“Yes, I’m here at Pittcon 2011 and I’ve got it all in hand!”

In which Dr Tel gets excited about Pittcon 2011 for all the wrong reasons

I want to go, I want to go, I want to go to Pittcon 2011!

Is it because it’s the world’s largest annual conference and exposition* for laboratory science?

Well, yes of course, but…

Is it because it’s the lab show with the latest technology and kit and a whisker under a 1000 exhibitors?

Yes, naturally, however…

Is it because it’s being held Atlanta in Georgia?

Always wanted to go to Georgia (on a midnight train), nevertheless…

Is it the thought of  interacting with nearly 20,000 fellow delegates from industry, academia and government and from 90 countries worldwide?

Wow, that is one big opportunity for networking and collaboration I suppose …

Is it because proceeds from this science expo fund science education and outreach** at all levels – young and old – with nearly a million dollars each year donated in the form of science equipment grants, research grants, scholarships, awards, grants and internships for scientists and science students of all descriptions.

Yes, that is all absolutely brilliant, as is the webcasting, the short courses, the employment opportunities and the scientific exhibition but … the truth is … I’m actually a lot shallower than that: I especially want to go to Pittcon 2011 in Atlanta .. because there’s an app for it!

That’s right, the Pittcon 2011 Mobile App! Available for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android & BlackBerry. Now, how cool is that?

I want one! I want one! I want to wander round, iPad in hand, with my own personally sorted schedule, with all the info on sessions and speakers I require, mine at the flick of a touch screen. Flag up the exhibitors, and find booths, meeting rooms – even nearby restaurants – in a truly interactive manner! Swap details easily with other delegates (and find them easily – The Georgia World Conference Centre is not small!) as well as join in the Pittcon Twitter.

Let’s face it – it’s the way scientific events and conferences were always meant to be! I love my toys! Downloading the App looks straightforward …

… now only need to save up for my iPad (sigh).

Pittcon Conference and Expo. March 13-18th 2011, Georgia World Conference Centre, Atalanta USA

Dr Tel
* really don’t like this use of the word – but that’s the screenwriter in me hating all exposition! ** Hate that word too!