Aus Astro Imaging Conference is on - July 2011

[Bolts_Tweed]

I am excited to announce the dates are set and the venue booked for the inaugural Australian Astro Imaging Conference (aaic2011) to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise on 15th to 17th July 2011. Note this is the weekend before Astrofest starts – I’ve tried to make it possible for one trip to Queensland if you want to attend both. The contract with the hotel is signed and it definitely all systems go.

The theme of the conference is Astro-Imaging for all levels and I have arranged speakers to cover a range of imager abilities. Further most of the presentations will be instructional providing an opportunity for all of us to improve our skills. The conference is separated into two sections. The first section will be workshops on Friday 15th July. The workshops (45 minutes each) will be conducted by Ken Crawford and Rogelio Andreo with topics yet to be announced. There will also be additional workshops being run to cover more basic imaging techniques and methods by myself, amongst others. Rogelio has agreed to attend and he is very excited, there is however a slight question mark over a planned trip to Spain for a similar time so confirmation of his attendance will happen soon. There are several other international guests that are very keen to come down so if he can’t get here then he will replaced by .another high quality international presenter.

The program on Saturday and Sunday will be a general conference with the opening keynote address by Prof. David Malin followed by a range of speakers including our international guests as well as excellent Australian astro imagers such as (in alphabetical surname order) Greg Bradley, Jase Jennings, Humayan Qureshi, Mike Sidonio, Eddie Trimachi and Anthony Wesley, amongst others.

There is also a scientific imaging session on the Sunday with papers by the BOSS group (Backyard Observatory Supernova Search), an international collaboration between amateurs and professional astronomers as well Julian West on Spectroscopy.

This is just a preliminary announcement and I will provide more information as it becomes available. A website is nearing completion and artwork is also available. A special thanks to Mike Sidonio (chief sounding board – I am sure he got sick of all the ‘What About This Idea’ emails) and Chris (Omaroo) who has been invaluable for the artwork and the web page design. Also a big thanks to my employer, Griffith University, who is helping me to underwrite the conference and giving me time to organise it. Registrations won’t open until early next year but there will be just over 6 months from opening registrations to the conference date. I will be forwarding Chris’ excellent artwork as well as further information to all astronomy club websites I can track down as well all astronomy suppliers seeking support.

This is your chance to get the ear of these high quality imagers to improve your own imaging abilities. I also have a few presentation spots available if anyone particularly wants to give a presentation on Saturday or Sunday. If we get more than required, we will decide who presents by voting of the organising crew.

There is far more to discuss and present but I thought I would break the new here on IIS.

[firstlight]

Thats fantastic Mark. You've certainly been busy in the background setting this up. Staging this event as you have done means that there isn't a starvation on of oxygen for one or the other, and will enhance each.

A brilliant stroke.

The only thing I might suggest is that this thread might belong in the Star Parties, Club and Community Events (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=16) forum... What do you think Mods?

[dugnsuz]

Fantastic news - big thanks Mark et al for organizing this.
Doug

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thanks Tony

It has been being planned for over 2 years now, a bright idea at first then gathering momentum. After visiting the recent AIC in Santa Clara (ok a spying mission - laugh) it was just a matter of biting the bullet. Going to that conference was one of the most fulfilling things I have done as an astro imager. Being able to discuss filter factors with Don Goldman or processing with Tony Hallas or stretching with Rogelio was unbelievable. I am currently reproing some of my images using techniques I picked up and i'm amazed with the results - when I get time to fully repro i'll post some results.

One other thing I didnt mention is that this is being run as not for profit. IF (ie a big if) it makes money (who am I kidding) then it will all go to getting next years speakers here, reducing conf fees etc.

Its a field of dreams mate - i'm building it - I just hope they come

Mark

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thx Doug but at the moment I am wondering what I am going to do next for fun. Maybe shoot myself in the foot - laugh. Theres been no sky lately round here so writing emails all night gives me something to do. :)

Lets hope it works

MB

[h0ughy]

well i might have to fly up for the conference then return the next week with my gear for astrofest. i dont think i can wangle 3 weeks from home LOL

[marc4darkskies]

Well done indeed Mark - kudos to you sticking your neck out to organise this kind of event. I think Australian astro-imaging is ready and I bet the event will be a great success!

Cheers, Marcus

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thx Marc

PM sent too

MB

[Octane]

I was honoured to receive Mark's email asking if I'd do a presentation. I'm delighted to be part of this. It's going to be tres uber awesome. : )

Thank you Mark, for all the hard work you've put in thus far.

H

[jjjnettie]

I'm looking forward to it!

[that_guy]

:D:D Its soo damned close to where i live!! and H will be there!!! YAY!!!

