FLI AAIC Registration is now open

[Bolts_Tweed]

Registration is finally available for the Finger Lakes Instrumentation AUstralian Astro Imaging Conference. The link to the registration process is available here: http://www.aaic2011.com/styled-2/page3.html

Cost etc are explained on the page - I have tried to keep it as cheap as possible so more can attend (it is a fraction of the any other conference I know of) Numbers are limited to 150 so if you want to attend i would reccomend you get in early. Speaking of that the earlybird registration rate of $120 a day is available until 4 May. After that date the daily rate will jump to $150.

I havent included airfares in the registration process. You can register at the venue hotel using the registration process if desired or alternatively there are plenty of accommodation options in the area. The international guests and keynote speaker will be staying at the venue. If you are staying at the Crowne Plaza (the venue) ensure you use the registration page to book to get the discounted nightly rate.

So thats it - Thanks again to the incredible Chris (Oomaroo) for all his hard work on the artwork and webpage. I have a couple of other new announcements that may be better suited to another thread so keep an eye out for them.

Mark Bolton

[leinad]

Sounds like it's going to be a great conference; plenty of post-presentation questions I bet. :)

Any possibility they'll be recording the presentations for later DVD purchase?

:question:

[RobF]

I'm in! Can't wait. The Australian astro community really owes you big time for all the work setting this up Mark. :thumbsup:

[cybereye]

Rob,

It'll be good to be able to put a face to a name! See you there on the Friday.

Cheers
Mario

[strongmanmike]

I'm really looking forward to the 4.30pm session on Friday, 5.00pm session on Saturday and the 4.00pm session on Sunday, these sound most fascinating - listed HERE (http://www.aaic2011.com/styled/page2.html)

Mike

[adman]

I am signed up and paid up!

I will join you for those sessions mike - they sound like just what I need to improve my imaging...

Adam

[DavidTrap]

Booked for Sat / Sunday. Unfortunately I have to work on the Friday to pay for this hobby/obsession :(

Thanks again to Mark and the team for putting this all together.

DT

[cybereye]

Well I was going on just the Friday... now I'm going Friday, Saturday & Sunday!! And I too am looking forward to the "Fluid Mechanics" sessions at the end of each day... :lol:

Cheers,
Mario

[RobF]

Yep - always good to meet some IIS faces - look forward to meeting too Mario. I thought Mike must have been presenting at the times he listed at first......:rofl:
Maybe if we're lucky it'll be presenting drinks.....:cheers:

[Bolts_Tweed]

thanls guys - the support is heartening - there was a big financial risk for me but numbers are coming in so heres hoping

Just a heads up on Ken and Rogelio. I have asked them to give an additional talk in teh general sessions on Saturday and Sunday in case people want to hear them and they have to work Friday. Ken is preparing his now and Rogelio agreed previously. Will update the website reflect this asap.

Afternoon sessions with Mr Sidonio - now thats going to be challenge. I am about 5' 6" and about 11 stone ringing wet - there will definately be no schooner for schooner competitions - laugh.

I am at my dark sky site at Leyburn at the moment - pretty limited communication wise bull get back to work on it on Monday. Im raising the accommodation buildings in preparation for the next 50 year flood. Closing the gate after the horse has bolted unfortunately.

Mark

[cybereye]

Mark,

As I'll be driving down from Brisbane each day, I was wondering what the parking situation would be?

Cheers,
Mario

[Bolts_Tweed]

Mario

The hotel has parking but also it is between Surfers and Broadbeach so there is always street parking around the hotel if the carpark is full. I have never had to walk further than about 2 minutes from my car.

Mark

[shahgazer]

Hi Mark,

This is certainly a great event and a good opportunity for me. I was feeling gutted because I need to cancel my planned trip to attend NEAF and NEAIC this year. And when I came across AAIC, I was really pleased!

And it is definitely nearer to where I am now, as compare to NY on the other side of the globe!

Can anyone help me on travelling tips. I believe there's a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Gold Coast airport. Will it be near the venue of the AAIC?

And is there a good spot for dark sky nearby? or maybe a star party around the date?

I attended the Ozsky star party at Coonabarabran in 2009, and the southern sky view was simply amazing! I would love to have another opportunity like that.

Any help is really appreciated.

Regards
-Shah-
Malaysia

[DavidTrap]

As for your destination airport - whilst Coolongatta (Gold Coast) airport is closer, it is a much smaller airport than Brisbane. The travel time from Brisbane is probably 90mins by train, so just pick whichever has the better flights. Certainly, don't take a second flight from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

As for a star party, Qld Astrofest starts on July 22. Its about 150km north of Brisbane (250km from Gold Coast). You'd need a hire car to get there.

DT

[multiweb]

Program looks real good with a lot of big names too. I reckon it would be worth pushing in some of our local guys like Ivo who did a terrific job on his Startools software (http://startools.org/)tool. Just a thought. He's put a hell of a lot of time in developing it. I bought a licence and I think he's got something really well worth supporting, and it's made in Oz. :thumbsup:

[cybereye]

Selamat pagi Shah!

Air Asia flies into the Gold Coast from KL and I'm led to believe that their prices are very, very reasonable.

A taxi from the airport would take about 15 - 25 minutes to the hotel where the AAIC is being held depending on traffic (nothing compared to what I've seen in KL though!). I've attached a map of the GC for your information having marked the position of the AAIC and GC Airport.

I hope this helps,

Cheers,
Mario

[Bolts_Tweed]

Gday Shah

Our friends have covered all the info pretty well. Yep Air Asia from KL to Gold COast would be easiest. Be warned it is around school holidays and flights may fill fast as a lot of Aussies use Air Asia now for SE Asian holidays. A taxi from the airport is pretty much how Mario covered it but be warned Aus is expensive. The cost might be around 50 Aus dollars. I live near the airport so contact me if you like and around the conference I will be shuttling to the hotel pretty often (or one of the conference volunteers will) so we may be able to organise transport if the times match up roughly.

