluntary) nice chance to network , learn more about the industry and was going on in it, see some awesome cg and well try some new Orleans cuisine ;) .



Comments: Well I don't have much too show yet, but I do have some work in progress I 'd like to get pointers on and or advice. I hope to meet alot of you and witness some of our industry's finest. :D

[BeDrinkab1e]

Name: Daniel Smith

Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH: This is my first time.

School (Voluntary): The University of Dayton. I'm trying to finish my degree in computer and electrical engineering at the moment.

Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? (Voluntary): I am going because I talked my boss into it. I'm surprised that I actually pulled it off because I'm an intern at the moment and rarely get the opportunity for something like this. The thing that I primarily expect is to get to learn from experts about things I didn't know existed and learn some new skills. I expect it to be an awesome experience!

Comments: I'm curious to hear some advice from those of you who have been to SIGGRAPH multiple times. I've never been to a professional conference so I don't really know what to expect and what I should try to plan for to get everything out of it that I can.

[DeltaMikeSierra]

Name: Demian Moon Stevens

# SIGGRAPH attendance: 0, first time.

School:Ai Indianapolis (Art Institute of Indianapolis)

Why I'm going: get my rods & cones tickled and by gray matter wrinkled. To learn. Possibly get drunk with a few folks from the local SIGGRAPH chapters and to puke on MrPositive (http://forums.cgsociety.org/member.php?u=150422)

Comments:What do I have to do to use a custom avatar around here???

[JCork]

Name: Demian Moon Stevens

# SIGGRAPH attendance: 0, first time.

School:Ai Indianapolis (Art Institute of Indianapolis)

Why I'm going: get my rods & cones tickled and by gray matter wrinkled. To learn. Possibly get drunk with a few folks from the local SIGGRAPH chapters and to puke on MrPositive (http://forums.cgsociety.org/member.php?u=150422)

Comments:What do I have to do to use a custom avatar around here???

Hey, another person from Indianapolis! Good to hear you're gonna be joining the SIGGRAPH community this year. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. :)

Anywho, to answer your question about the avatar:

Go to the CGSociety home page, click the "Members" button on the right (this will take you to the user control panel, then on the left side under the Control Panel Settings & Options there is a link that says "Edit Avatar."

That should do it. I hope that helps.

[Grayscale]

Name: Ryan Watson

Number of Siggraphs: This will be my 2nd.

Company: Raven Software

Why I'm Going: To learn new techniques and technology to better improve my work.

[Darknessseeker0]

Name: Jocelyn Cofer



Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH: This is my second time


School: I graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in May and from AnimationMentor in 2007.


Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect?: I'm hoping to land a job as a junior animator



Comments: This will be my first time going with a full conference pass. I'm really looking forward to checking everything out!

[pateta3d]

Name:

Fernando Jorge, Felipe Sanges ( http://fsanges.blogspot.com ) and Miro Souto ( www.mirosouto.com )



Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH:

Never



Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? (Voluntary)

Stay a little closer to the Animation Industry and get some inspiration (and hope) to help our animation studies and maybe start working in the industry.



Comments:

We're three Brazilians a little anxious about this Siggraph, wondering if it will be worth the money. At the same time we keep a good vibe while seeing the news in the Siggraph's site and the posts from people here.

[Animechx]

NAME: Joe Lee

NUMBER of TIMES: Thrice chosen; twice goin'!

SCHOOL: Indiana University - Purdue University of Indianapolis

WHY GOING & EXPECTATIONS: Hope to network, gain new associates, become further educated in the Arts & Technologies (old, new and prototypes) as much as possible; have a lot of fun; and to finally get some authentic Louisiana seafood! YES!!:applause:

COMMENTS: I just hope ther are no storms/tornadoes/hurricanes when we get there...!:shrug:

[marceylee]

Name:
Marcey Lee (www.marceylee.com)
Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH:
Never
Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect?
To visit my hometown, and to hang out with fellow CG artists. I hope to be inspired and to fuel my drive to create better art. I hope to meet some cool people and to have LOTS of fun. Hopefully there will be some parties for me to go to....hopefully crossing my fingers that the bad economy didn't hamper the partying spirit.