[Bolts_Tweed]

Good to see the enthusiasm - what will be better will be finally meeting you all H, jjj & tony et al. We'll share a kimchi burger tony

MB

[troypiggo]

:thumbsup: absolutely awesome work and looking forward to attending!

[iceman]

Wow, what a great initiative. Well done on the work so far.

I'll be very keen for IceInSpace to be involved as much as possible - especially with helping you promote the event.

I'll be in touch!

[Omaroo]

Website is now registered and running. A temporary index page is up until the CMS-enabled site is properly implemented early next week.

http://aaic2011.com

Here's the small version of the front cover of the pamphlet that Mark will be will be chuffing out to industry partners and vendors shortly.

I guess that I'll see you all there. :) Looking forward to it.

EDIT: Dates changed

[gary]

Hi Mark,

A great initiative and well done to everyone involved.

Having it the weekend before Qld Astrofest will undoubtedly provide some
the first opportunity to visit the hallowed green grounds of the Duckadang
observing field, which will be a big win for Astrofest as well.

We will certainly do our best to spread the word and promote the event including
to overseas enthusiasts.

Best Regards

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[DavidTrap]

Great to hear this is up and running Mark - I've put it in the diary already and will be shortly e-mailing those who write my rosters to ensure I'm not on call that weekend.

Regards
David T

[Doomsayer]

Well done! I was wondering when such a conference would debut. Looking forward to it.
guy

[rogerg]

sounds great Mark, wow what a lot of work aheadb of you! I hope to make the trip from Perth for it, see how things go next year.

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thanks for the kind words to you all. As you can see what I said about Chris' work is true - unbelievable stuff. Thanks to Mike too - promotion is the key. Obviously if it flops it will be a one year wonder but there is fair bit going on behind the scenes to ensure it works and to keep conf fees to an absolute minimum.

Will update you all as things develop.

MB

[[1ponders]]

Wow, thanks Mark and Chris. This is fantastic news. I must have known it was coming as I told my fellow workers that I was taking a whole month and a half off next June/July. It will be great to catch up with old friends from interstate that haven't been seen for 5 years and to make new ones. Wonderful plan.

And then to be able to practice all these new skill that we'll learn at Astrofest a week later. Who could ask for more. Thank you. :bowdown:

[Bassnut]

Excellent idea Mark, ill be going to this. Top speakers too, looking forward to them.

[allan gould]

Most excellent, Mark. I'll be there. Any chance of a DVD done so that all the tips don't slip through our fingers if we miss a processing step in a particular procedure?

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thanks again guys.

Allan - the aim is to publish the presentations / workshops (2 seperate volumes) for attendees in bound proceedings. I was going to try and publish it in conference paper format but it is only us publish or perish academics that usually write stuff like that I realised, and I dont want to make it too complex for presenters (Im going to be a stickler for referencing but - old habits die hard - laugh) So ive suggested to all presenters that they also provide slide notes with their presentations and i'll get them printed at uni 3 to a page with slides and notes beside each other. The aim is to publish an annual reference book which the more business minded will realise gives excellent advertising opportunities (gotaa pay these airfares and hotel fees somehow).

MB

[Greg Bryant]

The 2011 David Malin Awards in Parkes are also currently scheduled for the same weekend in July. Could be a potential clash of speakers and attendees...

Greg

[allan gould]

Mark
That's an excellent idea to have the presentations as a bound folio. Would that be made up prior to the presentations so that it could be annotated during the talk?
A lot to ask I know but you have put a lot of effort in so far and I'm quite excited to attend.

[Bolts_Tweed]

Firstly please let me just say :help::eyepop::help::eyepop::help:: eyepop::help::eyepop: - Greg you are right. I picked a full moon just before astrofest thinking who would have anything on teh full moon. There is a lot of begging and restructuring going on and I will announce in the next 24 hrs. Why am I doing this ???????????? I need to confirm a date change with all the speakers.

Allan - yes mate - the proceedings will be provided at registration with a pen and another note book. I have found myself wondering - what was that slide about? after perusing the AIC presentaitons.

If anyone is inconvenienced financially by the potential moving of the conference by a week or so lte me know - provide some documentation and I will attempt to fix the problem. I know some people have mentioned privately they have booked flights - if so let me know.

MB

[Bolts_Tweed]

OK guys - thanks to my stuff up and the hotel being booked the following week I have managed to get the hotel to agree to giving me the preceeding weekend - SO come hell or high water, the donference will be held on 8th, 9th & 10th July 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise. I am going to now issue invitations (or pleas) to industry for sponsorships etc. I cant change again (however I realise the importance of the Malins) but if there is any other dramas I am just going to have to live with it. Ken and Rogelio have agreed and they are definately coming. I am booking Kens airfares tommorrow and Rogelios next week. I havent heard from David yet - he's a busy guy - but I am pretty sure it will be ok.