Hope to see you down here. If you go to the AIC in the US i'll have a soft drink with you.

Marc

Good ides mate. I am sitting in my car with the wireless modem at the moment (in my driveway - not driving - laugh). I'll check it out - more software talks might be a good idea. We have capture and processing but not a lot of software. I'll follow it up.

Mark Bolton

[iceman]

I've written an article to help highlight and promote this premier event!

Australia's first major Astro Imaging Conference (AAIC2011) is on! (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-621-0-0-1-0.html)

More to come!

[shahgazer]

@Mario,

Selamat Pagi! Nice to hear you've been around KL. Though I couldn't agree more about KL traffics! :P

Yes, AirAsia does have really good ticket pricing. Need to book early though. Thanks for the map. It should give some head start for me to plan.

@Mark,

Thanks for the offer. :thumbsup: I will see how the hotel bookings turn up. Wonder if the is any budget hotel nearby the venue. I was planning for a maybe a week stay, and would benefit for a more affordable hotels. But then this is Surfer's Paradise right?

[Bolts_Tweed]

Gday Shah

The venue hotel is about halfway between the Casino at Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise. The only drawback in finding a hotel nearby is that there is hundreds of them. The street address of the hotel is 2809 Gold Coast Highway Surfers Paradise. If you search expedia for a hotel or motel north of the Casino or south of surfers paradise you will end up pretty close. Alternatively you could contact any gold coast travel agent and tell them you want to be near the crowne plaza hotel and tell them a price range and I am sure they could fix you up.

Mark Bolton

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thanks Mike

Whatever we can do to assist in attendance is a huge help

Mark

[cybereye]

Mark,

How are the numbers looking so far for the conference?

Cheers,
Mario

[adman]

thats just what the new scope needs - a pair of beer goggles

[Bolts_Tweed]

Gday Mario

We are looking at 50 at the moment but that includes about 13 presenters. I realise that a full trip to the conference, if you stay in venue is damned expensive. I have been pointing out to people that there is a mile of accommodation options in the immediate area of the Crowne Plaza from cheap motels to ridiulously expensive 6 star. I was talking to a nice guy late last week that is going to be staying in the YHA up the road.

I have heard there has been concern iover the costs and trust me if it could be held for free I would do it. Rest assured there is nothing coming to me from the accommodation or dinner - actually all I make is about $25 a head per day per attendee so now anyone can work out how many have to attend to cover airfares and accommodation for the international guests. Thank God for the sponsors or it would have been cancelled long ago. Unfortunately no matter how nicely I ask, international presenters wont pay their own way down here plus accommodation (nor would I expect them to).

I go to the AIC each year now so I get to see these guys anyway so sometimes I shake my head and wondern why I am doing this - only joking - it is on because we need it to be on. I hope everyone gives feedback on what they gain by attending - I know I learnt more in 3 days in California than I have in 3 years on my own.

Note - above is not whinging just rantings of a tired old guy. I saddens me that some wont be abloe to attend because of costs so if anyone cant go then please copntact me about holding it in your area next year to keep your costs down.

MB

[cybereye]

Mark,

Firstly, I think you've done a fantastic job in organising this conference. The amount of effort that you have obviously put into this, coupled with the passion that you have is sure to make this an event that all the attendees will remember for a long, long time.

As for expense, I guess I'm in a good position as I live on the south side of Brisbane and it will only have about a 50 minute drive each morning and evening to get to and from the venue. I don't have to worry about somewhere to sleep at night, just the diesel for my car. And since my mileage drops to some ridiculous number when we go down the coast I'm laughing!! But as you've rightly pointed out there is a bucket load of accommodation available in the area at really good prices.

Having been involved in lots of conferences in the Oil & Gas industry, I know just how reasonably priced you have managed to make this conference. I'm heading to the APPEA conference in Perth in a couple of weeks and it costs about as much to purely man a booth in the exhibition hall - that's not including purchasing the booth or being able to attend talks - as it does to attend all 3 days of the AAIC2011.

Mark, you have built our field of dreams. And like old baseballers, we will come!! And from the bottom of my heart - and I'm sure all the other attendees feel the same - I'd like to thank you very, very much for giving us this opportunity to be part of such a knowledge sharing experience.

Mario

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thanks for the kind words Mario

MB

[nebula]

booked for the friday and saturday, looking forward to this :)

Thanks for you hard work in organising this event, no easy feat!

Fairly new to astronomy, awesome community, location works out fairly well for me being in brisbane.

[adman]

only 3 weeks to go !! Really looking forward to this

[Bolts_Tweed]

gday Adam

yep 3 weeks and counting. I wonder who's bright idea it was to run a conference. The workload increases exponentially as it gets closer - laugh - no pain - no gain but.

I have some really exciting stuff organised that I will keep quiet for then moment but part of the conference will be to give back as much as we can in doorprizes etc.

Ken and rogelio are packed and ready to jump on the plane and are looking forward to meeting us all as well as some giant Australian jumping rats - ok kangaroos.

From what i have seen so far the talks will be fantastic. They cover all levels from beginner to expert and there should be something in it for everyone.

Can i just encourage everyone to make yourselves known to the presenters and discuss anything you like regarding imaging. This will definately increase what you get out of the conference instead of just sitting there and being entertained. The presenters, I am sure will be only to happy to discuss imaging techniques etc as this is what the conference is all about. It is about knowledge dissemination not just a showcase for images (although a few pretty pics help as eye candy).

I look forward to meeting you all - you wont miss me - I will be the short balding little guy having a nervous breakdown.

