A Workshop on a Single Query–“Entertain Me”

Here’s an interesting departure from the traditional activities at conferences.  On the last day of the 2011 ACM-SIGIR conference in Beijing, July 28, a workshop on a single query will be held.   And it won’t be just any query either–it will be entertainment-focused.  The task will be a challenge for attendees in Beijing, a city most of them probably are unfamiliar with, to plan their evening.  So typical queries might be to find a restaurant, theater, or other entertainment venue, and then get information on where it is, opening hours, transportation, etc.   This sounds like a most enjoyable, but also educational, activity.  If you’re going to Beijing, check it out!

Don Hawkins
Columnist, Information Today and Conference Circuit Blog Editor