Within just a few hours driving distance, the midwest has an incredible collection of database researchers and students. The goal of the Midwest Database Research Symposium is to strengthen the ties between these individuals and encourage future discussions, interactions and collaborations, through a day of interaction and networking once a year. The Symposium is held on a Saturday during the spring of each year, hosted by one of the participating universities. Typical attendance is 35 faculty members and 105 students and postdocs from nine universities.
"I think it was a really wonderful success -- the students in particular learned a great deal, but even the faculty I think got a much broader exposure to a range of work than would otherwise have been possible."
"I met a bunch of people--- it was really nice to have a smaller group and see everyone's research."
"I was surpised by the sheer number of people."
"Now I've identified potential collaborators within geographically feasible proximity."
"Our students said it was wonderful for them to meet so many people."
"Networking, networking, networking!"
"I've seen some opportunities for collaboration that I'm going to do something about."
"Get ideas, do networking---without a lot of money or travel time---it's lightweight exposure for students and a way for them to get feedback."
"This was a good opportunity for the host institution to get publicity."