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Colorado-based Computer Graphics Industry Professionals Make Their Mark on a Global Scale at SIGGRAPH 2024

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The world’s leading annual educational experience showcasing the latest in integrated technology and computer graphics will feature Colorado’s talented professionals on a world stage at the 51st annual conference in Denver

DENVER, July 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — This is the year when everything comes full circle at SIGGRAPH 2024, the premier conference and exhibition on computer graphics and interactive techniques. The 51st annual conference, held from Sunday, 28 July, to Thursday, 1 August 2024, returns to its Colorado roots for the first time since the first SIGGRAPH conference in Boulder, Colorado, in 1974 with around 600 attendees. This year, exhibitors and thousands of attendees from around the globe will meet at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, bringing professionals worldwide together to explore innovative ideas and foster the future of computer graphics and interactive techniques. Colorado’s top talent in the industry will not only be in attendance, but many are also presenting on the conference’s global stage.

“It’s a very good balance between the scientific content and the experiential quality of the installations and exhibits. SIGGRAPH has three parts. The conference allows high-quality scientific communication. The Experience Hall explores how technology creatively evolves and shows how computer graphics and interactive techniques impact our lives. Then, we have the SIGGRAPH Exhibition, exposing exciting advancements. We are committed to bringing the best quality possible to make this unforgettable,” said SIGGRAPH 2024 Conference Chair Andres Burbano.

SIGGRAPH has transformed over the years, and as the conference enters the next age of computer graphics and interactive techniques, it continues to lead with creativity to design the most desirable future ahead. Colorado’s own players in the industry will have a chance to be a part of the conversation this year. These contributors range across all of the different conference programs at SIGGRAPH 2024, including Art Gallery, ACM SIGGRAPH Village, Panels, Production Sessions, Immersive Pavilion, and Real-Time Live!, among others, to highlight the latest developments in their respective fields.

Representatives from Colorado at SIGGRAPH 2024 come from various organizations and experiences. This includes ATLAS Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Aurora Innovation, David Em Studio, Denver Digerat, LunarG, Meow Wolf, Vicon, Walt Disney Imagineering R&D, and PickNik Robotics.

This year’s ACM SIGGRAPH Village will feature a session on Sunday, 28 July from 10:30–11:30 am MDT, Exploring Ephemeral Spaces: Melding Technology and Performance, from Sharifa Lafon (curator and executive director of the Digerati Emergent Media Festival University of Colorado, Boulder), who will moderate a discussion with artists Nima Behrahmand, Laurids Sonne, and August Black with the University of Colorado Boulder; Kevin Sweet with the University of Texas Dallas; and Debora Bernagozi with Signal Culture, who will explore interdisciplinary approaches to experimental performance using computing, sound, and media. They will explore performance as a contemporary art practice that thrives beyond institutional spaces, fostering dynamic conversations rooted in play and the potential for participatory exchange with audiences. The widely exhibited artists in this session have worked across multidisciplinary contexts, offering insight into innovative approaches and conceptual perspectives on technology and performance.

The ACM SIGGRAPH Village is also inviting attendees on Tuesday, 30 July from 10:30–11:30 am MDT, to envision the future of Women in CG, as Ellen Yi-Luen Do, Professor of Computer Science, Director of ACME Lab ATLAS Institute, University of Colorado Boulder; joins Yoon Chung Han, Associate Professor, San José State University; and Dana Corrigan with the University of Tampa to discuss fostering a space where every voice is heard, every story is shared, and every woman is empowered to make her mark. Their goal is to ensure that women know that, together, they can shape the industry’s future.

Courses will also be offered on Sunday, 28 July from 2:15–5:15 pm MDT covering the topic of Advanced Practices in Optimizing Motion Capture Pipelines for Games and VFX where David “Ed” Edwards with Vicon and Garry Gray, Denver-based with Vicon, will cover the critical stages of subject labeling, data capture, post-processing, and final retargeting onto custom character models. This course provides best practices and advanced techniques for streamlining the motion capture pipeline.

The team from Meow Wolf will also offer a course on Wednesday, 31 July, from 2–3:30 pm MDT called Fractal World Building: Infinitely Engaging Experience Design at Meow Wolf to explore immersive innovations and next-generation storytelling unique to Meow Wolf’s blend of art, technology, and world-building. Attendees will gain insights into the cutting-edge use of lighting, audio, and other creative technologies that animate large-scale worlds, creating singular, unparalleled experiences for nearly 10 million guests across multiple locations.

