IBM Magic Convention 2023 is an annual event organized by International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) showcasing the latest advancements and innovations in technology. The convention brings together industry experts, researchers, developers, and technology enthusiasts from around the world. The convention serves as a platform to discuss and explore the future of technology, highlighting breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, big data analytics, quantum computing, blockchain, and cybersecurity. Attendees have the opportunity to attend keynote speeches, technical sessions, workshops, and hands-on demonstrations. IBM Magic Convention 2023 aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants. It provides a space for networking, enabling attendees to connect with peers, industry leaders, and IBM professionals.
Short Story by Ursula Le Guin. A philosophical narrative describing life in the seemingly utopian city of Omelas. We learn that (almost!) everyone in the city lives in complete happiness. There is no organized system of rule, few laws, sexual freedom, no crime, no violence, and nobody living in want.
The TV version takes the bare bones of the tale curious shop, indeterminate location, friendly yet sinister proprietor and blends it with the nasty-child-with-magic-powers theme that was dramatised so memorably by The Twilight Zone in It s A Good Life. The book made me a lifelong Wellsian, and also spoiled me a little when I moved on to more recent science fiction and found many of the alleged greats to be appalling writers.
It provides a space for networking, enabling attendees to connect with peers, industry leaders, and IBM professionals. The convention also includes panel discussions and roundtable sessions, allowing for lively debates and discussions on various technological topics and challenges. The event showcases IBM's latest products and services, demonstrating how they can drive innovation and transform businesses across industries.
The Magic Shop by HG Wells
I discovered this TV adaptation by accident while looking for something else (more about the something else tomorrow). The Magic Shop is a 45-minute drama directed by Robert Stevens in 1964 for The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. Writer John Collier adapted a script by James Parish that’s loosely based on the short story by HG Wells. The story is one I know very well, having read it many times, but I hadn’t come across this TV version before. It’s a surprise finding it so close to Christmas since I first read the story in the only Christmas present that’s survived from childhood, a hefty collection of HG Wells’ short stories that I pestered my parents into buying me in 1973. I mostly wanted to read The Time Machine but the other stories seemed promising, especially the ones illustrated by Richard Gilbert on the (miraculously intact) dustjacket: The Sea Raiders (sailors attacked by octopuses), The Flowering of the Strange Orchid (man attacked by tentacular plant), The Valley of Spiders (attacking spiders falling from the sky), and so on. The book as a whole runs to over 1000 pages, and proved to be a revelation with Wells ranging through fantasy, science fiction, horror, and oddities which don’t fit any category other than Robert Aickman’s indispensable label, “strange stories”. The book made me a lifelong Wellsian, and also spoiled me a little when I moved on to more recent science fiction and found many of the alleged greats to be appalling writers. Wells’ prose can’t compete with Robert Louis Stevenson but it’s still well-crafted in that no-nonsense late Victorian manner familiar to readers of Arthur Conan Doyle.
Design and illustration by Richard Gilbert (1970).
The Magic Shop is one of the strange stories, the shop in question being a mysterious establishment somewhere in Regent Street, London, one of those premises one discovers by accident then can’t find again. The narrator is informed by the proprietor that this is a Genuine Magic Shop, as distinct from the kind selling mere conjuring tricks. The meaning of this isn’t clear at first but while the narrator’s young son is being beguiled by the marvels on display we follow his father’s growing alarm when he realises there’s more to the shop than he anticipated, not all of it pleasant or fun. The story was published in Twelve Stories and A Dream in 1903, and can be read here.
The TV version takes the bare bones of the tale—curious shop, indeterminate location, friendly yet sinister proprietor—and blends it with the nasty-child-with-magic-powers theme that was dramatised so memorably by The Twilight Zone in It’s A Good Life. The Hitchcock show was made three years after the Twilight Zone episode so it’s easy to see It’s A Good Life as an influence. Leslie Nielsen is the father who takes his son, Tony (John Megna), to the fateful shop on his birthday. The proprietor informs the pair that Tony is “the right boy” since he found the shop in the first place, the subtext being that he’s also possesses the right character to be the recipient of some heavy voodoo abilities. The boy’s bad seed status has been telegraphed from the outset by a birthday gift from an uncle of a black leather jacket; throughout the scene in the shop he looks like a miniature hoodlum. More American anxiety about its troublesome youth? Maybe, although the episode ends so poorly that the whole thing comes across as a lazy piece of filler. This is, of course, a long, long way from the Wells story which is all the more effective for being elusive, understated and, yes, magical.
This includes presentations on IBM Watson, the company's AI-powered platform, and IBM Cloud, a powerful and scalable cloud solution. Additionally, attendees get hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. IBM Magic Convention 2023 offers participants the opportunity to gain insights from thought leaders in the technology industry. Renowned speakers from IBM as well as external experts share their knowledge and experiences, providing valuable insights into emerging trends, best practices, and strategies for utilizing technology effectively. The convention also features awards ceremonies and recognition for individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the field of technology. Through these acknowledgments, IBM aims to motivate and inspire attendees to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. Overall, IBM Magic Convention 2023 is a premier event in the technology industry, showcasing the latest advancements, trends, and opportunities in the field. It provides a unique platform for attendees to learn, connect, and collaborate, driving innovation and progress in the ever-evolving technological landscape..
Reviews for "The Rise of Automation: Trends from IBM Magic Convention 2023"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the IBM Magic Convention 2023. The event promised to showcase groundbreaking technology and innovations, but it fell short. The presentations were dry and lacked excitement, and the speakers seemed disinterested. Additionally, the venue was overcrowded, making it difficult to navigate through the crowds. Overall, I expected more from an event by IBM, and I won't be attending again.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I couldn't wait for the IBM Magic Convention 2023 to start, but it turned out to be a complete letdown. The organization was a mess, with long registration lines and inefficient staff. The exhibitor booths were poorly laid out, and it was challenging to interact with the products or get any useful information. The sessions were lackluster, and the overall vibe of the event was underwhelming. I regret attending and wasting my time and money on such a poorly executed convention.
3. Michael - 2 stars
The IBM Magic Convention 2023 was a disappointment for me. While there were some interesting demonstrations, the event lacked a cohesive theme or focus. It felt like a mishmash of different industry topics with no real direction. The event schedule was poorly planned, with overlapping sessions and limited time for networking. The catering also left much to be desired, with long lines and limited food choices. I expected a more polished and engaging event from IBM.
4. Emily - 3 stars
I had higher expectations for the IBM Magic Convention 2023, and I was left feeling somewhat underwhelmed. While there were informative sessions and interesting presentations, the overall organization and logistics could have been better. The venue was too small to accommodate the number of attendees, leading to discomfort and difficulty finding seats. The exhibitor area was crowded, making it hard to engage with the booths. Overall, it was an average event, but I hope to see improvements in future conventions.