2001 Atlanta, Georgia USA

Conference Report

 

The conference would not have been possible without the dedication and attention to detail of the Society staff, Jim Hines' program committee, volunteers from University at Albany - SUNY, and many others.  As many of you recall, I ran the 1985 conference Colorado and helped Jack Pugh organize the 1990 Boston conference.  The central office, separate program committee, accumulation of experience, etc. make hosting the conference about 10% of the work it used to be for the conference chair.  Thank you all.

 

A note of advice to future conference organizers:

 

1) Try not to get in the middle of meal collections or payments except for meals that are fully covered by sponsorships or the conference registration fee (e.g. banquet or special events).  Meals are the trickiest part of logistics.

 

2) Try to avoid short-period or daily registration options.  Have attendees pay a single registration fee no matter how many days they will/plan to attend.

 

3) A central gathering spot after hours (like the conference center bar/recreation room) seems to work well to help attendees mingle.

 

4) Professional on-site management by hotel or conference center staff (when done professionally) is very helpful.

 

See you in Palermo!

 

Nathan Forrester

2001 Conference Chair

 

Attachment: Profit and Loss Report