Mark Bolton

[cybereye]

Mark, I look forward to meeting you. I'll be the short grey-haired guy watching you have a nervous breakdown while taking time off from my nervous breakdown (work)! :lol:

Cheers,
Mario

[Bolts_Tweed]

Laugh - Birds of a feather Mario

Rally - I thought I would answer your question here as others may be interested. A bunch of firends from the BOSS supernmova team are staying at the Meriton hotel for about $100 a night per double. There are plenty in the area and the Crowne Plaza is expensive I warn you (I know you know Rally). I just ran a enquiry on Expedia and there are plenty of good hotel rooms around 120 a night and I havent even looked at motels that would be cheaper again. If you got a hotel/motel in Surfers / Boradbeach area you would not be more that a 10 minute cab fare from the Crowne Plaza anyway. I just also checked the Casino at it is the same as the Crowne Plaza

Mark

[thunderchildobs]

Is the AAIC website up at the moment? Monday 19:55 EST

I was on it on the weekend without problems.

Brendan

[RobF]

Working fine for me just now Brendan....

[Omaroo]

17 days and counting...... :thumbsup:

[thunderchildobs]

Mark
Just wondering, can you give an update on what the presenters will be presenting rather than having "Presentation by .." in the programme section?


Also what is the price, for after May 4th it says $150, but the early bird as $120+gst. Should the the after May 4th price be $150+ GST?

Brendan

[Omaroo]

Prof D. Malin: “Microscope to the Telescope: the Journey of a Lifetime”

Ken Crawford:

Rogelio Andreo: “Wide Field and Multi-Scale Processing”

Mark Bolton: "Narrowband Imaging"

BOSS Supernova Group: "Supernova searches using imaging techniques"

Greg Bradley: "Equipment selection"

Terry Cuttle: "“Presenting techniques in anticipation of the up-coming 2012 eclipse"

Marcus Davies: “Deep Space Astro-Imaging: Climbing The Learning Curve”

Phil Hart: “Techniques and Motion Control for Night Sky Timelapse Videos”

Ivo Jager: “Urban astro photography on a budget using raw CPU power and off the shelf hardware”

Jason Jennings: “Mosaicable”

Max Kilmister: "Image acquisition."

Humayun Qureshi: "Vagaries & challenges of delivering aesthetically pleasing DSLR images"

Mike Sidonio: "From wide eyes to an astrograph"

Brett Soames & Lars Hansen: "Observatory automation"

Eddie Trimarchi: "Having FITS - and seeing them too"

Anthony Wesley: "High resolution planetary imaging"

Julian West: "Imaging straight lines"

[RobF]

Excellent - thanks for that Chris

[peter_4059]

I'm in for Friday and Saturday - looking forward to it!

[Omaroo]

Cheers Rob :thumbsup:

I've just updated the AAIC2011.com website with subject titles associated with each presenter. Hopefully it's a little clearer.

[troypiggo]

I'm in too! Just booked! Looking forward to it! :D

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thx Chris

Ive been to busy to check the forum

M

[cybereye]

Hi all...

For those interested in an idea of the pricing of accommodation, my wife's managed to track down a 2 bedroom apartment for the Friday and Saturday nights for our family for $145/night. It's only 200m from the Crowne Plaza and gives a chance for my family to enjoy the coast as well.

Cheers,
Mario

[pmrid]

Hi Marc,
I just saw the list of presenters/topics you posted. Makes great reading. I was wondering whether there would be any take-away handouts from presenters AND thought I'd ask how you felt about sessions being video'd. My memory retention for 3 days of hard-core processing tips and tricks just about guarantees I'll forget most of it within a week. So it would certainly be real boon to me to be able to replay parts of it as I try later to practice what you guys will be preaching.

Peter

[Bolts_Tweed]

Gday Peter

Yep to the first thing - you will get all presentations as well a few surprises. Presentations will be in digital format (pdf) allowing you to print them. There is a fair bit of stuff in a goody bag you will all get. The DVDs with the presentations on them wont be available until the end as I wont get them all until Friday and I need to burn about 100 dvdS so I will have a few volunteers buring them during the conference. Anyone only coming Friday I will try and give them priority on issuing the DVDs.

As to videoing - I would suggest you contact the presenters at the conference mate. All the stuff (including the powerrpoint presentations everyone will get) is copyright to the presenters indivually and I know Ken and Rogelio get paid for giving tuition in the US so it would need their ok. I mean I know there is no problem but they may think a DVD of their presentations may become available on ebay - nah I dont think so but courtesy would suggest that would be the correct way to go. As to videoing my presentation - I dont mind but I would suggest you have a delay button in case I slip up - I do intend to be on my best irreverant behaviour but well you know - laugh.

Mark

[Ken Crawford]

First, I want to say that I am looking very forward to attending and presenting at AAIC2011. I have worked very hard to provide as much information as possible in both my presentations. I will be around during the entire conference to talk imaging and processing as much as you want. I am willing to share and learn with all of you as much as possible. Plus, I will be staying a few days afterward to see some of the sites.

As far as videoing my presentation as long as it is ok with AAIC leaders I do not have any problem if you want to record my presentations for your own personal use.

Again, looking forward to meeting everyone . . . .

Kindest Regards,

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thanks very much Ken

As I suppose I am as close as you can get to a leader of the AAIC then i have no problem either. I would request it doesnt get distributed too far thats all but I agree with you Peter that it would definately help jog the memory a week or two after the event. Please everyone else dont get too carried away but - 50 video cameras at the back of the hall may be too much. I am sure that we can, in the spriit of altruism, help each other out if necessary.

I cant say too much but there other surprises in store to help you all out but thats for later

Mark

[pmrid]

Thanks Mark. Ken. I take your point about the White House Press Corps battery of camaras up the back. I'm sure there will be plenty of sharing and cooperation going around.

But this lingering promise of unspeakable delights awaiting us all amount to a form of click-teasing.

