CHI 2005 Special Events

Networking Gathering

Monday, 17:30-19:00
Cantina Lounge, Doubletree Hotel

CHI participants are invited to gather at the Cantina located adjacent to Eduardo's Restaurant. Catch up with old friends and make newcomers feel welcome! A complimentary Mexican hors d’oeuvers buffet will be served.

Highlight on Exhibits

Tuesday, 10:30-11:30
The Commons-Exhibit Hall A/A1

The Exhibit Area opens immediately after the Opening Plenary session on Tuesday morning.

Newcomers’ Orientation

Tuesday, 10:45-11:15
D139-D140

Join ACM SIGCHI President Joseph Konstan after the Opening Plenary and find out how to get the most from CHI. This session offers first-time attendees information on navigating the conference, and making session choices in an environment with many options.

The session will also provide a brief history of SIGCHI and an overview of its current structure and activities.

Conference Reception

Tuesday, 20:00-23:00
Crystal Ballroom,
1332 W. Burnside Street

Join us for an evening of fellowship, fine food, and good old 50s rock ‘n’ roll music in the grand and historic Crystal Ballroom. Host to world-renowned performers including Rudolph Valentino, Tina Turner, the Grateful Dead and James Brown, the Crystal Ballroom is an awe-inspiring venue with its vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, grand chandeliers, swooping balcony, and giant wallscapes. Its famous “floating” dance floor is described as "like dancing on clouds.” Today, the mechanical dance floor may be the only one left in the United States. The event is included with the Conference and Accompanying Persons registrations. Additional tickets may be purchased at Registration only for US $50.

Getting to the Reception
The Crystal Ballroom is a 10-minute walk from the Hilton Portland. Join the CHI Parade led by a lively band, as we gather at the Hilton at 19:45 and walk as a group over to the Crystal Ballroom. Detailed directions, with MAX light rail stops, can be found in your registration packet.

ACM SIGCHI Member Meeting

Wednesday, 18:30-19:00
A105-A106

SIGCHI officers will present ongoing programs and activities, followed by an audience question and answer session. Participants interested in shaping SIGCHI’s future are encouraged to attend.

Tours of Portland and Vicinity

Tours of Portland and the surrounding scenic sights
Tours to Mt. Hood, wine country, the Columbia River gorge, and other scenic sights near Portland. See http://www.gorgetours.com/chi.php

Walking Tours
While in Portland for CHI 2005, plan to join a local walking tour that showcases downtown Portland's architecture and artwork, or the many different kinds of bridges over the Willamette River.

For more information or to sign up, visit http://chifoo.org/pages/chi_2005/chi_tours.html

Best of Portland Walk (Tuesday, 5 April 2005, 16:30 - 18:30 pm): This walk features all the best that Portland has to offer&151;including a plethora of artwork, bridges, architecture, parks, and fountains. You'll learn the history of the fur trade, the Oregon Trail, and hear stories about early Portland as we stroll around downtown, the Cultural District, and Historic Yamhill. This tour features the world's smallest city park, bronze drinking fountains from 1912, a weather machine that most locals no nothing about, over 30 public art pieces, the 1895 City Hall building, a fountain that changes every 15 minutes, and a free electric car charging station. Costs $12 per person.

Portland Bridge Tour (Wednesday, 6 Apri 2005, 16:30 - 18:30 pm): Walk Portland's Old and Movable Willamette River Bridges. See and hear about eight downtown bridges with Sharon Wood Wortman, author of The Portland Bridge Book. Includes walking on the new pedestrian sidewalk on the bottom deck of the 1912 Steel Bridge and, weather permitting, walking into the tower and bascule pit of the movable Morrison Bridge, opened in 1958. Costs $15 per person.