The SIGGRAPH Pioneers — Our Origin Story
Computer graphics has been a named computer science topic since 1960. While a number of graphics-oriented user groups existed, SIGGRAPH became the dominant professional organization in the early 1970’s.
As SIGGRAPH matured, so did its members. Ken and BJ Anderson started the Pioneers around 1980. The criteria used then was the same as today: 20+ years in computer graphics and an ability to pay something to support the reception. Role has never make a difference, and the Pioneers continue to come from many diverse backgrounds, including engineering, education, research, and entertainment.
The group happened to get together at the annual SIGGRAPH conference. Many graphics Pioneers are SIGGRAPH “lifers” — and actually like one another! BJ organized the receptions until the early 2000’s. She sat at the door and did her best to collect money prior to entry.
The Pioneers started becoming more active than a social group in the mid-to-late 1990’s. Carl Machover published SIGGRAPH history articles in the Computer Graphics Quarterly and led the creation of the 25th anniversary film on the History of Computer Graphics.
Dave Kasik convinced members to fund a Pioneers ‘scholarship’ to bring under-represented high school students to the conference and be mentored by Pioneers. The SIGGRAPH Education Committee (thanks to Marc Barr) took the program over. Financing moved from a personal out-of-pocket adventure to corporate sponsorship to making the Pioneers part of the overall organization, with special thanks to Jeff Jortner.
Recent Pioneers leaders — Frank Foster, and currently Ed Kramer — have brought an even brighter spotlight on Pioneers reception speakers, chosen for their outstanding lifetime contributions to the field of Computer Graphics. Recent Pioneers Featured Speakers have included David Em, Alvy Ray Smith, Jim Blinn, Jeff Kleiser, Douglas Trumbull, and this year (2021) scientific visualization pioneer Donna J. Cox.
Attendees know that Pioneers receptions are always a must-attend event: super informal, relaxed, and with wonderful food and drink. Best of all, it’s the place to see all your old friends and colleagues — while listening to some of the most amazing personal retrospectives about the history of computer graphics.
Written by Dave Kasik, edited by Ed Kramer
How to Become an ACM SIGGRAPH Pioneer Member
There are two basic requirements to be a Computer Graphics Pioneer:
1. Twenty years of experience in some aspect of computer graphics and/or interactive techniques. It’s not just for technical types; sales people, company presidents, artists and animators are also eligible and welcome.
2. US $50.00 annual membership fee (includes membership to ACM SIGGRAPH), plus $10.00 to fund the annual Pioneers reception.
Membership supports the mentorship program, provides admission to the annual Computer Graphics Pioneers reception and awards a Pioneer ribbon for display during and after the conference. Members also agree to perform some service to the computer graphics community. This service may include conference or journal paper reviews, financial support of the mentoring program, serving as a mentor, or some other service as needs or opportunities arise.
How to Upgrade an Existing Membership to ACM SIGGRAPH Pioneer
If you’re already a professional member of ACM SIGGRAPH and would like to upgrade to ACM SIGGRAPH Pioneer, please contact ACM’s Member Services Department:
Phone: +1-212-626-0500, 1-800-342-6626
Fax: +1-212-944-1318
Email: acmhelp@acm.org