Additional sessions from Colorado-based professionals include:

Empowering Non-technical Users: Building Paper Circuit Boards With Zone-based Circuit Stickers presented by Ruhan Yang and Ellen Do.High Performance Graphics 2024 Conference, a panel where diverse industry experts present a variety of viewpoints about how trends in computer graphics and interactive techniques can address the challenges of today, while engaging in forward-thinking discussions to foster true change. Karen Ghavam of LunarG Inc., who hails from Fort Collins, will serve on this panel.Posters: Interactive Techniques Presentation – Fabricating Haptic Paper Interface presented by Ruhan Yang and Ellen Do.Arts and Technology presented by Longmont-based David Em of David Em Studio.A Procedural Production System for Autonomous Vehicle Simulation, among the contributors is Zach Repasky of Aurora Innovation.Technical Papers: Robust Containment Queries Over Collections of Rational Parametric Curves via Generalized Winding Numbers, among the presenters is Jacob Spainhour of the University of Colorado Boulder.Technical Papers: Interactive Design of Stylized Walking Gaits for Robotic Characters with Boulder-based Kyle Cesare from Walt Disney Imagineering R&D, PickNik Robotics, as part of the team of presenters.Technical Papers: A Hierarchical 3D Gaussian Representation for Real-time Rendering of Very Large Scenes featuring Brighton-based presenter Giorgos Christopoulos.

“SIGGRAPH is a place that is ahead of the trends. So, if you want to see what is going to be coming out later on, come to SIGGRAPH first,” concludes Burbano.

Learn more about the SIGGRAPH 2024 programs here and what attendees can expect at this year’s conference here.

About ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, and SIGGRAPH 2024
ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world’s largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field’s challenges. ACM SIGGRAPH is a special interest group within ACM that serves as an interdisciplinary community for members in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. The SIGGRAPH conference is the world’s leading annual interdisciplinary educational experience showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH 2024, the 51st annual conference hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH, will take place live 28 July–1 August at the Colorado Convention Center, along with a Virtual Access option.

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SOURCE SIGGRAPH

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HKAGE Showcases Gifted Students’ Learning Journeys at InnoCarnival 2026

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Promoting “Technology for Good” Through Innovation and Creativity 

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) has been invited to participate in InnoCarnival 2026, organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission. Under the theme “Technology for Good, Innovation for All”, HKAGE will showcase the learning journeys of gifted students who have completed programmes on AI robotic arms, underwater archaeology, etc., demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to address societal needs.

Having proactively aligned its work with the education development strategies of the Education Bureau (EDB), HKAGE fully supports the EDB’s Blueprint for Digital Education in Primary and Secondary Schools, which seeks to advance the digital transformation of school education in Hong Kong. Building on its Talent Development Model, HKAGE systematically develops programmes, provides diversified learning experiences and engages in cross-sector collaborations to nurture gifted talents equipped with innovative capabilities, technological literacy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. At the exhibition this year, HKAGE will present how students applied knowledge gained through gifted education programmes and learning experiences in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, environmental science, underwater archaeology and sustainable development to design socially conscious solutions. These experiences reflect the students’ ability to serve society with knowledge and respond creatively to diverse challenges.

Among the highlights is the learning journey of students in the “Artificial Intelligence Course: Creative AI Robotic Arm for Inclusion”. After acquiring foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence, robotics and sensor applications, students designed, tested and refined intelligent robotic arm prototypes through real-time data analysis and algorithms. With the aim of improving the quality of life for the elderly and caregivers, students explored various application scenarios for intelligent robotic arms. Another showcase features the “Environmental Science Course: Bat Echoes – Voices of the Night”. Through acoustic monitoring, the exhibition demonstrates how students recorded bat voices and analysed related activity data and characteristics. The programme enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of local biodiversity and explore practical approaches to ecological conservation.

The HKAGE exhibition booth also features an interactive photo-taking device, allowing visitors to take photos with different gifted programme themes and share the joy of learning.

On the first day of the exhibition, a “Build Your Own Glider Parent-Child Workshop” is specially organised by HKAGE for the visitors. Under the guidance of instructors and assisted by HKAGE students, participants will learn the basic principles of aerodynamics, including lift, gravity, thrust and drag. They will also learn to design, assemble and decorate their own gliders by using lightweight and durable materials, experiencing the joy of science and engineering.

Mr WONG Chung Po, Acting Executive Director of HKAGE, said: “The Academy is committed to providing gifted students with diversified learning platforms and encouraging them to transform knowledge into innovative practices that generate positive social impact. Participation in this exhibition not only provides students with a valuable learning experience that helps consolidate the knowledge acquired in gifted programmes, but also enables the public to better understand how gifted education nurtures a new generation of creative and socially responsible talents to jointly advance the philosophy of ‘Technology for Good’.”

InnoCarnival 2026 – The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

Date:

24 Oct – 1 Nov

Venue:

The Hong Kong Science Park

Booth:

C08-09

Time:

10:00 – 17:00 (Mon to Fri)

10:00 – 18:00 (Sat & Sun)

 

About the HKAGE

Established in 2008 and subvented by the Education Bureau, the HKAGE offers gifted education services actively to local primary and secondary school students to unleash their potential. It also provides gifted education-related information and support for teachers, parents, and other relevant stakeholders.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/hkage-showcases-gifted-students-learning-journeys-at-innocarnival-2026-302918606.html

SOURCE Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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