Comments:
Hello everyone, I've been a frequent visitor to cgsociety but never found the huzpah to join or post my work until now. I feel like now I can at least show my work and not waste anybody's time. I can't wait for Siggraph!!! whewhewww!!! I can't wait to visit my old haunts.

[louharrison]

Please post:

Name:Lou Harrison
Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH:21 SIGGRAPH 2009 will be my 22nd consecutive SIGGRAPH.
School (Voluntary): I am employed at NC STate University
Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? (Voluntary): I am an active SIGGRAPH volunteer. Currently I am the chair of the Student Services Committee. Come to our BoF on Wednesday, 8:15am, Room 287 in the convention center.
Comments:Hope you all have a good time on-site. And, buy a hat at the SIGGRAPH Store, the proceeds support the student volunteer program.

[angrias]

Name: Anie Miles
Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH: This will be my second time, I attended last summer and it was one of the best experiences ever.
School (Voluntary) Arizona State University Alum.
Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? (Voluntary) I am going to the conference for the people, everyone is brilliant and out going, nice too. I roomed with 6 complete strangers, all SVs I met on Facebook and here and we had a great time exploring L.A. Hollywood and of course, working the conference. I love the prospect of networking and really getting to know whats what in the world of animation. Siggraph is really the place to be for anyone who is moving this industry forward and I want to be a part of that.
I expect to take part in the job fair this year, last year I didn't bother printing business cards or really getting into the job market because I knew I had a year of school left - I wish I would have, its a great environment. Also, never been to New Orleans, I plan to party in the French Quarter!

Comments: :) See you there!

[3D_Prof]

If you are going to SIGGRAPH
tell us a bit about yourselves.
Please post:




Name: Kurt Wendt

Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH: Like 13 or 14 times...

School (Voluntary) was teaching at FIT in NYC

Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? ITs my annual trek - like going to Mecca - its my own religion to go to SIGGRaph - I meet new people - and love to get surrounded by the Tech - did Rapid Prototyping like 4 or 5 times now - I did an interview with Neil Blevins last year (which I posted to the NYC Max USer Group) - and a Video Interview w/Pete Draper just recently ( http://www.youtube.com/user/Gallery3D ) - and I am always looking for new and Great 3D artists for my Gallery (seen in my Sig)

Comments: That's about it - sorry its all in Orange!!! Oh wel...

-Roberto

L8r,
-K-

[cspangler]

Name: Christy Spangler

Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH: This will be #10. My first one was New Orleans in 2000 so this will be like a homecoming for me.

Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? Looking forward to seeing friends & colleges I've met over the years and meeting new ones. I enjoy the sessions and seeing new technologies and the art and will look for cool swag. I expect to recharge my batteries and come back to work refreshed with new ideas, approaches and maybe a gadget or two. Oh yes, and to enjoy the charm of New Orleans, eat some Cajun cuisine and turtle soup and go to the Dungeon. The last time I was there, I was chased out by Katrina so I'm curious to see if/how the city has changed and to find out if my favorite Voodoo shop is still there.

Comments: Hmmm, I wonder if there will be any stilt walking fire breathers like in 2000.

[JohNLA]

My name is John Brock http://john-brock.com/

I have been to SIGGRAPH ten times. I have volunteered nine of those times.

I go to the show to see all the latest gizmos and to be inspired by other artists and maybe pick up a tip or two. Also, I got to meet Roberto :wavey:

I usually hang out and work in the Studio but this year I am just going to enjoy the show and see a bit of New Orleans.

[Volcom79]

Name: Pierre-Luc Boulais

Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH: First time

Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? As team Lead senior artist working on a unannounce project in Ubisoft Montreal. Ill be there for inspiration, tools for my project.

Comments: Meet you there :beer:

[betsybauer]

My first post on CGtalk... I'm a little nervous!

Name:
Betsy Bauer (http://www.betsybauerART.com)

Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH:
This is my first!

