Yes, the 52nd DAC(Design Automation Conference) is a technical conference plus exhibition with wonderful keynote speakers and agenda, however there is a certain serendipity that occurs by just meeting people, face to face at the many networking opportunities. The best way to kick off your DAC experience is by attending the Sunday night event called the Welcome Reception, it’s held at the Intercontinental Hotel in the Grand Ballroom BC from 5:30PM to 7:00PM. You are likely to see most of the bloggers from SemiWiki present, along with Wally Rhines, the CEO from Mentor Graphics and Tom Quan, Director of TSMC. Not only seeing people like this from our industry, but actually approach them, introduce yourself, start a conversation and even exchange business cards.
I’ve always found this Welcome Reception to be an energizing start for the next 72 hours of non-stop meetings, discussions and blogging about all things EDA, semiconductor and IP. It’s a time to reconnect with former co-workers, get introduced to new people, ask about industry trends, see how their business is going, find out about what is new, and share any rumors that spread throughout DAC like lightning.
Intercontinental Hotel, nearby Moscone Center
Immediately following the Welcome Reception there is typically a Gary Smith presentation, held in a nearby room of the same hotel. Gary is an analyst that covers the EDA space, and he also sells research reports over at Gary Smith EDA. You cannot miss Gary, because he will be wearing his trademark white sport coat.
Related – Gary Smith at DAC
Each evening throughout the week you’ll have more opportunities for networking at DAC like:
- Monday, 6PM to 7PM on the exhibit floor, Cocktails & Conversations Reception
- Tuesday, 4:30PM to 6PM at the Designer and IP Track Poster Session on the exhibit floor
- Tuesday, 6PM to 7PM on the exhibit floor, Cocktails & Conversations Reception
- Wednesday, 6PM to 7PM on the Esplanade Foyer, Reception
- Thursday, 5:30PM to 6:30PM on the Esplanade Foyer, Reception
As a blogger I typically get invited to a dinner by Mentor on Monday night and Synopsys on Tuesday night. If you love loud music then plan on attending the Denali/Cadence party on Tuesday night, but make sure that you sign up first then pick up your ticket at the Cadence booth #3515.
Enjoy your experience at DAC this year by attending the technical conference, exhibits, keynote presentations and most of all get connected with some more people by networking this year.
Related blogs about DAC:
- Safety Dominates Agenda in DAC’s Automotive Track
- Grenoble Comes to San Francisco
- Safety Dominates Agenda in DAC’s Automotive Track
- Security All Around in SoCs at DAC
- DAC Keynotes: Mark Your Calendar
- DAC: March Update
Next Generation of Systems Design at Siemens