So there it is. Thx to Greg Bryant for the heads up also. It could have been a lot worse an outcome (apart from my embarresment)

MB

[dannat]

holy crap that now puts it smack bang in the middle of the VIC school holidays :D;) {i am a teacher}...my kids want to do the theme park crap anyway

[Bolts_Tweed]

yeah mate - that is one of my limitations - Im a lecturer and I need to run it the uni break to ensure I have the time to give it that it deserves.

MB

[ashcb1]

I am interested in attending. I have at this stage very limited knowledge on imaging and I want to know more. Is this conference for the likes of me?

[Bolts_Tweed]

gday Mate

Definately - one of the key parameters in selecting speakers and topics was that it was for everyone whether you use a 350D on a tripod or a state of the art RCOS and FLI CCD.

Yes there will be top end stuff but there also will be miles of info for beginners and intermediates. Having seen the presentations at the AIC in US - the presenters there over a a topic from simple capture information through to top end processing. The beauty of this is that while the top end stuff may be a bit convoluted at the moment - you will have the info in your proceedings when you are ready for the next step and you understand a bit better. Thats the beauty of forums like this - but you will have the right information to ask to right questions.

There will be presentations on beginner to intermediate stuff like how does a computer 'see' colour, what is colour noise, using the colour wheel and complimentary colours to adjust images etc.

So yep definately. Plus it is a pretty cool experience to meet, chat and chill with some of the best in the world (and I include a lot of our aussie presenters in that catagory).

MB

[Omaroo]

The website is up permanently now, and will be populated with final conference details and booking info over the next couple of days :)

Please keep checking back regularly.

http://www.aaic2011.com

[Omaroo]

Full website is now up. A brief synopsis on speakers, event programme and sponsors has been added.

[Octane]

Fabulous job, Chris! The web site is slick, clean, elegant and simple. Kudos on the colour theme, too. It suits very, very well. :)

Looking forward to this!

H

[firstlight]

Is there a ball-park figure on the cost of registration yet, Mark?

[RobF]

Hmmm, I would have been pushing it with the family to get away for astrofest AND the weekend before, but now its come forward, HMMMM!!

[Bolts_Tweed]

Sorry about my tardiness guys - Chris told me today about the question here. I got smashed a couple of times in the floods up here and have beena trifle busy - not smashed like some other poor buggers just the inconvenience of cleaning out the house and observatory at Leyburn.

Firstly I have to give Chris a big wrap - the website is fantastic - truly professional and something to be proud of even compared to the US people that have been doing it for years. Note - everyone involved is doing this for nothing for the betterment of astro-imaging. I cant stress how rewarding and informative these conferences are - I can virtually guarantee a big improvement in your imaging and processing from attendance at the workshops and general sesions. Also a big thx to our mate Mr Sidonio who has been really helpful behind the scenes.

OK fees - Again this is being run as not for profit and any profit will go to next years attraction of internationals. Fees will be entirely dependant on sponsorship. I'll subtract the sposnsorships from the cost and divide it by a projected number of attendees to come up with attendance fees. Just day time meals (morning teat, lunch and afternoon tea is about $60 a a head, add the venue, AV equipment, international airfares and accommodation and you can see it will be a lot without sponsorship. At the moment none of our Aussie SUppliers seem interested (I do have support from Sirius Observatories and some great help with advertising from Aust S&T) but no-one else seems interested yet - it is still pretty early and hopefully they will realise the value in supporting the conference. FLI are also on board as major sponsor (fantastic) but to have no Aussies will be a enbarassing in front of the Americans especially with a large technology room adjacent to the main venue with no-one in it. Enough said on that.

I am guessing but if I can get it down to 100 dollars a day (early registration) and 125 dollars (lae rego) then I will be happy. This is my target. This is less than the US conference but they include dinner (we wont - Maccas is down the road - laugh).

So thats about the state of play with fees at the moment.

Mark Bolton

[DavidTrap]

Considering the amount people invest in gear Mark the projected costs are more than reasonable!

DT

[Bolts_Tweed]

Yeah David I agree - I was talking to Chris today (did I say great web page :) and for the price of an eyepiece (does anyone still use them ?) you can have tuition by the best in the world and the opportunity for one on one instruction by them (remember thats they are there for).

Also I should add that the Aussie speakers at this stage are doing this for the love of the hobby - depending on sponsorship, attendance etc I am going to reimburse what I can but bottom line is that it is all about sharing and dissemination of knowledge. Even the best will pick up info.

