ICASSP has been a source of pride for all signal processing researchers with its unique role of providing a common event for exchanging ideas and latest results from various subfields. However, one can be easily overwhelmed by the more than 140 sessions scheduled over the 4-day conference period. In ICASSP 2009, we are experimenting an initiative by creating a new embedded program component, called Thematic Symposium (TS), in order to cultivate more coherent technical activities, achieving more educational goal, and enhance interdisciplinary interaction at ICASSP.
A Thematic Symposium (TS) is a grouping of multiple technical sessions (including regular lecture/poster sessions, special sessions, panels, tutorials, and keynote talks) that share a common technical theme. Related activities of a TS are carefully scheduled in a streamline fashion over 1 or 2 days so that a continuous momentum is established without interruption or schedule conflict. To make the technical subjects of a TS more accessible to general audience, a new session exclusively dedicated to overview talks are also added to each TS, referred to as an overview talk session. Such overview talks are given by experts of the field and experienced speakers, with a specific objective to introduce emerging knowledge from the TS area to broader audience so that cross-disciplinary collaboration can be fertilized. Every overview talk is synchronized with two regular lecture presentations. Therefore, the goal of TS is two-fold: (1) adding multiple coherent threads to the overall program and (2) bridging the discipline gaps by introducing the new overview talk sessions.
Organizing new structures within an already packed conference program is a daunting task. It requires intensive communication and thoughtful coordination among the 13 technical committees and the ICASSP organization team. In order not to bias in any way the existing paper submission and review process of ICASSP, the consideration of TS topics was deliberately deferred until the completion of the submission, review, and grouping of the regular papers. After that, TC chairs and liaisons were invited to propose suitable topics and relevant sessions that may be used to form viable TSs. The final TSs were selected by the technical program committee based on the program cohesion, topical significance, and quality of the proposed overview talks.
Despite the challenges in completing the review and scheduling within a very short period of time, we are extremely pleased to see the successful outcomes at the end. Four outstanding TSs have been organized by active leaders from vibrant technical areas, including
In order to make the introduction of the new structure as smooth as possible, we take several initiatives to ensure minimal interference with the existing ICASSP program. We reduce the number of oral sessions parallel to the overview talk sessions. Additionally, we make a special arrangement of video recording the presentations of special sessions and overview talks, upon the consent of the speakers and authors. These will be made available for online access by conference attendants within three weeks of the conference. With author permission, such recorded presentations may also be used later by the society in a broader effort of education and outreach.
Planning and execution of the new program idea is an exciting experience, but never an easy one. We would like to take this chance to acknowledge the generous support from many volunteers involved, including all the TS organizers and speakers, TC chairs and liaisons, SPS President (José Moura), VP Technical Direction (Alex Acero), VPs Conferences (Athina Petropulu and John Mathews), and others who have provided input throughout the discussion. We hope this will prove to be a successful step towards a more fruitful and memorable experience for everyone coming to ICASSP!