Peter

[midnight]

I was really looking forward to this conference and the line up is one conference not to miss. Unfortunately, due to pressing work committments at this stage, I am unable to fly over.

Would there be any possibility to buy the presentation material afterwards?

I am quite disappointed that I can't make (at this stage anyway) and would certainly be happy to hear any ideas for a post conference publish that members could buy.

For those that can attend, I think you are all in for a treat - esp those like me that have started out only in the last 12-18months.

Hope the conference goes really well for all!

Cheers,
Darrin...

[cybereye]

Hi all!!

I've had a few PM's regarding the pricing I provide about accommodation and I thought I'd elaborate a bit on what I'd posted.

* The accommodation that my wife tracked down was through Quickbeds. There seemed to be plenty of apartments and hotel rooms available. Note that as it's school holidays here in Queensland and New South Wales at that time, most of the apartments have a set number of nights minimum stays. The apartment we booked had a two night minimum stay but there were some that required a seven night minimum. We could have got a hotel room with breakfast included at a cheaper price but with four of us the extra room made sense.

* For those coming from interstate, a good search zone would be between Jupiter's Casino at Broadbeach in the south and Cavill Avenue at Surfers Paradise to the north. This is about 2 kms either side of the conference venue which I consider a pleasant walk. I've attached a map to this post which should help people trying to book accommodation. Both Wotif and Quickbeds have maps of where the properties are situated and you can used the attach to give you a reference point.

I hope this information is useful and that people's stay in the Sunshine State is a pleasant one!!:party:

Cheers,
Mario

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thanks Mario

Darrin - PM sent

Mark

[RobF]

MMmmmmm- click teasing.....yum! :lol: :rofl:

[Omaroo]

I've just added another page to the website - "Directions", which provides a brief map and set of directions if you're coming from Gold Coast airport.

[Bolts_Tweed]

Fantastic Chris thanks

Click teasing ??? - does this contribute to the performance anxiety I am currently experiencing? Nah quality of presesnters covers performance quality.

C Ya all soon.

Just FYI if anyone is turning up on Thursday the conference registration desk will be open from 7.30 to 8.30 pm to try and minimise the queues on Friday morning. Come in the front doors turn right and you will see the lonely girl with no friends sitting there (my wife Debbi) and she can give you your name tags, meal vouchers and goody bags.

Mark

[cybereye]

Chris,

The map on the website appears to have the marker centred close to Cavill Avenue. The Crowne Plaza is about 2kms south of there.

Cheers,
Mario

[Omaroo]

Yep - good pickup Mario, and thank you. :thumbsup: I've replaced it with some fancier (and obviously more accurate) code. Now you can zoom in and pan around with full map control from Google Maps.

[Visionoz]

I am interested in attending and wonder if anyone else would like to share a service apartment accommodations? FYI I'm from Perth and if not able to find sharer then I won't be making it there since the cheapest fare is aro $448 (hand luggage only) via Jetstar and not forgetting the conference fees!

Cheers
Bill

[Bolts_Tweed]

I am trying to chase it up from this end Bill but not having a lot of luck. Everyone here is already booked and finalised.m There is a YHA ( a very good one)m just down the road that a few people are staying at but I think you have to be a member for that. I will keep trying but.

Mark

[Visionoz]

Thanks for trying Mark - I did find some accommodation that I liked; was planning to stay on till next weekend after the conference but the nights of Sats & Suns all booked out!

Does that mean Queenslander's do their lovin' on the weekends? ;)

Mario's tip was quite good actually for someone who hasn't been to the GC before

Cheers
Bill

[Bolts_Tweed]

Lovin?? After 33 years married I forget.

Yeah mate - the problem is school holidays. I thought I thought of everything but that slipped passed me. Thats the reason for the high accommodation costs everywhere here at the moment. We'll keep trying

Mark

[irwjager]

Hey guys,

This is a heads up for those who may have booked with Tiger Airways (i.e. people like me :( ) All domestic flights by Tiger Airways have been grounded until the 9th.

For more info check http://www.tigerairways.com/au/en/disruption.php

edit: from the site; "Customers with bookings within Australia between now and 6:00 am on Saturday, 9 July should not travel to the airport. They will be offered a full refund or credit for deferred travel."

[irwjager]

Also, I'm staying at the D'Arcy arms Motel (http://www.darcyarms.com.au/), which still has rooms available. It's 500m from the Crowne Plaza and reasonably priced (around the $100 mark per night).

I'm only going to be there for the Saturday and Sunday nights, but if anyone is looking to share a room I'm happy to share.

[PRejto]

I am going to fly a light plane from Sydney to Gold Coast airport on Thursday, returning on Monday morning. I can take one or 2 adventurous people if willing to cost share for fuel (which I estimate to be around $400 total). This is a very nice single engine Mooney "J" IFR out of Wedderburn (near Campbell
town)

Send me a direct message: mooney202 (at) optusnet.com.au

***Can anyone recommend a way (other than taxi) to get from the airport to the area around the conference?

[Bolts_Tweed]

What time are you looking at arriving at Coolangatta Peter.

My wife is picking up Greg Terrance from FLI at about 10.15 am on Thursday - I couldnt make her wait as she has a mile to do at the hotel. I will be shuttling between Bris and Gold Coast a few times during the day so I am out. Another mate is picking up David Malin at 8.30 am or so. If either of these times tie in I am sure they could find you a seat. Alternatively anyone want to share a maxi taxi with Peter if the times match up.

Mark

[PRejto]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your reply! Since I'm flying myself up my arrival is somewhat flexible, but it would be hard to arrive before 2:00. I must check in at my accommodation before 5:00.

Are you aware of any bus sevice from the airport main terminal?

BTW, I can share my accommodation if somebody happens to still be searching. It's quite reasonable (50% of $89/night Thursday -Sunday nights). Not entirely sure of the arrangements but booking lists up to 4 adults. 1 extra person is probably all I'd want to do.

