IEEE Seattle Holiday Soiree – A Night of Innovation and Inspiration
Date: December 4th, 6:00 PM
Venue: Columbia Tower Club
IEEE Seattle successfully hosted an unforgettable Holiday Soiree at the iconic Columbia Tower Club on December 4th, 2023. The event provided a dazzling backdrop of Puget Sound lights from the 75th floor of the tallest building, creating an atmosphere of excitement and celebration.
The evening kicked off with a warm welcome to all attendees by Sanjay Samuel and Dr. Sheree Wen. The highlight of the night was the opportunity to meet and greet the distinguished keynote speakers: IEEE President 2024, Thomas Coughlin, and Vice President of Microsoft, Steven Bathiche.
Keynote Speakers:
- Thomas Coughlin: President, Coughlin Associates
“The Future and the IEEE”: In his remarkable address, President-elect Coughlin shared insights into the future of technology and the IEEE’s pivotal role in shaping it. He delved into the organization’s efforts in steering technological advancements, addressing megatrends, fostering ethical AI use, and undertaking mission-based projects like climate change mitigation.
- Steven Bathiche: Technical Fellow / Vice President, Windows and Devices, Microsoft
“The Outside Agent”: Vice President of Microsoft, Steven Bathiche, presented a captivating vision of the next 50 years in computer interaction. His discussion on the transformative impact of big AI, neural processing units (NPUs), and the emergence of Agents as the new platform, showcased the groundbreaking innovations that will shape the future of the industry. Bathiche’s talk left the audience contemplating the profound implications of these advancements on our daily lives.
Thank you to Sanjay Samuel, Dr. Sheree Wen and entire IEEE Seattle section organizing team for this event. The Holiday Soiree was a resounding success, bringing together IEEE members, industry professionals, and technology enthusiasts for a night of networking, learning, and celebration. The evening concluded with a sense of anticipation for the technological advancements and innovations that will shape the future.
