Messages from the symposium general chairs

Mixed and Augmented Reality melts the boundaries between visceral physical reality and a dynamic virtual reality to enhance human performance and heighten experiences. It extends the power of our imagination to create and extends the effcacy of communication, and collaboration. Our symposium has expanded to represent and serve a large and diverse community. It is designed to address research challenges in science, business, professional trades, the arts, media and the humanities. ISMAR 2009 marks a transformational year; the beginning of an expanded program to include the Art, Media and Humanities. We have instituted the frst Art, Media, and Humanities program to interpret and assess the impact of this technology on the world in which we live. For those who are experiencing this feld for the frst time, we have created a comprehensive tutorial program on Mixed and Augmented Reality. Our industry workshops represent diverse professional sectors that are now applying Mixed and Augmented Reality in a rich collection of experiential environments. Within the last year, the chasm between the early adopters and the main stream has been breached with mobile devices; we are seeing how the magic of Mixed and Augmented Reality is enhancing our ability to experience content and communicate information. Mixed and Augmented Reality is no longer defned by its technology alone, it has become the leading edge of an emerging generation. The innovations in technology are creating exciting opportunities that challenge the way we live our lives. ISMAR 2009 provides a forum for us to assimilate, refect, and accelerate as we are presented with how mixing realities is and will change how we live, work, play, and learn. As an international, interdisciplinary symposium, we are not only introducing technology solutions to modalities of communication thereby breaking down the boundaries between reality and our imagination, we are also in the process of melting boundaries between nations, cultures, disciplines, sectors, and markets. With this transformational year, ISMAR can emerge as a platform, established during this 1 week symposium, to represent and serve a year-round growing global community and professional network.