No one can deny that SIGGRAPH is a one-of-a-kind event. While other events exist in the fields of computer graphics and interactive techniques, SIGGRAPH is king of the hill. With this prestige and popularity, SIGGRAPH affords many opportunities to companies, artists, and interested persons. Being of the "interested person" category, I was curious what it might look like from the company’s view. Do they see SIGGRAPH as a tool and how do they utilize it?

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to interview Roohi Saeed, Senior Public Relations Manager at Autodesk, Inc. and ask him some questions... this is our dialogue:

What are your primary job responsibilities?

Public Relations, i.e. liaising with journalists, managing interviews, ensuring that the public is informed of Autodesk’s activities.

Will you be attending SIGGRAPH?

Yes.

Do you have company events to attend and/or organize and/or manage while at SIGGRAPH?

Yes, SIGGRAPH is a huge show for Autodesk. We’re holding a User Group meeting and Cocktail on Mon July 31, the day before the show, along with MasterClasses and Certified Instructors Workshops during the show.
Journalists will be attending our press conference on July 31. We also hold meetings for our channel partners the day prior to SIGGRAPH.

How does SIGGRAPH influence the planning of meetings and events for your organization?

If you look at our track record, SIGGRAPH is the venue at which Autodesk typically announces major new versions of its 3D animation software. It offers an opportunity for us to connect with various stakeholders and offers a great learning opportunity.

Does SIGGRAPH afford you or your company opportunities that wouldn't otherwise be possible?

Yes, SIGGRAPH offers Autodesk many opportunities. It’s a great gathering of the 3D community, bringing together students and professionals from the game, film, television and design visualization industries. SIGGRAPH offers Autodesk a unique opportunity to engage with customers, partners and the industry at large. It is a valuable education, new business development and recruitment forum.

SIGGRAPH offers employment, marketing, and education opportunities to companies as well as attendees. Is your company participating in all of these areas? How much do you, or does your company, rely on SIGGRAPH for these opportunities?

Yes, Autodesk looks to SIGGRAPH for recruitment, marketing and education opportunities. The show is one of the key annual events for Autodesk.