The Human-Computer Interaction International 2024 (HCI International) conference, held in the vibrant city of Washington DC, was a landmark event, blending cutting-edge research with unforgettable experiences. Among the notable contributors was Nic Fair from the University of Southampton, who represented the SYNTHEMA project with distinction.
The conference, spanning three full days from July 2nd to 4th, was a grand affair with over 2,300 attendees, including online participants. The event featured around 190 sessions, encompassing approximately 900 presentations. Each day was packed with four two-hour sessions spread across 12 parallel rooms. A key theme running through the conference was HCI accessibility and inclusion, underscored during the opening keynote address.
Sociotechnical Security, Risk Assessment, and User Awareness
Nic Fair took on dual roles at the conference. Besides presenting the SYNTHEMA project paper, Nic chaired the session on “Sociotechnical Security, Risk Assessment, and User Awareness” on Wednesday, July 3rd, from 16:00 to 18:00 in the Lincoln West Room. The session boasted a diverse array of presentations from Belgium, the US, Australia, and the UK, attracting a commendable attendance of 54 participants, significantly higher than other sessions. Additionally, the session was live-streamed to the conference platform, ensuring broader accessibility.
Unexpected Events and Highlights
The conference was not without its share of unexpected events. Washington DC’s sweltering 37-degree heat and extreme humidity led to severe weather warnings and the evaporation of regional water supply reservoirs. This prompted a city-wide emergency notification, instructing all residents to boil water before consumption. Amusingly, this alert caused a commotion during a session, as speakers and attendees scrambled to silence their phones simultaneously.
Despite the weather-related challenges, the conference’s social highlight was undoubtedly the 4th of July BBQ, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. This event provided a perfect backdrop for networking and celebrating in the nation’s capital.
The HCI International Conference 2024 was a remarkable convergence of minds and ideas, where the fusion of research, culture, and camaraderie created lasting memories. Nic Fair’s contribution to the event, both as a presenter and session chair, was a testament to the collaborative spirit and academic excellence that characterized the conference. As attendees returned home, they carried with them not just new knowledge and connections, but also stories of an extraordinary experience in Washington DC.
