ICML was my “frog in a well” moment. Surrounded by researchers whose work I’d only read about, I felt both inspired and a little humbled. Every conversation, every presentation, was like opening a new door into areas of machine learning I hadn’t even imagined. It was exciting—and a bit overwhelming—to realize just how much there is to explore and how many incredible ideas are being shaped in real-time. ICML made me see my own work in a new light and reminded me of the endless possibilities out there.
ICML
I had a spotlight paper at ICML. Having a spotlight paper was a bit surreal. Wearing that badge brought a mix of curiosity and expectation from others, which meant a steady stream of people stopping by my poster to chat. There were seasoned researchers, students just starting out, and people from different subfields who saw my work through lenses I hadn’t even considered. The spotlight badge drew in a variety of perspectives.
The conference was enormous, and I had the chance to connect with so many people from both industry and academia. Talking with them gave me a solid grasp of current trends and insights into what’s happening at the forefront of machine learning—honestly, this was the best part of the conference for me.
I had a particularly interesting conversation with Petar Veličković about his work with Liverpool FC on TacticAI, an AI assistant for football tactics. Hearing about the ways they’re using AI to analyze and refine strategies in football was incredible. I also enjoyed my talks with David Stutz about his work at Google, which was equally fascinating.
The talks were top-notch as well. One of my favorites was on Genie: Generative Interactive Environments, among many others that left a big impression. I have to say, I needed the coffee to keep my focus at 100%, but it was all worth it to soak up as much as possible!
Admittedly, the food at the conference wasn’t quite my thing, but the desserts—thankfully—didn’t disappoint.
Vienna
ICML 2024 took place in Vienna, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.
Vienna was amazing—a beautiful city that felt welcoming and easy to explore. The buildings were stunning, and it was one of the safest places I’ve ever been. I’d go out early in the morning, explore all day, and head back late at night without any worries.
Getting around was incredibly simple with just one city card that covered everything—from buses to the metro. The transport system was super efficient, so I could easily hop between different spots without any hassle.
And the food! Vienna had so many restaurants to choose from, offering everything from local Austrian dishes to international flavors. I especially enjoyed the apple strudel and schnitzel—two classics that lived up to the hype! Vienna had it all—great sights, easy travel, and endless options for good food, which made the whole trip feel effortless and fun.