Peter

[Bolts_Tweed]

Peter there is a shttle to Surtfers hotels that runs from the domestic terminal. I am off to work but I will see what i can track down later

Mark

[Tom Davis]

I wish I could be there for this meeting. I would love to meet all of you folks. I have been to AIC since it started and I even presented in 2009. I also presented at NEAIC this spring, but it would have been a dream trip to have made it to Australia to be at AAIC. Hopefully the directors will video the talks and allow us to see them. I don't even know how many of you, whom I consider friends, sound!!!

Cheers everyone and have a great time.

-Tom

[Bolts_Tweed]

Watch this space Tom. Are you going to AIC this year? i might try and catch up with you over there

Mark Bolton

[PeterM]

Here is the Surfside Bus timetable for route 702 from the airport to Surfers.


http://translink.com.au/resources/travel-information/services-and-timetables/timetables/100628_702.pdf

PeterM.

[PRejto]

thanks!!

[PeterM]

Well it's all happening
I'm sitting at Coollangatta airport waiting for David Malin to arrive then take him into Surfers. I just spoke to Mark and he has just picked up Rogelio from Brissy airport. Mark and his wife Debbie will be busy collecting invited guests pretty much for most of the day.
So Mark your dream of holding the first such conference in OZ is about to come true. Congrats Mate!
PeterM.

[RobF]

Yep, thanks again Mark. You're a champion!
Looking forward to tomorrow. Early to bed tonight!

[Octane]

It was a very long drive up, but, so good to be here!

Out having Thai at the moment.

H

[DavidTrap]

See you Saturday - have to work tomorrow to pay for this hobby / obsession!

(really annoyed about missing the workshops)

DT

[Octane]

In the past couple of days, I've met Mark Bolton, Ken Crawford, David Malin, Phil Hart, Rally, Eddie Trimarchi, Rob (RobF), Peter (peter_4059), Troy (troypiggo), Brett, Lars and caught up with other folks I've met in the past like Greg, Mike, Guy and Fred (who is always a fun time).

This is great fun. Like a star party. :-)

H

[COSMOPARADISE]

WELL I HAD FUN!!! Thanks so much Mark and ALL of the presenters for a memorable and inspiring couple of days. Ive learnt so much i cant wait to start putting it all in practice.
And what an opportunity to be lectured by Prof. David Malin. Speechless....
Hopefully see most of you soon.

[Peter Ward]

Sounds like a splendid time was had by all, and sorry I could not be there ( stuck on foreign shores until mid-week) hopefully there will be some videos & and PowerPoint summaries of the event on the web soon?

[troypiggo]

Absolutely fantastic opportunity. Top class workshops and talks, and how's this - Saturday lunchtime I'm sitting down at a table for 4 with Peter Bester (peter_4059), Humayun (octane), and the Professor David Malin! Got to talk face-to-face with several of the presenters like none-other-than Ken Crawford and Rogelio Andreo, as well as our own Aussie legends. I only wish I had another day to get around to the other presenters.

But seriously, anyone who didn't get there this time around, if the above opportunities aren't a big enough selling point, the talks were sooo good, information you can sponge up, sponsor displays (touching and feeling the gear you're going to buy soon :) ), door prizes, and even just meeting guys that we chat with all the time here on IIS.

Thanks Mark and team for pulling this together. Huge success from my point of view. Chris (omaroo) and H taking photos throughout the event as well, thanks - will be keeping an eye on the website to check those out.

[marc4darkskies]

WOW! A FANTASTIC event!! :2thumbs: Congratulations and a very sincere thanks to Mark Bolton for his dedication and very hard work. :prey2:
I think all the attendees would agree it was a huge success! I don't know the actual number of attendees but the rather large room was filled to capacity - I'd guess over 100!

Many thanks also to David Malin, Ken Crawford and Rogelio Andreo for there support and fascinating presentations. Ken and Rogelio travelled a very long way to be with us and their work is of course an inspiration to all us imagers!

It was also great to see the support provided by sponsors too. FLI, Aussie Sky & Telescope, Sirius Observatories, Star Optics, Sirius Optics and GRAS. Hopefully next time a few more local suppliers will jump on board (!!?)

All the presentations were fantastic - without exception!!! They all presented something useful and/or interesting and covered many facets of the hobby.

I got a meet a few more IISers too :)

Looking forward to next time!!!

Cheers, Marcus

[adman]

Great weekend - thanks Mark for your hard work, and to all the presenters, who, without exception, presented worthwhile material.

It was great to meet some of the IIS crowd - Humayun (whose name I can now pronounce with some degree of confidence...:P), and Chris (Omaroo), rally, Nick (cosmoparadise), Fred and many others. Troy - I didn't know you were there, but would have been nice to put a face to the name - will have to be next time.

I left a little early to try to get a jump on a busy week coming up - hope I didn't miss too much. I only realised afterwards that not being there for the door prize draw would pretty much guarantee that my number was pulled out first...:lol: - so if you could just forward my prize that would be great ;) (What was the door prize by the way??)

Thanks again to all involved.
Adam

[RobF]

Yep, what an awesome event. Thanks so much much again Mark, Debbie and all the Boltons and helpers (and sponsors!) that made it go off so well. So great to meet so many IIS'ers and get to chat to so many legends from Aus and O/S. Mind-blowing really.

[Octane]

I have had such an amazing time. Don't want it to end, really. :(

Was so good to put faces to names; I just wish I had more time to talk to more of my IIS friends.

Can't wait until next time.

