IA Summit 2004

Impressions and photos

I’ve been an IA since ‘98 and I’d been looking forward to attending the IA summit for years but the distance kept me from doing so. This year I was finally there, and must say it was a great experience. The things presented were very good, but more than all what impressed me was the true feeling of community and warmth.

My quote of the weekend would be the one I heard more often: “It’s great to put a face to the name” but I can tell that what I got were way more than just faces. Nothing compares to be able to talk to someone while seeing her eyes, expression, accent, gestures, clothes... It really didn’t matter what we would talk about, just chatting about where to get illegal cheese was a kick. I was really impressed by how reachable the folks that I admire so much ended out to be, and how exciting it was to meet so many people who are less loud but just as wise. The 15 minute breaks were just as valuable as the sessions.

Thanks again to Dick, Mags and the rest of the organizers, and I’d like to extend the appreciation to some who did not get mentioned last Sunday night: Mike Lee and Bob Doyle for meticulously recording the event in images and video, I am aware that albeit being a fun thing to do, it takes a lot of time and concentration and makes you miss some of the relevant stuff. Thank you for that.

Enough chatter, here are my photos!

Informal dinner Sunday at Threadgills

If you're not flying out tonight, come for an informal dinner at the Austin landmark Threadgills. Gather at the 4th floor message board area around 7, or just show up there at around 7:30. They're on the other side of the river at 301 Riverside W. and it looks like a reasonable distance to walk, or the free 'Dillo bus probably gets pretty close. Casual home cookin.

Post conference breakfast

If you are still in Austin on Monday morning, join us for a post conference Mexican breakfast.

At Las Manitas, 8am onwards (on Cogress, between 2nd & 3rd). No RSVP necessary.

Pre-conference Pix and Bits

Nice. The Hilton is offering WiFi in all of its suites and meeting rooms. Ten bucks a day and I'm on. Sign up at the front desk.

Bob Doyle of CMS Review is here in the front row of the main meeting room preparing to videotape the keynote and some of the sessions to post later to the site. What a nice resource to look forward to, and for those who couldn't make it.

Here are some random photos from last night:

Reception at the Hilton

MJ, Baby Iris, and Lou Rosenfeld with Javier Velasco

Dinner at Ironworks Barbeque

Adaptive Path Party at Club DeVille

A few photos on my moblog...

The new Frost Bank Building

Info at Skyscrapers.org...

The keynote speech is starting in a few minutes.

Saturday, Feb 28th Dinner at Manuel's

There's an informal dinner meet-and-greet at Manuel's (mexican cafe) over on 310 Congress. We're meeting in the hotel lobby of the convention center at
7:05 pm and our reservation is at 7:15pm.

RSVP to Todd Warfel (607) 339-9640 (email twarfel@messagefirst.com).

Last count was 42 people - should be a great crowd.

Place: Manuel's 310 Congress

Time: 7:05pm hotel lobby, 7:15pm at the restaurant

Date: Saturday, Feb 28th

DC IAs, Have Dinner!

The IAs from the DC metro area plan to meet to have dinner together on Saturday evening, perhaps around 7:30 pm. No location has been decided yet, but I (Stacy Surla) will be coordinating. Call me at the Hilton to join in.

Some of are also planning to join the Interaction Design folks for a Mexican dessert afterwards. Or at least a tequilla?