|
If there is one thing of which our Society can be particularly proud, it is our annual conferences. In 1997 we set a record for attendance, and posed a challenge for the 1998 conference in Ottawa, Canada. From all indications, the organizing team is up to the challenge and has received and, as detailed in this announcement, has scheduled the presentation of a record number of quality papers. And if you can stay on a day or two, there is hardly a nicer city than Ottawa in which to do so.
By once again siting a conference outside of the United States, your Board has affirmed its commitment to making the Society truly international. Moreover, beginning in 1999, we will begin an experiment of sponsoring two conferences each year, one of which will be hosted by a foreign Chapter. We believe that with international registrations running at about 50 percent, and the rapid pace of technological developments in our industry sectors, two regional conferences will be well supported. If your Chapter would like to consider hosting a conference, please let me know.
Lastly, the foremost objective of these conferences is to fulfill your personal and professional needs. If we have fallen short in any way please let me or the organizers hear from you. It’s a lot of work putting a conference together and the volunteers would be delighted to hear from you, before, during, or after the event. So don’t be bashful about stopping someone with a Committee ribbon, even to just say Thank You. I and all of the Administrative Committee look forward to seeing you in Canada’s Capital. |