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Sept 23,1979

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The LISP Conference
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%2PURPOSE.%1 Many areas of contemporary computer science have their spiritual
roots in  developments related to  LISP.  The impact of LISP on AI
is well known. The thrust of this conference is the emphasis of
the non-AI contributions of LISP. These areas span  architecture, 
a unique view of programming, and a perception of the importance of 
theory. The call for papers  will reflect this breadth.


%2PROGRAM COMMITTEE.%1 In keeping with  the international character
of LISP-related activities, I have   invited
participants from several countries. Considering the geographical
dispersion and the time constraints, it is of critical importance that
our program committee be formed at once, and begin work.



%2THE CALL FOR PAPERS.%1 The following selection of topics is meant only as a guide.
The major concern is to attract participants outside of the traditional AI
areas.


.begin indent 5,10
%2Architecture.%1 Several groups are actively pursuing
the design and implementation of LISP hardware. These projects
range from re-microcoded
commercially available hardware to specially designed LISP chips.

%2Languages and Theory.%1 There are several research areas related to 
LISP-like languages,
though the ancestry may be spiritual rather than physical.
For example,
papers on applicative languages, object-oriented languages and
formal semantics of LISP-like  languages should be 
requested.  

%2Programming and Environments.%1 One important facet of LISP as 
a programming language
is its flexible programming behavior including the support systems
which surround the language. These aspects of LISP should be represented
at our conference. 

%2Applications.%1 LISP is finding great appeal outside the traditional
Artificial Intelligence area. We should offer our conference as a forum for
these new applications. 

%2Note.%1 These areas are not exhaustive. All suggestions for revision
will be considered.

.end
%2PANEL DISCUSSION.%1 There should be a panel discussion involving the
topic "What is LISP?". Even informal conversations will 
elicit several divergent if not contradictory views of LISP;
a organized effort should prove even more illuminating.

%2DATE.%1 Currently, the dates of August 24-27 1980 (with a party
on the evening of August 24), is most attractive. The preceding
week Stanford will host an AI meeting. Our conference should attract
many of those participants.

%2LOCATION.%1 The possibilities I am pursuing are the campus of
Stanford University and that of the University of Santa Clara (about
ten miles from Stanford). Both facilities have conference facilities,
lodging, and food services. Of course, a commercial facility could also be
used, but a campus atmosphere is advantageous.

%2SPONSORSHIP.%1 As yet unsponsored. I have heard conflicting reports about 
the benefits of sponsorship. I will continue to investigate; perhaps
sponsorship is a question to be decided by the Program Committee.


%2QUESTIONS.%1 Several questions have occurred in this initial phase.
I would like your opinions, please.

.begin indent 5,10

Should the conference be sponsored, or should  we try to maintain
our own financial control. It is at least conceivable that we 
run the budget with a small capital outlay with the major expenses
to be covered by advance registration. On the other hand, if it 
is to be sponsored, what agencies would you suggest?

A major concern is how to estimate attendance. Could you please
estimate how many people you would expect to attend from your 
area or country? Could you also estimate the total conference
attendance.

.end

%2FINAL NOTE.%1 Time is a %2major%1 concern. Please respond  as soon
as posssble. If you do %2not%1 feel that you  can contribute the needed
effort I would appreciate it if you could direct me to alternate 
candidates.
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Thank you for your time and consideration.
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John Allen