H

[COSMOPARADISE]

i agree H, this is one painful comedown. It came, and went way too quickly. I loved meeting everyone and dinner was a great time for all to let loose. Great meeting you adman, Marcus, octane and geoff.
The next AAIC cant come around fast enough, although im sure for Mark it'll be in the blink of a FLI :D

[peter_4059]

Thanks Mark for pulling together a very worthwhile event. I learnt a lot and really enjoyed putting faces to all the names. I thought all the speakers were very generous in sharing their experience and expertise. My only regret was not being able to attend the dinner and last day.

[jase]

I echo the comments made. A very successful event. Complete kudos to Mark and his family for putting it all together along with the generosity of the sponsors. Fantastic to meet people from this forum. Information overload was a term used by many. Looking forward to the next conference.

[DavidTrap]

Thanks to Mark and his team of "willing" volunteers. The speakers were great and had obviously put a lot of time and thought into their presentations. Congrats to Terry for taking out the prize for his inspiring talk - I hadn't planned on going to Cairns in 2012, but that might just change...

Good to put some "faces & voices" to those from IIS whom I've been corresponding with for a couple of years.

DT

[cybereye]

Mark, thank you very much for putting on a conference that had the complete interest of every attendee for all three days. The effort that you obviously put in to make this such a success deserves every accolade that comes your way. As I'd said in a much earlier post, you built our field of dreams and like old baseballers we came. Thank you very much for all your work.

Marcus, it was great to catch up with you - 30 years is a long time between drinks so I hope to catch up with you on a more regular basis!! I still find it amazing that I recognised you after such a long time and you remembered me. I guess GSI did that to people!!

Octane, great to talk to you at great length and thanks for all the advice you gave. RobF, Omaroo and others, fantastic to catch up with all of you.

Cheers,
Mario

[Brundah1]

I endorse the previous comments.

Thanks Mark, you achieved your dream and we all benefit from that!

As a mere beginner thank you for guiding the presenters to include content relative to beginners through to those already achieving great results. I do hope that will remain a key concept for future AAICs.

Whilst your data projector has been "blessed by the hand of the Great One", we were all amazed and encouraged by David's clear, concise rendition of his great experience and knowledge.

The other presentations that were most informative to me were Ken Crawford's, Rogelio Andreo's, Humayun Qureshi's and Greg Bradley's.
Similarly for a beginner the enthusiasm of Mike Sidonio and Terry Cuttle will not be forgotten.

To all the presenters and volunteers, my sincere thank you for a most rewarding weekend. Roll on 2012!

Finally it was great to meet many IceInSpace members in person and exchange info and ideas.

Key points learnt:
"Respect the light" "Kept the colors natural" - Thank you David & Ken


David :thumbsup:

[ozstronomer]

Mark, Thanks to you and your band of volunteers for a very memorable conference. All the speakers gave impressive presentations with a big thank you to the international guests. Looking forward to the next conference.

Cheers Geoff

[COSMOPARADISE]

Yeah Mario thats pretty amazing that Marcus and Yourself had bumped into each other after so long. cosmic roundabout

[FlatWhite]

My thanks also Mark & sponsors; Excellent conference and as very much a beginner I feel like I have had the opportunity to jump way ahead in my knowledge. Lots of stuff to try doing now.

Thanks
Colin

[Omaroo]

What a great success that was. Meeting IIS friends, old and new, was a thrill. It was brilliant to catch up with those that have been around for a few years at various star parties and to meet plenty of enthusiastic new people that are now in for the ride. One and all - you're a top lot. :D

Ken and Rogelio - what can I say. What a coup it was on Mark's part to secure and organise your presence for the event. You were both thoroughly entertaining, informative and inspiring - in equal measure. Thanks so much for taking a chunk of time of your own time to be here. It was universally mentioned how much we enjoyed your talks and camaraderie around the table afterwards. I can't wait to go to AIC (maybe) later this year in California. We'll catch up again then. :hi:

To the rest of the speakers - as Rogelio has already said - TOP CLASS. All of you came across as the experts you are in your fields without exception. Thanks to all of you to take your time, too, and impart that knowledge so entertainingly. In particular, I'd like to point out Terry Cuttle's talk on imaging the next solar eclipse. It was a treat hearing about it from such a well-polished and engaging speaker. After meeting with Terry and sharing lunch with him on the Sunday, I'm even more fired up and I'm now sure to be going to far north QLD for this eclipse - I can't wait!

Lastly and not leastly - Mark. Well done mate. I'm proud to call yourself, your beautiful wife Deb and the kids my friends. Thanks for a superb job, and I can't wait for AAIC2013.

More lastly - a couple throwaways from the hundreds of photos I took over the weekend. I'm not going to put any more up here until we know what is going into AS&T. After that's sorted, I'll put a pile up on a new page over at the AAIC2011 website.

Now - after a 14 hour drive back to Sydney.... I'm going to fire up PixInsight and have a play! :lol:

1) View from my 19th floor hotel room window

2) Start of the day...

3) Mark

[EddieT]

I must add my sincere thanks to Mark and family as well. Though I have done already, I can't say enough.

It was great to catch up with everyone there speakers and attandees alike. many IISers, we don't catch up enough. I thank you all for the best three days I've had in a long time.

I took a mosaic while Greg Terrance was speaking, must have been about the same time as yours Chris. Sorry Jase, I didn't have time to do a scaffold!

Or any perspective correction for that matter.....

[EddieT]

Just a few more pictures...
1.Mark says, "Are you taking a picture of the back of my head Eddie ?"
2. A small cluster of well-known stars.
3. David and his shadow

A great weekend.

[COSMOPARADISE]

Great shot of Prof Malin.

[Omaroo]

Love this post-dinner shot from Saturday evening. Fred had a crowd going as he spoke about his time lapse motion control "device". Looked great held up against one of the hotels concrete columns... LOL! "3...2...1...boom!"

How I'd love to see them made commercially. Fat chance though... and I can understand why. Brilliant project Fred. :thumbsup:

[iceman]

haha great shot! :) Fred has the crowd in the palm of his hand.

