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The SIGGRAPH Pioneers Group is proud to present one of the most influential scientists in computer graphics history, Alvy Ray Smith, as the guest speaker for the 2016 Pioneers' Reception. Dr. Smith pioneered numerous advances in computer graphics, including one of the first digital paint systems, the alpha channel and digital sprites.

At this years SIGGRAPH Pioneers' Reception, he will present a visual report on his insights for the future of computer graphics, including advancements in artificial intelligence and the continuing windfall for the field of computer graphics due to the ongoing advances of “Moore's Law.” Alvy is perhaps best known as the cofounder of Pixar. But his career spans many of the most influential labs and achievements in computer graphics, including development of the first paint system with Richard Shoup at Xerox PARC (1974), Superpaint the first 24bit paint system at NYIT, and CAPS (Computer Animation Production System) the hardware/software system that Pixar created on contract with Disney that revolutionized its 2D cell animation pipeline. In 1998, he received a Scientific and Engineering Academy Award® for pioneering efforts in the development of digital paint systems used in motion picture production.

In his agreement to take on the annual speaker spot, Alvy recalls “Marvin Minsky's recent death caused me a much longer pause than most, he has gone in and out of my life in important ways for decades. It's partly from the impact that I felt inspired to re-confront our pursuit of Artificial Intelligence in a world that has come to live by 'Moore's Law' — and offer my take on its current status and possible future.”

The 2016 SIGGRAPH Pioneers' Reception will take place on Tuesday, July 26th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Avalon Room of the Anaheim Hilton Hotel, near the Anaheim convention center. Light appetizers will be served, and drinks will be available.

The reception is exclusive to active members of the ACM SIGGRAPH Computer Graphics Pioneers Group. In addition, the Los Angeles SIGGRAPH chapter is specially inviting SIGGRAPH pioneers to join their 30th anniversary of the NY/LA SIGGRAPPH chapter party that will begin after the pioneer reception concludes.

Any person with 20 years of experience of more, in some aspect of computer graphics and/or interactive techniques is eligible to become a member. The cost for a non-ACM SIGGRAPH member to become an ACM SIGGRAPH CG Pioneer is $47, which includes ACM SIGGRAPH membership. New members can join online. The cost to upgrade an existing ACM SIGGRAPH membership to Pioneer level is $5, and can be done by calling ACM Help at 1-800-342-6626 or by emailing acmhelp@acm.org.

Since 2003, the ACM SIGGRAPH Education Committee and the ACM SIGGRAPH Pioneers have sponsored the Spend a Week at SIGGRAPH Student Program, which brings high school sophomores and juniors to the the annual SIGGRAPH conference. This year, the two groups are eager to continue the tradition — but they need your help.

In a world where start-ups can rocket from nothing to billion-dollar companies by riding the razor edge of advances in computing, there's a surprising shortage of young people interested in careers in computer science and technology. Young women and minorities are particularly underrepresented in the world of computing.

If you’ll be at SIGGRAPH 2016 for a significant amount of time between Sunday, July 24 and Thursday, July 28, consider volunteering to serve as a mentor for a bright young student interested in learning more about computer graphics, interactive techniques and cutting-edge technology. Being a mentor won’t cost you a lot of time (each mentor averages about 30 minutes a day), and the personal rewards are significant. The idea is simple: to enable each student to experience computer graphics up close and personal, and have an expert as a consultant and guide.

The Spend a Week at SIGGRAPH program is supported by the ACM SIGGRAPH Education Committee, and is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. The value of the program is apparent in the letters received by past participants.

Those interested in volunteering should please contact Kathleen Milnes or Marc J. Barr.

Since its formation in 1996, the ACM SIGGRAPH Cartographic Visualization Project has held a Birds-of-a-Feather session at the annual SIGGRAPH conference. This year is no exception. The ACM SIGGRAPH Cartographic Visualization session at SIGGRAPH 2016 will take place at the top of the week, in the Anaheim Convention Center.

Session details:

Monday, July 25, 2016: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m., ACM SIGGRAPH Theater of the SIGGRAPH International Center

Join us and learn about the future of digital mapping. You might be surprised to discover just how deeply ingrained it is in our daily lives.

Read about the Cartographic Visualization session from SIGGRAPH 2015

SIGGRAPH Asia 2016 seeks student volunteers to head to Macao, China this December.

Student volunteers at SIGGRAPH Asia can expect to take part in a wide variety of conference programs, connect with computer graphics professionals, access exclusive student volunteer sessions and experience all that SIGGRAPH Asia has to offer with a full conference registration.

Visit the SIGGRAPH Asia 2016 website for more information.