Like about other 100+ souls, I just finished enjoying a truly exceptional 3-day weekend at the AAIC.
The event in general shined as a True top World Class event. If there were any hiccups, I at least didn't see them. The quality of the presentations was top notch, the venue was also excellent, all the behind the scenes work seemed to deliver more than what a demanding attendee would want to receive... Even the food was great! I'll tell you, it was hard to believe this was the first time this event was happening here, and Mark surely made it look sooo easy, but we all know it's not easy at all!
And of course, with all that dissemination of knowledge also came the opportunity to talk shop with like-minded people for three whole days. Like someone said, this was like a star party without the stars - but the talks making up for that.
At a personal level, well, let's face it, there are many MANY other imagers out there whose names would shine brighter in a conference program than mine, so when Mark invited me to this event a few months ago, I felt so incredibly honored. I really did all I could (well, ok, I'll say it again: I can do things other than talk about PixInsight, I swear!
.. but that's another story) and I hope my small contribution to the event was at least not too far from what you were hoping to "get".
Just like many people here, I too was able to meet face to face with some people who I have known for a while only as a name and written words - I don't want to mention any names because I would probably forget some at this moment and it wouldn't be fair. But this too was very enjoyable as I'm sure others also feel.
As a three years attendee at the AIC, and although I know some AIC folks may end up reading this, I'll tell you that this event had nothing to envy to the almost 10-years old AIC... It was just that good. Well, it maybe could use a few more sponsors but after the success of this first AAIC, I don't think that'll be a problem for future AAICs.
One of the many things that I really enjoyed was to see how Mark managed to put together a panel of local presenters covering such diverse - yet related - topics, but at the same time, so much filled with valuable and interesting content! Mark your decision to bring a couple of "international" speakers wasn't a bad one (after all it's what brought me here!!!
), but the quality of the talks wouldn't have suffered a bit if you had kept it "local". I'm not encouraging you to do that for future AAICs, I'm just stating a fact.
And although we'll be leaving to the States way too soon (this coming Tuesday), if there's one thing I know is that after this first visit to Australia, I will certainly come back, although next time, rather than a hotel conference room, I'll most likely be seeking dark skies
.
Thanks EVERYONE for making my family and I feel just like at home, I sincerely appreciate it!!
Rogelio
PS: Now, driving on the "other" side of the road, that might take me a while getting used to
FLI AAIC 2011 ... Thank you!!!!