[Omaroo]

Thanks Mike :) LOL

I heard it said many times, during it, that you were missed at the conference Mike. Next time, eh?

[iceman]

Thanks Chris, wish I could've been there.

I've been travelling for work a lot over the past 6 weeks, so trying to get time off (from family) to travel up for the AAIC would've been a suicide mission :)

Next time for sure.
Sounds like an absolutely cracking event - really sorry I missed it.

[gregbradley]

Yes it was a fantastic event and it was great to meet so many who are interested in astroimaging.

A super well done to Mark Bolton and his wife and family. He really put himself out to put on a great event plus he was
a really funny guy.

The level of enthusiasm for astroimaging was surprisingly high and the talks were great. There was a lot of interesting information and helpful
advice.

Next is the Malin awards this Saturday in Parkes.

Greg.

[Omaroo]

I've added a new "Photos" page to the AAIC2011 website and thrown a few quick ones up. I'll put more up as I process them. Shooting in near-dark without a flash (purposefully) is challenging! LOL

www.aaic2011.com

[h0ughy]

i hope you took darks flats an bias's - ;)

[Omaroo]

Indubitably.... :lol: I'm using my 21°C library. ;)

[iceman]

I love the outside group shot with Humayun on the edge - he's all stretched out because of the wide angle lens. :D

[Omaroo]

He ate heaps at the conference. :question:

LOL.. for that matter - so did I :P

[Bolts_Tweed]

gday Guys

before I say anything let me fix a major stuff up on my part. I found I was reacting all weekend and thus not sticking to lists and plans I had made. My thank you list at the end Listed the sponsors first and the second item was Chris Malikoff and idiot me didnt see it as I was speaking (I also nearly missed the best presentation award as well - thx Fred).

Without Chris this event would not have been anywhere near the success it hopefully was. His artwork for the booklet and the webpage went a very long way to portray the quality that I had envisaged for the event. He spent a lot of hours on that web page when I know he had a lot more important things to do relating to his work and never once said "bugger off I am too busy". Apart from being a great guy he also displayed the altruistic attitude required to make an event like this a success. Thanks Chris - bad luck you are mate of mine now and that has been known to be an emotional burden :).

Was it perfect - no - far from it - I apologise for the sound and projector problems on day 1. A huge thnks to David Malin and Mike Sidonio for solving the projector calibration and lighting optimisation. My secret is out - I am blind as a bat and I am really appreciative that they solved the problem as I would never have known - I see no problem in being a blind astronomer as Beethoven was deaf right?

I will reply in more detail soon. I am still unpacking and haven't set up my computer (the one on the AV desk) and I am on my wifes laptop just to reply as I was told there was discussion. Just two more things.

Greg Terrance from FLI (what a great guy hey?) has given a 5% discount to any conference attendee on any FLI product for 6 months. He has also advised Bintel of the discount. This is fantastic of him after all the money he has already contributed to Aussie Astrophotography through his major sponsorship - and trust me it wasnt cheap. Support him if you can guys - when you compare cameras in the price range you are looking then I am sure you will realise the quality of their product.

And just to be self centered for a minute - a huge thank you to Sirius Optics and Sirius Observatories. That automated dome that was set up in the technology showcase is now mine and is on its way to Leyburn this weekend - A big thanks to Debbi too - it is one of my astronomy toys that she actually knowsthe price off ;).

I will reply in more detail later - I need to get into a more regular sleeping pattern again. I was up at 5.30 this morning to get Rogelio to the airport and after a week of 4am starts and midnight finishes I need to sleep if I can stop the brain from grinding (David Trapp where are you with sleeping potions?) I will thank all the sponsors in the next post (they all deserve a huge wrap but I want to be on the ball and awake when I type it) but just a quick thanks to all the presenters and attendees because without you guys it wuld not have happened.

MB

ps great to meet you all in person and thanks Eddie for the photo of my bald head but I thought it deserved a better HDR processing that what you did :lol:.

[jjjnettie]

Glad a good time was had by all.
I would have been there if I could.
Hopefully next time.

[Octane]

I'm just naturally fat and wide at the periphery of your vision.

H

[Bolts_Tweed]

H - you are also gentleman my friend - glad to have met you.

[DavidTrap]

Mark - I don't do house calls, unlike Michael Jackson's "doctor", although I do use the same stuff (I'm just trained how to use it).

Great to hear about the dome for Leyburn.

DT

[irwjager]

Mark - you completely nailed it. I go by a very fuzzy metric; atmosphere, enthusiasm and eagerness of the attendees. By that metric the success of this very first AAIC was off the scale. You did an amazing job and looked cool as a cucumber fixing little glitches here and there.
Really, really, well done.

And that goes for Chris as well :)

[RobF]

Hear hear!
Amazing job on the graphics and webpage Chris. Damned fine work! :thumbsup:

[Omaroo]

Thanks Mark, Ivo & Rob. It's been great fun and it's also fantastic to work with such pros. I have to thank Mark for the opportunity to design the logo, website and handbook. I also have to thank Mike Sidonio for recommending me to Mark in the first place - thanks mate.

I'm looking forward to AAIC2013 and hope that I can be involved again with an event that will undoubtedly grow to great heights.

[Octane]

Yeah, fully sik work by you, Chris. :-D

H

[iceman]

Is it going to take place every 2 years?

[Octane]

At this stage, yep.

H

[marc4darkskies]

Hear hear! Last but by no means least Chris - well done! Your pictures are looking good too. Can't wait to see more!

