IC08: Imagine Cup 2008 – Day Zero
We’ll we all made it to Paris. I got in last night, and Karo arrived with most of the Australian Winners, Team SOAK this morning. Unfortunately, due to a visa mixup, Dimaz will only be arriving on Friday morning – probably a little too late, not to mention jet-lagged to participate in the first round.
If I had to describe the word for today’s introduction to the carnival that is the Imagine Cup global finals, it would be “frenetic.”
There was finding the right place (Registration, Meal Hall, Press Room, Crew Room, ADE Room); meeting new people and renewing acquaintances with old friends (and then trying to find them again); and ensuring that everything was in its place and working. This all in a strange city, and mainly in a foreign tongue.
The students were suitably wowed. But then everybody was wowed. From the fantastic accommodations, to the great food, and travelling through amazing historical sites to the Town Hall, itself a cultural treasure trove. The sheer scale of the competition is great. This is by no means the largest international conference I’ve attended, but it certainly has the most energy and the biggest buzz.
First all of the Press and MS staff had some Pre-Ceremony drinks, just to soak in the atmosphere, and provide a cheering crowd for our celebrated competitors.
The students then all entered the welcome ceremony, in their individual teams, up the carpeted, marble-clad stairway, surrounded by photographers, and were announced to a cheering crowd. Some 370 students representing their universities from around the world, a select few from some 130 million students.
Speeches from the deputy mayor of the City of Paris; Jean-Philippe Courtois, VP and President of Microsoft International; the General Manager of the Microsoft France; as well as Joe Wilson, Senior Director for Academic Initiatives at Microsoft. This last was inspiring in itself, but when included in the overall fabric of the evening, provided the highlight of a rich tapestry of experiences.
Afterwards we teamed up with Commonwealth counterparts from Canada and hit a local Parisienne Cafe for a bite to eat. Then cab back to the hotel to prepare for Round 1 tomorrow, and get some much needed shut-eye.
Let the Games Begin!!!
R42
