Conventions

Mar. 28-31, 2012. It means United States Institute for Theater Technology.  Most audiences at a theatrical performance don’t stop to consider everything it takes to get put this thing on the stage. The performance is just the tip of the entertainment iceberg. Creativity and hard work go into scenes, lighting, costumes, sound, make-up, stage managing, and the performance area itself. It is the design, production, and technology professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry that the United States Institute for Theatre Technology was set up to serve.  USITT provides benefits, learning opportunities, and networking for over 3,700 members worldwide. For those who design the spaces and those who create and manage the productions, the Annual Conference & Stage Expo were where the performing arts community gathers.  Break a leg!

Mar. 27-29, 2012. WESTEC, reportedly the California region’s definitive manufacturing event, returned to the Los Angeles Convention Center redefined, and with renewed commitment to area industry. WESTEC is a manufacturer’s think-tank where creativity, vision, and strategy join forces to spotlight the promise of ground-breaking products for vital global markets.  The focus is on people using technology to innovate. Delegates could chase down the very latest technologies – from cutting tools to multi-tasking machine tools, all from top international equipment manufacturers. New features included the Emerging Technology Showcase, highlighting applications for micro, nano, and additive manufacturing; and Milestones in Manufacturing, a celebration of key technology developments.  As the old Bread song had it, “I’d like to “make” it with you….”

Mar. 28-29, 2012. CET, also known as KioskCom, stands for Customer Engagement Technology World.  From digital signage to mobile marketing, from self-service kiosks to social media… CETW is focused on leveraging the integration of emerging media across multiple channels to activate customer engagement.  People are constantly consuming information through a variety of channels, we learned, often simultaneously and whether they realize it or not. They are engaging with each other and their favored brands in new ways every on a daily basis.  Delegates were there to experience the newest technologies and innovative thinking behind some of today’s multi-channel campaigns and experiences.

Mar. 20-23, 2012. CPRS is the California Park and Recreation Society.  It’s there to provide career development, networking and resources, and is the public advocate for California park and recreation professionals.  CPRS is a nonprofit public interest organization with more than 4,000 members who create opportunities for providing recreational experiences to individuals, families and communities, fostering human development, promoting health and wellness, increasing cultural unity, facilitating community problem solving, and protecting natural resources.  86 percent of park and recreation agencies in California claim at least one CPRS member. In addition, over 175 park and recreation agencies are themselves CPRS members.  Tired of walking round all the booths already?  Park it…

Mar. 19-23, 2012. MSC is the Measurement Science Conference. The focus was on the future of science and the challenges it faces.  As man’s knowledge doubles in a shorter and shorter timeframe, our ability to keep pace with new technologies might seem overwhelming.  To aid in facing the growing challenge, MSC 2012 was focused on new techniques in the Science of Measurement for Commercial, Medical and Government applications. The goal of the Measurement Science Conference was to provide a professional training forum and venue to advance education, renew and expand professional contacts and partnerships, and provide emerging ideas, insights and innovations in the profession.  Wait, should I bring a thermometer or a tape-measure…?