INFORMS News: Picture Perfect Performance

The INFORMS Conference on Business Analytics and Operations Research in Huntington Beach, Calif., drew a record number of attendees for a three-day program highlighted by first-class presentations and networking events, capped by the Edelman Awards Gala. From the workshops to the weather, the conference was a big success, and, judging by the smiles on many of the faces pictured here, a lot of fun.

Clockwise, starting from photo above: Well-dressed Master of Ceremonies Graham Rand adds a humorous touch to the Edelman Awards Gala; INFORMS President Terry Harrison announces the Edelman winner in dramatic fashion; Conference General Chair Erica Klampfl and her committee of volunteers join with INFORMS staff to stage a memorable event; INFORMS Director of Communications Barry List (l) interviews Thomas Olavson (r), director of operations decision support at Google.

Clockwise, starting from photo on the left: Harrison Schramm, Jeffrey Kline and Issac Gonzalez (l-r) share a few laughs at one of the conference’s many social events; Edelman medals await Edelman finalists; INFORMS Past Presidents Rina Schneur (far left) and Susan Albin (far right) join Ann Bixby (second from left) and Conference General Chair Erica Klampfl (third from left); Birds-of-a-Feather groups give attendees an opportunity to gather in a casual setting to discuss mutual interests.