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What is Siggraph? A Futuristic 50 Year Computer Graphics Expo

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Special 50th birthday logo of Siggraph 2023
Written by intel

Once the sensory overload died down from Siggraph 2023, we were left with an incredible experience of cutting edge research and technology.

But, before we dive into that, let’s explore the parent organization that created it, called the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

What is the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)?

ACM, the world’s largest educational and scientific computing society, delivers resources that advance computing as a science and a profession. ACM provides the computing field’s premier Digital Library and serves its members and the computing profession with leading-edge publications, conferences, and career resources.

Source: ACM Website

The Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) began informally via several symposium events by Harvard, MIT and the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers in early 1947.

Later that year, at Colombia University in New York, a meeting was organized that highlighted this increasing interest in computers. That day, they founded the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM).

The mission statement created at the founding meeting was:

“The purpose of this organization would be to advance the science, development, construction, and application of the new machinery for computing, reasoning, and other handling of information.”

Source: ACM History

Since then the vision continued to grow with the current ACM constitution stating:

“The Association is an international scientific and educational organization dedicated to advancing the art, science, engineering, and application of information technology, serving both professional and public interests by fostering the open interchange of information and by promoting the highest professional and ethical standards.”

Source: ACM History

Now that you understand what the ACM is, you might be wondering, what’s the connection to Siggraph?

Siggraph, The Original Computer Graphics and Interactive Tech Show Founded in 1973 by the ACM

One of these special interest ACM initiatives is putting on a conference called Siggraph.

In fact, this wildly popular exhibition on computer graphics and interactive techniques just celebrated their 50th year of existence.

Now the category has gotten so big that there are several other conference extensions around topics like AI and Computer Human Interaction. (e.g. SIGAI and SIGCHI)

Whether you’re new to this space or a seasoned veteran, we hope the following resources will have at least one thing you find useful.

We combed through all the best recaps and links to Siggraph and the ACM, so you don’t have to. (Unless you’re ultra passionate like we are and will do that anyway.)

Feel free to drop us a comment below of any coverage we might have missed or any posts you have done.

What took place at Siggraph 2023?

Siggraph consisted of:

  • Keynotes, Workshops and Research Paper Presentations – This is the bread of butter content for the event
  • An Exhibition Show Room floor – The usual trade-show scene with countless brands, demonstrations and ongoing presentations
  • A Time Tunnel Display from 50 years of archived media – This was a cool and creative showcase old and historic works in a new engaging medium
  • An Electronic and VR Theater – Storytelling demonstrating latest graphics and immersive narrative experiences
  • A Real Time Live-stream – This was a section live-streamed on Twitch of presentation and Tech Demos
  • An Art Gallery – A quirky artistic take on technology, culture and philosophy in a variety of exhibits
  • The Immersive Pavilion – Our favorite section spotlighting amazing Emerging Tech hardware demonstrations
Our Top Insights and Takeaways
  • Siggraph began as the ultimate global science hub for presenting technical papers and research on computer graphics and interactive tech
  • It is a massive undertaking run by passionate volunteers and researchers
  • The crowd included all walks of life including students, professors, researchers, consultants, freelancers, influencers, corporations, startups, and media organizations
  • There were over 14,275 attendees from over 78 countries
  • The organization celebrated its 50th birthday this year since starting in 1973
  • Since then it has spawned offshoots like SIGAI and SIGCHI
  • The 2024 conference will be in Denver, CO next year

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SIGGRAPH 2023 Show Notes

ACM SIGGRAPH
Recorded Keynotes
SIGGRAPH 2023 Recaps

Siggraph 2023 Action Items

  • Read the official SIGGRAPH Press Release and at least a few of the Recaps.
  • Check the Siggraph YouTube channel for additional intel.
  • For macro big picture concepts, check the ACM YouTube channel. (We loved the retrospective on past computer visionaries)
  • What categories and topics are exciting to you? Note them down.
  • Think about next actions you can take from this data like: Who can you reach out to, What topics do you want to go deeper on? How will you do that?
  • What is the purpose of looking into this in the first place? Take note and follow that answer as your North Star to guide you.

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intel

Hi! I am the Emerging Tech Mastery (ETM) friendly robot overlord and mascot. Thanks for checking us out.

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