The theme for HCI 2014 is sand, sea and sky and this relates to the joyful experiences we associate with events such as holidays and how we can understand and incorporate some of this magic in our HCI research along with the interactive solutions we design and create. The organisers seek to engage the wider global HCI community in the conference through the creation of an international program committee and strategic international publicity campaign, specifically we are keen to encourage participation from European HCI researchers and practitioners. We are keen to build on the successes of past HCI conferences, including workshops, DC, WIPs, etc and also adding to this through the creation of valuable HCI-related courses to run alongside the workshops at the start of the conference.
The Victorian seaside resort of Southport, in the North West of England provides an idyllic setting for the conference. With easy transport links from Manchester and Liverpool, Southport offers boutique hotels with five star luxury or somewhere to relax and unwind in traditional, comfortable surroundings. Southport has beautiful beaches, unspoilt coast line, a superb choice of restaurants, world-class golf and family attractions, see http://www.visitsouthport.com/ .