How To Make the Most of AIO 2014
Arlene Smith, Ph.D.
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Manage your schedule
Before you leave for AIO, use OSA’s online itinerary planner to manage your schedule during the meeting. AIO 2014 is part of the Imaging and Applied Optics Congress, which means sessions from all six topical meetings run concurrently during the week. Don’t miss out on the talks you want to attend!
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Bring your business cards
Remember these networking tips? Put them to use during the Congress Welcome Reception on Monday evening, 19:00 – 20:30, and at the technical and social panel sessions.
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Use Social Media
Use LinkedIn to connect with attendees and exhibitors. Use Twitter to tell the world about that exciting talk (follow #OSAImaging2014). Use Instagram if you’ve found a great place for lunch.
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Get the daily lowdown at AIO After Dark
Each evening at the end of the last session, the AIO committee will pick an establishment close by to meet for dinner, drinks and stimulating conversation. Follow me on Twitter (@senelra) for the daily location announcements.
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Attend the Joint Plenary Session
Plenary speakers from Applied Industrial Optics, Imaging Systems and Applications, and Laser Applications to Chemical, Security and Environmental Analysis will present their research at the joint plenary session on Tuesday 15 July at 08:50. This year, Bernard Kress (Google [X], AIO Plenary Speaker), Ramesh Raskar (MIT, IS Plenary Speaker) and Christof Schulz (Univ. Duisburg Essen, LACSEA Plenary Speaker) are the star speakers. Don’t miss this session!
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Visit the Exhibit Hall
The Congress Exhibition will be open throughout the meeting: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10:00 – 17:00, and Tuesday 10:30 – 19:00. Be sure to stop by and meet the exhibitors (and stock up on candy and free pens!)
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Meet the Poster Presenters
The Congress Poster Session is on Tuesday 15 July 17:00 – 19:00. This is a joint session for all topical meetings, and is sure to be abuzz with conversation.
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Take note of the panel sessions!
There are four panel sessions in the AIO schedule, offering a great opportunity to meet speakers and ask questions! The details are listed in the regular program, so you can include them in your online itinerary. Here’s a reminder:
Technical Panel #1: Next challenges in Lighting and Laser Sources. Monday 14 July, 15:30 – 16:00
Social Panel #1: Careers in Optics. Monday 14 July, 18:30 – 19:00
Technical Panel #2: QCL Commercial Challenges. Wednesday 16 July, 12:00 – 12:30
Social Panel #2: Bring Us Your Problems. Wednesday 16 July, 18:30 – 19:00
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Explore Downtown Seattle
If you have any energy to burn after a hectic day at AIO, the sights and sounds of Seattle are on your doorstep. Despite the cliché of rainy Seattle weather, the forecast for next week looks good! I can’t wait to check out Pike Place Market, grab a coffee at the first Starbucks and view Seattle from 605ft at The Space Needle. The Seattle Great Wheel is also right downtown, overlooking Elliott Bay. Microsoft fans can head out of the city to see Bill Gates’ Medina Mansion overlooking Lake Washington.
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Mark your calendar!
By the end of AIO 2014, you will have a met several new contacts and potential collaborators. Once you get back to your office, take the time to follow up on conversations and ideas exchanged at AIO. And mark your calendar for AIO 2015!
