An MGM Grand Good Time: Field Report from AU 2002

Autodesk University 2002

By Gary Rackliff (garyr@rmillervisualization.com)

Gary Rackliff is the Director of 3D at R. Miller Visualization in Maitland Florida


A (MGM) Grand Time in Las Vegas

Forget the lights, the slot machines and Black Jack tables; this was a time to invest. Invest in Las Vegas, isn’t that a contradiction in terms? Not if your one of the more than two thousand attendees to the 10th annual Autodesk University 2002, hungry for technology chips and production jackpots.

The last A.U. I attended was in the last century in Philadelphia. Its content was excellent, but the conference logistics left a lot to be desired. We were shuttled by coach to and from the Convention Center from our scattered hotels, and had to eat wherever we could in the allocated time at not so convenient restaurants. So traveling to Las Vegas for this A.U. really piqued my curiosity as to – why Vegas? Well, after an outstanding week at A.U., I now know why - The MGM Grand. A self contained world with all the required facilities and services conducive to an all inclusive learning experience. A half a mile (inside) walk to the Conference Center, passing the inevitable sight and sound of slot machines, then along an indoor streetscape with bistros, shops and showbiz type attractions, followed by a short walk along a partially glazed corridor with a view of the 6 acre lush gardens and swimming pools on one side and famous personalities, bands and boxers on the other, before finally arriving at the conference center where breakfast, lunch and more often than not, dinner was served. I spent a whole 48 hours without venturing outside. This setup at the MGM Grand, in my opinion, allowed attendees to focus more on the conference rather than travel and food. After all, that’s the point of A.U., feeding the hungry end users with edifying information.

In case some readers have never heard of A.U. or the purpose of AU. is vague let me enlighten you and recommend if you’ve never been before, don’t miss next years. For more in depth details visit www.autodesk.com/au.

AU is the premier learning event and user’s conference of its kind because it's uniquely designed for you, the working design professional. You'll gain valuable information by attending sessions taught by world-class experts in design and GIS technologies. You'll see case histories showing how users are gaining real advantage from the latest generation of design software. And you'll renew old acquaintances and make new ones among your peers. Personally, I received a boost in my career in this industry by attending A.U.’s back in the mid nineties, learning from industry leaders like Ted Boardman and Dave Espinosa-Aguilar.

In a nutshell, this is a career investment.

Autodesk’s CEO Carol Bartz, opened the General Session of A.U. in the huge theatre with keynote presentations on things to come. In a word, (D)cubed or Digital Design Data. We heard Carol and Scott Borduin Chief Technology Officer, present the vision of maintaining digital design data integrity by avoiding the ‘print’ function. This involved the use of the Tablet PC, cell phones etc., and discussed the journey of millions of design professionals design data, and the tens of millions of downstream users who leverage that data every day.

Rounding of the General Session was real world client testimonials of implemented Autodesk products solving company design problems, including the design process for the new Hummer.

As the Director of 3D at R. Miller Visualization, I was keen to hear from other 3D professionals and learn from the gurus, with Ted Boardman being one of those gurus. As many of you know, Ted is a regular contributor to CG Architect. The most frustrating part about listening to people like Ted is just when you think you have a good understanding of 3D, he shows a technique that humbles you and reminds you of how much there is to learn. Two other excellent instructors’ classes I sat in on were veteran instructor Dave Aqular Esponala (from AUGI and Toxic Frog fame) and a new instructor Chris Bullen from Canada – eh! While Ted sticks with Max and Viz showing modeling, texture and animation techniques, Dave works with regular Autocad and Viz/Max showing how they can be harnessed as a design tool and Chris showed us Architectural Desktop and Viz tips and tricks (or as he put it – visualization voodoo). Chris showed us how to do sub-object animation in Viz – very cool. These were just a few of the many classes that provided excellent technical nourishment.

While attendees are eating up all the technical information in the plethora of classes for all Autodesk products, the exhibition floor was a hive of activity demonstrating the latest and greatest as well as the good old reliable stalwarts of our industry. Including some of CG Architects sponsors like Archvision with their powerful RPC plugin. On one visit to the Archvision booth, Randall Stevens had taken a digital photo of the exhibition floor, placed it in Viz as a background, and composited in some RPC cars (at a small scale) driving around the show darting in between people moving (some of them RPC people) around the booths. Too funny and very quick and efficient compositing animation. See image below.

HP provided internet access so we could stay in touch with those back home unable to make the trip. HP also provided virtual Nascar racing, with a lady commentator who certainly got your attention once she started shouting to participants. Also, Autodesk User Group Internation (AUGI) had their popular playpen setup where you could try the Autodesk products. They also had their annual Top Daug (dog) competition that always brings out the crowds.

From a new technology stand point, the highlight of the exhibition for me was a realtime rendering plugin for max/viz called RTRE from Cubicspace in England (yes the conference is truly international with both exhibitors and attendees from around the globe). As an architectural visualization specialist, I’ve seen many ‘virtual reality’ plugins for my industry but was never happy with the quality – too game looking). However, I’m very impressed with the quality of imagery produced in realtime with the rtre pluging and am now looking for an opportunity to include its use in my business. Visit www.cubicspace.com for more info and order a demo.

With the annual Augi general meeting and following beer bust, birds of a feather networking lunch, evening shindigs like the A.U. party (biker theme this year) and other food, beverage and entertainment events, and an opportunity to voice your thoughts/needs at industry/product sessions, Autodesk University is not to be missed.

Complaints! Generally I don’t have any. I traveled, attended, met and learned. Worth the trip? Absolutely. See you there next year.

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