SELEM 2009 Info and Sign-up Thread

[buffo]

In my opinion, the presentations should be held outside of the auditorium.

There are two problems with that idea. One: the LDC projector isn't very bright, and the lobby area has a lot of natural light streaming in from the windows, and the ones up high can't easily be covered. Two: we only have one sound system (and one mixer to plug the mic into), and it will be on the stage.

So if we do a presentation in the lobby, you won't have a microphone, you won't have a sound system, and you might not be able to see the output of the projector.

This might work for something like an optics cleaning seminar, since it would be a small group and it's mostly hands-on anyway, but I know that both Bill Benner and Patrick Murphy have presentations planned that will require the LCD projector.

Adam

[daedal]

Sorry to barge in here on this arrangement, but I'd like to say that in the benefit of the majority (in my personal opinion) the presentations should be held in the auditorium.

We are very lucky to have the likes of Patrick Murphy and Bill Benner come all the way to SELEM to present and share their opinions and time with us. There also are problems with the ambient light for the projector, and the lack of a sound system, against the lobby... just like Adam said.

I do believe that there will be some presentations that might not interest me very much, and God knows I've had my fair share of these already. Although, in the interest of the general population, it is best to have them in the auditorium.

Creating a division amongst the group will also be a disorganization in itself... Think about it... if you REALLY wanted to see the presentation regarding any of the Pangolin products, or the audience scanning presentation, or any of the others (I don't know them all) and happened to miss the 'Calling all interested parties' announcement, then you just missed something that you've been looking forward to! Should it be in the same room as the rest of everything else, not only would you not have to leave the room, but you would also not worry about missing a presentation that you really wanted to see...

I personally don't want to miss anything, and splitting it into two rooms will make that a possibility...

What does everyone else think? We've only heard from a few people so far...

--DDL

[DZ]

We are very lucky to have the likes of Patrick Murphy and Bill Benner come all the way to SELEM

I've never said anything against this fact, I also agree that we are privileged to have them join us and share thier knowledge. My intention was to try and avoid the meltdown that I see is coming...... It's best to get this ironed out ahead of time, instead of last minute.

[daedal]

My intention was to try and avoid the meltdown that I see is coming......

--DDL

[Lazerjock]

I've never been to the venue and am new to all of this, but is it a possibility to hold the presentations in the balcony? Just a thought. That way those who don't want to attend the presentation can continue lasing at a lower volume down stairs. I know this isn't the best solution, but it might be a option.

Lazerjock

By the way I plan to bring my 6 x 6 fast fold screen. We can set it up in the balcony if this becomes the plan.

[allthatwhichis]

Actually, the balcony is one of the best spots for watching the beam shows.

[Stuka]

Actually, the balcony is one of the best spots for watching the beam shows.

I second that - looking DOWN on the beam shows from the balcony is quite the experience!!

[drlava]

Adam, any insight into the original question of the time slots allocated for each presentation, or having an 'overview' section first?

[Stuka]

I've never said anything against this fact, I also agree that we are privileged to have them join us and share thier knowledge. My intention was to try and avoid the meltdown that I see is coming...... It's best to get this ironed out ahead of time, instead of last minute.

I can see where DZ is coming from on this, and vividly remember some of the unfortunate fallout from last year....

Without getting TOO wrapped up in the time-planning, maybe it would be a good idea to have a "sign-up" roster of sorts early on Day 1 for the different presentations. Those subjects with a majority interest could be given the stage to reach the most number of participants. Those subjects with only a hand-full of participants, where hands-on demonstration at a computer screen or hardware would be more effective, could set up away from the main stage area, leaving that area intact for show planning & performance.

This idea really isn't meant to exclude anyone or make any presentation seem more important than the other. Most of the special-interest conventions or conferences I have ever attended (military & civilian) use a similar approach, with the largest space given to the subjects with the greatest attendance interest and/or space requirement.

Just my 10-cents worth...

[allthatwhichis]

Very nice idea!