"This is a Workshop! We don't want to just sit and listen to papers!"
That is some of the feedback the Conference Committee has been hearing at recent Workshops. In response to this feedback, we are implementing some evolutionary changes at the Fall Workshop.
First, you should see fewer multiple presentations of the same papers in multiple Forums. You should see more presentations in Joint Forums. These changes should open up more time for discussion and interaction.
Second, you should see more scheduled panel discussions addressing blocks of related papers, with invited panel members offering comments on the selected topics. These panel discussions should then foster additional interactions among Forum participants.
Third, you should see more Study Group meetings during the Workshop, with volunteer participants generating recommendations that may lead to future SISO standards activities. You will also hear reports back from existing Standards Development Groups on their progress.
In addition, we are overhauling our Sunday afternoon tutorial sessions, with revised offerings based on participant feedback. Watch for an announcement soon.
194 abstracts were submitted for this Workshop. By the time you read this, all authors should be notified as to which Forums have expressed interest in their submissions. Overall, the abstracts appear to be of very high quality. We're looking forward to a 99 Fall Workshop that is better than ever!
