Wow, New Orleans is hot. Or, more specifically, humid. The size of an event like SIGGRAPH alone is enough to burn you out, but with the heat (and all the food, and partying, and activities), I’m surprised I survived the weak!

As usual, SIGGRAPH is a nice eclectic mix of sessions and experiences. From the frying pan simulator in Emerging Tech, to the inclusion of audio visualization as a sub-theme, to the IndieCade game showcase, there’s always so much going on. Stephen Jacobs has a nice summary of some of the more game-oriented sessions from the show over at Gamasutra.

I was there primarily doing some consulting work for Greater New Orleans Inc, the economic development agency for the region. They were working to leverage the big show in attracting projects, studios and talent to the region.

Anyway, some quick pics from the week:


The frying pan simulator?!

 


Some fun play/light cubes…

 


Sam Roberts showing off IndieCade finalist PaperMint.

 


VR fun.

 


Will Wright’s entertainment/media flows.

 


Davey Jackson (GarageGames) enjoying a delicious muffaletta sandwich at the Butcher.

 


Autodesk had an eco-friendly booth made almost entirely of cardboard tubes.

 


Overdose!

 


Kim Pallister (Intel) and Meggan Scavio (Think Services) dive into the jumbo fried frogs’ legs at Herb Saint. Yummy!

 


New York Times’ graphics director Steve Duenes provided a fascinating keynote, giving endless example of data visualization and discussing the idea of graphical journalism. Great session.

 


Some beefcake at the ATI booth.

 


Matt Wisdom (TurboSquid) gushing about working in New Orleans during the LED/GNO party.

 


The “home team” booth.

 


Crazy float action at the Mardi Gras World warehouse, site of the closing party.

 


Closing party action. Too. Much. Food.