Each paper represents the forefront of research in the area, and the proceedings as a whole cover a diverse range of topics related to object-oriented programming. Contributions from industry and academia make the proceedings highly relevant to both areas. There is so much brainpower and talent, and so many personalities walking through the exhibit area, you can't avoid rubbing elbows with tommorow's luninaries. The conference provided the opportunity for a broad spectrum of professionals, all interested in object-oriented technology, to interact. In particular, attendees were able to explore the latest technology with the development teams.
Panel discussions stimulate new ideas.
Sharing my thoughts with others puts these ideas to the immediate test, and those ideas that survive are my seeds for future research. I go to absorb the OO climate, learn about the new trends, and interact with my colleagues and friends. For example, one year, Program Committee Members wore green shirts, Student Volunteers wore purple, and attendees could purchase black or blue shirts. I've attended panels where, during disputes, people in the audience wave green paper slips if they approve, red if they disapprove, and yellow if they are puzzled. Of course, to keep things interesting, the color scheme changes from year to year.