More Simplicity Next Year

I briefly mentioned last week that I want to give you a glimpse behind the curtain of the DAC operation during the year. One goal of this blog is to give you some insight into the work the fabulous volunteers for DAC are doing. And that’s not only the 20 volunteers on the DAC Executive Committee. From the technical program committees all the way to the marketing committee, the event is entirely shaped by volunteers.

The idea of being General Chair freaked me out a little in the beginning. Actually it freaked me out a lot. I’m more or less running a little company in addition to having a full-time job at Mentor Graphics. A few years ago the DAC General Chair at the time told me that this commitment requires putting your life on hold for a year but that it is extremely rewarding.

I want you to join me on the journey ahead; indeed, that’s my second goal with this blog. So here is the deal – I give you a glimpse of the 52nd DAC in the making if you allow me to tap you for fresh ideas every now and then.

The new initiatives for 2014 — automotive, IP and security — are intended to span multiple years. Our intent was that beyond these three initiatives we would not introduce more to the program. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be changes in 2015.

Chuck Alpert, who is incoming Vice Chair, summarized what will drive these changes in his presentation to the Executive Committee for the 52nd DAC in just one word – simplicity! This year we just had too much going on and too many cool things happening in parallel. So for the 52nd DAC expect less competition within the program, though still enough to pique your interest.

For one, we will not overlap special sessions with conference panels in our EDA track. We also heard our exhibitors loud and clear. We will not overrun the allotted time for the general session. These presentations all will be done on time. When we kicked off the 52nd DAC I told the EC that most of us have little idiosyncrasies. Well, mine is punctuality. I can’t stand it when people are late. For me personally it’s a sign of disrespect for the other person, the one arriving on time and waiting.

What about you? Did you experience any scheduling conflicts? Did you, for example, have to choose between a panel and conflicting special session. Tell us about your experience at the 51st DAC and what you would like to see simplified for the 52nd.