Now if anyone can give me some sky around a new moon in SE Qld I can capture some data for my presentation. Its going to be damned boring without data to do my comparative study - but then again a lot of you havent heard all my bad old jokes ;-)

MB

[strongmanmike]

Here's a good one.."What's got two thumbs and loves sex?"... :2thumbs:

Mike

[Omaroo]

Shucks Mark... :thanx:

All good fun for a great event. I can't wait to attend. It'll be fantastic to meet Ken and Rogelio and hear what they have to teach us. :thumbsup:

[mangrovedutch]

WOW, this sounds great, I will attend this - come hell or high water. A big thank you to all that are involved with the organisation of this conference. I've had a look at the website, and it looks great. Are there limited seats available for this? This will be a fantastic weekend, and as a Newbie to Astronomy and Astrophotography, the information will be invaluable to me.
Great work guys.

Regards, Dutch

[Bolts_Tweed]

Aaaah Mike - I am actually that sky starved that if it was clear I might get a headache. But then again theres a bit of time before it gets dark.

Chris - Dont sell it short mate - you did a great job (or should I say - are doing a great job) - i know it is a lot of work.

Dutch - good to hear mate - there is a limit of 150 people in the room I have booked - it was a trade of between venue costs and optimistic estimation of numbers. Hope to see you there.

MB

[richardo]

Congrats you guys for getting this up and running.
Fantastic to see. I know the chaps over the other side of the 'lake' have one of these every year, so it's good to see, we who are 'down under' getting together for an astro ganza meet!

Great to see so many talented folk from this group participating with organising and conducting sessions as well as notable international guests.

Pitty I live so far away... and no doubt, at the time, won't have the funds...

Good on you guys... I'm sure it will be a huge success.:thumbsup:

One of these days I'm gonna meet all the astro people I've met over the years at one of these shows... one of these days:)

All the best
Rich

[strongmanmike]

Start a piggy bank now!...can you seruiously imagine a better holiday :shrug: ...Just think, a casino, a beach, great weather, meter maids :whistle:...AAAAAND a three day imagers fest :eyepop: :thumbsup:

Mike

[h0ughy]

LOL stay for an extra few days then go to astrofest ;) (ok its 2 more weeks)

[mangrovedutch]

Still not ready for registration, check again next week. Any idea of cost to attend yet?

Dutch

[Omaroo]

I'm expecting news on registration from Mark in the next day or so. As soon as it's available I'll put it up on the registration page on www.aaic2011.com

Watch this space as they say...

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thx Chris

I have registered the conf with Conference on line that will handle the registrations and they wanted 48 hours to set it up. When i get back to uni on Monday I am pretty sure it will be ready to go.

As to cost - I tried very hard for 100 a day but the lack of sponsorship has forced it to 125 a day for early birds and after 1 May it is 150 a day. Venue has a limit of 150 people. The conference dinner on the Sat night is an extra at 80.

I was delaying in the hope of sponsorship prior to releasing registration to keep costs down but I cant wait any longer.

For anyone interested please check out the Awards section of the web page. I have been given some money provided it goes to an award and have decided on the AAIC Outstanding Achievement award to be run annually - all is explained on the web page but 5 finalists will get a certificate and the winner gets $1500. Can be an image, a processing technique, a piece of software in fact anything to do with astro imaging. It will be judged y the visiting internationals and the keynote each year.

Hopefully registration will be open early next week but dont panic - you have until early March to get the reduced rate.

Mark

[DavidTrap]

Knowing what I pay to attend my work-related conferences and the amount of money that they receive from sponsorship, I think you have done an incredible job to keep the costs so low Mark - well done!

I'm just cranky I can't get to all three days...

DT

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thx David

I usually pay conference fees of the order of 7 to 3 hundred as well. The difference is I think this is self funded not work or research accounts so i've screwed arms to get it where it is. Admittedly it doesnt include dinner but the extra 60 bucks or so kill it for 3 nights for a lot of people. Maccas is down the road and there a heap of good reasonable priced restaurants in the surfers / broadbeach area. The casino is a reasonably priced feed as well (within walking distance) if you can stay off the blackjack tables.

When you take ot the 60 bucks for lunch, as well as arrival cofee and morning and afternoon tea and we've then got to get the guests here, put them up as well as pay for the venue, AV gear etc then I think people will see where the money goes. I am sure it will be worth it.

As I said before, if anyone wants alternative accommodation in the area let me know - there are 2 star motels to 5 star luxury in the area so you have an option.

MB

[cybereye]

I've just signed up for the Friday (workshops) and I must say I'm really looking forward it!!

Cheers,
Mario

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thanks Mario

I see you on the list. A good response so far (in one night I might add) - thx to everyone that has registered. Maybe I should have insisted on IIS user names so I know who everyone is - laugh

Mark