ABLE Bioblog

I’ve heard from our 2009 conference host, Dr. Bob Hodson, a few times with conference updates.  I have to say that I don’t envy him right now, as the conference gets closer and closer.  I have been a part of hosting a conference once before (in 2004 at OU, the American Arachnology Society), but we only had about 100 people.  Looking back, I can say that it was fun.  But leading up and during the conference, there was definitely some stress involved.

Still, everything looks great from “this side.”  Bob and his colleagues (Bob Ketchum and Linda Dion) advertised well, got tours/trips setup, planned meals and the schedule, laid out the conference guide, planned all the major/minor workshops with other ABLE board members, registered >150 (?) people, and more.  One thing is assured…Bob will be the most popular person at the meeting.  Think of the fame, Bob!  (Why can’t I find the restroom? My name is spelled wrong! I’m vegetarian, lactose-intollerant, gluten-free..what can I eat here?!) 

Be sure to give Bob and his colleagues a smile, handshake, encouraging word/phrase, or offer to lend a hand.  Oh…and don’t forget to give sympathetic glances, prayers, and back pats to Mindy and Jennifer as they plan our 2010 conference in Halifax!  I for one am very grateful for our conference hosts each year, especially right now as finally preprations are in order.  Thanks ya’ll!!

I decided to start up this blog on the ABLE website to give some updates from the 2009 ABLE conference at the University of Delaware. SO, here we are with just about a week before the conference!!  It always comes so quickly, and I always get excited as it draws near. Of course, this means, for me, putting last minute touches on my presentation, tying up some things at work to be gone for a week, and getting the board report ready (I’m the ABLE web guy!).  Good thing I don’t have 2 other side jobs outside my full-time position….*sigh*

Well, I hope you’ll check back often: just before, during, and just after the conference June 9-13, 2009. I plan to post at least once daily. So, if you’re not there, you’ll feel like you were (except you won’t get the free bags, snacks, food, valuable biology lab information, nor as much social interaction…WHAT?  You should’ve come!); if you ARE there/here, leave some comments or share your own impressions as comments!

Mark W.