[Omaroo]

Thank you Marcus. I appreciate the kind words, and regret not meeting you at the conference to say "hi". There was so much going on that I missed out on meeting quite a few luminary IIS people, so next time I hope. I particularly enjoyed your presentation - your perfectly dry humour intermixed with very useful information rolled out with impeccable timing. :thumbsup:

[Omaroo]

AAIC2013 has been registered and parked. A temporary website is up at: www.aaic2013.com

Mark - you're committed now.... :D

[Bolts_Tweed]

I am there in 2013 happily mate (by then I will have forgotten the workload required - smile). Yep Mike every two years to keep the quality at the benchmark that has now been set.

Remember everyone you have 6 months to have an altruism burst and go out and get quotes from hotels in your area and that is all you need to do. I will then be perfectly happy to bring it to your area - I will happily do the organisation required to run it. We just need to be sure that you are in an area where we can be reasonably sure of reaching that 100 (or hopefully better) attendee figure.

I should be working now so more later

Mark

[strongmanmike]

I won't rabbit on, but I'd lke to add my appreciation (once again) for all the efforts of Mark and Chris, these two guys were the base upon which this event grew...as well as everyone else who contributed and helped make this first AAIC conference such a resounding success.

I too can report that the conference was as good as everyone else has already suggested (except for my blocked ears after the flight that made me partially deaf for the weekend), it was the first conference I have attened where I actually attended every session :lol:...all very interesting, not even an eye waver or nod of the head in any of them either :thumbsup:

I look forward to 2013

Sydney would be nice for the next one, I am sure it would be huge there.

Mike

[Paul Haese]

Sounds like a great event. Out here in the boon docks it was just too far to travel for my current astro budget. I would have dearly loved to catch up with the guys I already know and even meet some of the guys I just know on line. The talks sounded interesting too. Maybe next time.

[AstroTourist]

Add my congratulations and thanks to all those posted here to Mark and his team for a fantastic AAIC. ALL the talks were memorable and inspiring. And the results that are being achieved are absolutely outstanding.
One thing I found astounding was David's marvellous and engaging talk about how he progressed through development of photographic techniques achieving groundbreaking results with the 3.9m AAT, and then to have presenters come up with equal results with amateur equipment and almost magical processing techniques - Ken those galaxy images blew me away.
From end to end it was a fantastic event.
To get the presenters award was a real buzz and thanks for those kind comments, here and directly to me. But it could equally have gone to anyone else - the talks were all so good. The prize money is already invested in a new OTA that is coming with me to Astrofest.
Terry

[Bolts_Tweed]

Well deserved Terry

I have also instigated a highly commended award that I think I can announce here because he wont see it. I am giving a highly commended certificate to Julian West for his talk on amateur spectroscopy which was also excellent (a very close second but just didnt have the audience feedback to win the main award).

I worked yesterday and have been out with ken and his wife all day today (the desktop computer still isnt set up) but I have taken a week off work and will be doing DVDs over this coming week. I have written the html (nearly) and they wil be starting to be posted this friday. Anyoen that didnt give me there email please email it to bolton@onthenet.com.au.

MB

[troypiggo]

G'day mark, did you get my pm?

[Bolts_Tweed]

Gday Troy

I have now mate - I got my desktop all fired up last night so I apologise for any tardy replies to anyone else. All good mate re your pm.

DVDs are finsished being written - Debbi is going to proof read the pages for me in the morning and I have a team to burn them over the weekend. It was worth waiting as I included a couple of excellent images by Humayan of the attendees and presenters.

I got Ken and Lisa-Jo Crawford to the airport this morning so after I burn these DVDs it is all over - seems a big let down. Can I remind anyone that hasnt provided me with a mailing address then please do so at bolton@onthenet.com.au.

Also anyone interested in attending the AIC in November feel free to contact me for any info you require. I know of about 3 seriously considering it and I can highly reccommend it. I chased down some good airfares for a mate this morning so if anyone wants some info then let me know.

MB

[Bolts_Tweed]

Just a quick FYI. DVDs containing all presentations and Kens tutorials were posted today. Give it a couple of days and contact me if there is any problems.

Any presenters that havent given me mailing addresses could you contact me at bolton@onthenet.com.au so i can orgaqnbise your copy.

MB

[Bolts_Tweed]

Just to clear it up - the description of the DVDs has made some people think video. It isnt - it was too dark for effective video. It is just presentations and Kens video tutorials.

MB

[nebula]

Love your work Mark! :)

Im not sure I can wait 2 years till the next one though... but you cartainly need a breather.

Perhaps I need a trip to the US haha

[EddieT]

Recieved my DVD yesterday.
I haven't been through it all yet but it's looking good.
Thanks Mark!

[Omaroo]

I found my DVD in the mailbox this afternoon. Great work Mark, and all the contributors.

I've briefly run through most presentations (and there are a lot!) and am very impressed with all of them. Ken's work - wow - he really put in some time to provide these video tutorials. A big, big thank you to the new honorary Aussie, Ken Crawford :thumbsup:

[Bolts_Tweed]

Thanks guys

I know Ken put in a really solid week recording and editting those tutorials just as a way of saying thanks. Its great work isnt it? He sent me some video he took with a camera on his remote control plane over Lake Tahoe - absolutely amazing. Talented guy. Debbi is just glad my eyesight is so bad I cant go out and get one - I wouldnt be able to tell if it is flying towards me or away from me.

I dont think he'll mind so if you are interested check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxWByi19e4k (mhtml:{4368B6F3-551F-4735-AEF2-F8C4F12739BE}mid://00000068/!x-usc:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxWByi19e4k)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eid3Mbe0Sk (mhtml:{4368B6F3-551F-4735-AEF2-F8C4F12739BE}mid://00000068/!x-usc:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eid3Mbe0Sk)

MB

[nebula]

Great DVD, thank you very much Mark for putting it all together and those that helped.:eyepop:

Thank you also to the content contributors :)

[Ken Crawford]

Thanks so much! :welcome: I was really hoping the tutorials would be helpful (all 11 chapters).

I really thank you for the adpotion into the Aussie community :thumbsup:

Regards,