Conference Description

49th Annual IACIS International Conference
September 30 – October 3, 2009
Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The 49th Annual IACIS International Conference provides an opportunity for professors and others to participate in high quality meetings; engage in networking; present and hear the latest technical and pedagogical research; recognize outstanding scholars and educators through the IACIS Awards program; and enjoy a number of social activities with all conference participants. IACIS encourages participants to bring their spouse or guest to the Conference to enjoy the social activities that are provided.

The conference begins with a reception on Wednesday evening, with hours and location posted in the lobby of the conference hotel. This is an opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions, meet old friends and new members, and get acquainted with the Officers and Board members of IACIS. Registration is also open on Wednesday evening, with hours and location posted in the hotel lobby.

Thursday begins with a general session and presentation of the Computer Educator of the Year Award, followed by a full day of research presentations, generally following four concurrent tracks. At the end of the presentation sessions there will be some free time to make phone calls, send e-mail, or attend to personal business before the evening activities begin. After a full day of Conference sessions, participants will join in for “Fun Night,” a chance to get together for conversation, entertainment and other activities. Fun Night will vary based on the location of the Conference and activities available, and in the past has included a dinner/demonstration by a Mexican Folkloric Group in Cancun and a sightseeing cruise and private island dinner in Ft. Lauderdale. Everyone has a wonderful time, and enjoys a relaxing evening. The cost of Fun Night is included with Conference registration and is also included with a spouse or guest registration. If a participant has a child or children along that are not registered, they will need to purchase a ticket if they want to take them along on Fun Night. (Note: There may be times Fun Night is scheduled for Friday evening if the selected venue is not available for Thursday.)

Friday morning is a full four-track schedule of research presentations. Lunch is included in the registration, but not included for spouse/guest. If you wish to bring a guest, you will have to arrange for a ticket with the conference registration coordinator. The organizational business meeting and awards ceremony is held immediately after lunch. The Ben Bauman Award for Excellence recipient is recognized. Additional awards presented will include the Best Paper Awards for research, pedagogy and technology, and the Top Monkey Award for the University or organization sending the most conference participants. A full schedule of research presentations follow lunch, and participants are on their own for Friday evening.

Saturday includes a full schedule of research presentations, with the final hour of the conference a discussion and review of conference activities for all participants, led by the Conference Chair and assisted by the IACIS Board of Directors. The conference ends on Saturday.