Thoughts from the General Chair

Abstract

DISPLAY WEEK CONTINUES TO BE THE PREEMINENT event of the global display industry. It remains the best place for researchers to present their breakthroughs, for display industry companies to present their new products, and for anyone interested in displays to gain a great foundational knowledge of current and future display technologies and trends. The pandemic has interfered with the face-to-face networking that was a big feature of the event, but it has not stopped the learning that results from attending such a multifaceted event, even if held virtually. The virtual platform includes many benefits: It is easier to access content at a pace, timeline, and repetition that best suits each attendee's needs. The ability to play and replay a key slide's narration allows an attendee to better digest new ideas and concepts. This year, we have retained the sessions’ non-real-time nature, for the convenience of speakers and attendees participating from across all time zones. But we have also added some interactivity to bring back the benefits of live, unplanned engagement. For example, author interviews allow authors and attendees to discuss papers in real time. In future Display Weeks, as we return to a physical format, we will likely retain some of the attractive digital elements developed during the virtual events. Display Week 2021 has all the usual strong and eclectic components that make it the most interesting week on the display industry calendar, with some elements taking a step up from the already high standards set in previous years. The keynotes are a notable example of this, with arguably the best lineup we have ever had, especially in terms of diversity of thought and experience. This year, for the first time, we have five keynote addresses, with one being released every day of the conference. The keynote speakers are senior executives from successful and impactful companies representing different perspectives relevant to the industry. Google and Amazon will bring the perspectives of big system companies that use displays as a platform for delivering new services to customers. Adobe will give us a preview of the future with a vision of compelling augmented reality (AR) experiences enabled by software on current and future display systems. Samsung Display will deliver the perspective of a long-time leader and innovator in the display business. Applied Materials will provide a unique point of view from a company that is a leader in the materials and manufacturing of semiconductor and traditional displays and now is at the forefront where these two industries intersect. Aside from the amazing keynotes, which enable us to start each day of the conference with a big jolt of intellectual energy, we have our usual short courses and seminars, which collectively provide the opportunity for attendees to take a deep dive into a wide range of interesting and highly relevant technical topics. The symposium offer a great overview of the state of the art in all major areas of interest to the display industry. This year features special presentation tracks that cover technologies and applications in the special interest areas of AR, virtual reality, and mixed reality; high dynamic range displays; machine learning for displays; and Internet of Things displays. Attendees will be able to view Exhibitors’ Forum presentations, which are short takes in specific product/technology areas from exhibitors. The Business Conference nicely complements the deep technical tracks, and the Women in Technology event will deliver additional leadership perspectives. Meeting content will be available to registered users for four months after Display Week concludes, so there is plenty of time to carefully parse through the information. This remains one of the largest benefits of a virtual event. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we are poised to have a great Display Week. Thank you to the many amazing people whose time and energy make this a great event and to all of you who have chosen to attend. Nikhil Balram Display Week 2021 General Chair CEO, EyeWay Vision Inc.