Monday was a day of welcomes, technology and culture at this year’s ACM-ICPC World Finals, sponsored by IBM.
World Finals contestants started their day at the IBM Tech Trek, where Dr. Bjarne Stroustrup, creator of popular programming language C++ talked to them about perseverance and finding inspiration as necessary skills for success. IBM fellow Jeff Jonas talked about the growing field of computer privacy and security at the event.
After a quick lunch, it was time for the opening ceremony, held at the lavish Alexandrinsky Theatre. Contestants learned about important people in the ICPC community and winners of awards for significant volunteers, successful coaches and the top judge.
Everyone was entertained by a video presentation introducing the contest, traditional Russian music, and a ballet performance as well as a video of sand art from at St. Petersburg ITMO student. The St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra performed several dynamic pieces featuring some dancing by the conductor and even music from Super Mario.
After a dinner featuring filled pastries and beef stroganoff, attendees were treated to private tours of St. Petersburg’s massive Hermitage Museum, which houses more than 3,000,000 treasures in buildings including a former imperial palace.
Amanda Sturgill for ICPCNews