Playing to the strength of its conventions, preparations for the 129th AES show continue apace, with Committee Chairs developing workshops,and assorted programmes, as well as a new dedicated track on product design, a series of Tech Tours and special events.
Returning to San Francisco’s Moscone Center during November, the 2010 Convention has been christened ‘Your Bridge to the Future’.
‘Last year we introduced several meaningful programming shifts and additions,’ says AES Executive Director Roger Furness. ‘Broadcast sessions were expanded to address Media Streaming and related internet-based issues. We also added a special Game Audio Track with ten Workshops dedicated to this vital adjunct to our continually evolving industry. Both of these expanded programmes proved highly successful. This year Convention Co-Chairs Valerie Tyler and Jim McTigue and a team of exceptional Committee members are focused on raising the quality level of all our events.’
‘Last year we saw a trend toward growing attendance and enthusiasm as the economy began showing signs of resurgence,’ adds Valerie Tyler. ‘Virtually every sector of our industry has reported either stabilization or promising growth. We look forward to a strong turnout this year, and our Committee members are developing a programme that no serious industry member will want to miss.’
‘Never one to rest on his laurels, David Bialik will mark his 22nd consecutive Broadcast/Streaming Sessions Chairmanship with a full programme of timely events including a special section on Media Streaming,’ says Jim McTigue. ‘Live Sound Co-Chairs Jonathan Novick and Michael Knowles are focusing on new technology developments and developing meaningful presentations by stellar members of this vital pro audio sector. Historical Events Co-Chair Bill Wray is exploring a number of intriguing Bay Area options, and Master Class/Tutorials Co-Chairs Conrad Cooke and Jose ‘Vene’ Garcia are in the process of selecting the most imaginative and worthwhile presentations.’
‘Papers Co-Chairs Rob Maher and Veronique Larcher and their team are scrutinizing a record number of proposals in search of exceptional presentations;’ McTigue adds. ‘Platinum Chair Paul Verna is developing a Who’s Who list of participants for his successful producer/engineer/artist panels; Bob Moses will chair the first stand-alone Product Design Track; Tech Tour Co-Chairs Jessica Livingston and Jeff McKnight are scouring the SF production/postproduction landscape for the most unique and worthwhile destinations; Education Events Co-Chairs Alex Case and MeiLing Loo will further expand the parameters of this vital convention component; Workshops Co-Chairs David Bowles and Mike Wells are building an authoritative and informative program; Steve Martz will Chair the expanding Game Audio Track; and Special Events Chair Chris Smith is designing a series of events that will take full advantage of San Francisco’s extraordinary resources.’
‘Facilities Chair Bob Megantz is committed to providing the Convention with the most transparent and efficient infrastructure in our history,’ says Director of Convention Management, Chris Plunkett. ‘Special attention is being addressed to the audio (and video) technology being placed in the Workshop, Tutorial, Papers, Roundtable and Special Event rooms and halls, with sound quality and voice comprehension priority number one. Additionally, Volunteer CoChairs, Michael McConnell and Evan Peebles are determined to build a reliable, energetic and savvy cadre capable of lending the requisite hands-on support that insures a smooth running programme.’
More: www.aes.org