School (Voluntary)
Rising Junior Computer Animation student at the Ringling College of Art and Design

Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? (Voluntary)
I'm hoping to meet others who are interested in the animation industry. I love finding my own kind! I'm also hoping to continue to spread the word about my work to attending studios.

Comments:
I really don't know what to expect with Siggraph, but I can tell you that I'm very excited and can't wait to experience the conference! I'm looking forward to meeting you all!

[kimblarsen]

Name:
Kim Baumann Larsen,
creative director, production designer, architect

Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH:
Around 10+

School (Voluntary)
The Oslo School of Architecture + University of Houston, College of Architecture, Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture.

Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? (Voluntary)
Presenting a talk titled "Universal Panoramas: narrative, interactive panoramic universes on the Internet" and looking forward to networking with people who are interested in similar hybrid approaches to combining storytelling / visual effects / web / photography / film / interactivity. I expect a rather quiet and small event with almost no large parties, but with good opportunities to network and hang out.

Comments:
I will also be on the lookout for possible speakers for next years Digital Storytelling event in Oslo, Norway - see www.digistorytelling.com (http://www.digistorytelling.com)

Looking forward to meeting new people and get a few new friends!

Kim Baumann Larsen
Founding partner @ Placebo Effects
www.placeboeffects.com (http://www.placeboeffects.com/)

Co-founder of Digital Storytelling
www.digistorytelling.com (http://www.digistorytelling.com/)

[Fess]

Name: Jason Mohan
Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH: This will be my 2nd attendance. LA was magical, what will New Orleans conjure?
School (Voluntary) Full Sail University (BA of science in computer animation/vfx)
Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? (Voluntary) Aquire employment, meet old friends, Student Volunteer, network, sample some historic New Orleans culture, survive.....
Comments: LET'S DO THIS!! :applause:

-J

[TaKIKO]

Name:Michael Lampe


Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH: This is my first time. Im pretty excited.


School : I attend Full Sail University for Computer Animation


Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? Network,Learn more about the industry,meet cool people, and have fun.


Comments: If you going hit me up on face book always interested in meeting new people!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/Michael.Lampe?ref=profile

[chrisWhite]

Name:
Chris White

Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH:
3rd Time, went to the last two US SIGGRAPH's

Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect?
I'm going for the networking, hanging out with and partying with friends and to learn as much as I can at classes, sessions, panels, etc. I'll also being going as press representing Icrontic (http://icrontic.com/) so I'm looking forward to writing about the experience and the news.

Comments:
I'm so stoked, I can't wait for the 2nd.

[GSilv]

Name: Greg Silverman



Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH: Just once. Happy to be returning employed, rather than on the hunt for a J-O-B. It'll be nice to check out the job fair though to keep things in perspective.



School : I am a graduate of Full Sail University, class of 08/08



Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? To Represent the studio I work with, Network, Party, Relax, Learn some new Stereoscopic Workflows, some What's New With Maya2009 Workflows, check out the Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs seminar, other seminars, various shiznit... Connect with some friends from FS, friends in the industry, old professors. I also look forward to listening to some live Jazz music. Haven't heard anything live worth listening to Jazz-wise since June @ Bonnaroo. Any music people on here, please contact me - I'd love to have a wingman at the club (traveling solo). Also can't wait to do some serious shooting in the dirty sKreets of Naw'lins!



Comments: Don't be timid. If this is your first: go in head-first and sop it all up. This is a reality! Lots of cool people, lots of cool stuff to learn and the feeling that you don't have to stay up or wake up for a deadline, woohoo! Lets Partay!

[BrianD24]

Name
Brian D
Number of times you have gone to SIGGRAPH
This is my first time.

School (Voluntary)
A small one in New Jersey no one has ever heard of.

Why are you going to the conference/ what do you expect? (Voluntary)
I'm going because I've heard its the best event in this country for this kind of thing, so why not splurge what little/no money I have on it. Got done with school earlier this year (modeling is my main interest) and I'd prefer to find a job in a company over freelancing, but not expecting to fall into one here.
Basically any knowledge I can get with my Basic pass, I'm all over it.

Comments
I really might see this giant place full of people and have an anxiety attack.