SIGGRAPH: the original "VR meetup".

ABSTRACTThis panel explores SIGGRAPH's role as an important catalyst for the original introduction of Virtual Reality technologies and experiences to the public. In 1991, SIGGRAPH created the "Tomorrow's Realities" exhibit to highlight VR technologies, taking up an entire hall to showcase a broad range of VR experiences. In 1993 the Evans and Sutherland (E&S) company strapped visitors into a virtual reality hang gliding experience on the exhibits floor. By 1994, venues like "The Edge" and "VROOM" displayed new ideas and the potential for a wide range of VR applications. These venues merged into an annual showcase of emerging technologies called E-Tech, which has shown an exceptional range of virtual reality work over the decades since that original Tomorrows' Realities. The SIGGRAPH annual conference continues to explore VR and its relationship to computer graphics, interactivity, and VR's impact on society through demonstrations at e-Tech, courses, papers, panels and many exhibitors large and small of VR Products. Last year, e-Tech was home to, among other notable works, the wildly popular VR flight simulator experience entitled Birdly, from creators at the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, which was similar in excitement to the E&S hang glider over 20 years before. This year's VR Village is an exciting continuation of this tradition. Our panelists are pioneers of VR and have been active in SIGGRAPH's VR activities over the years. They are all reengaged with today's resurgence of VR. Their vibrant stories of VR through the years will fascinate attendees and validate the important role SIGGRAPH played in promoting VR. Come explore the SIGGRAPH role in VR history!!