ABLE Bioblog

Well…I’m packed up, about to leave for the airport, and excited for what another ABLE conference has to offer. Not only that, but I really am excited, being on the Board of Directors, to hear about and have input on the future direction of ABLE. I also enjoy the interaction with everyone at the major workshops! So, despite the NM heat (I mean…it’s a dry heat, so it will be fine, right?!), I can’t think of a cooler place to be. Hope to see you all soon!  ABLE is made of people, and I hope you’re one of them.

Mark

5-day Forecast for Las Cruces, NM; WeatherUnderground.com

It is hard to believe less than a year ago we were preparing to travel to Nova Scotia, Canada for the ABLE 2010 conference. Now, my packing list is starting to expand in preparation for travel to Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA. I love ABLE. The heat may reach 100 degree F while we’re there, but we’ll be busy enjoying the 160 participants, hours of innovative major workshops, food (including spicy chiles), outings, and more. Hope I’ll see you there…

That conference came and went so quickly!  I can’t believe it is already almost August. The ABLE Web team (and other board members) have continued to pour in hours to keep the organization up to date though.  So…here is a quick post to give you a peek into what’s going on at ABLE: 

1. ABLE 2010 pictures are now uploaded!  This year, we decided to just put a few up publicly. But, if you’re a member of ABLE, you can login, click on “Conference Materials” and link to all 112 pictures.  Enjoy!
2. September 1st will be the deadline to submit short articles, comments, thoughts, events, etc. to LABSTRACTS.  Email directly to the Labstracts editor.
3. Manuscripts to submit for presentations given at ABLE 2010 (Volume 32 Proceedings publication) are due on October 1st, 2010.  An online submission form is available!
4. Submissions to ABLE 2011 (New Mexico State University) major workshop presentations will be due by October 31, 2010. An online form is available!

Get them all on your calendars as you prepare for Fall! Watch for an email through the ABLE Listserv when the online forms are available.

Mark
ABLE Web Manager
http://www.ableweb.org

Wait a second…where did the meeting go?  Is it really gone already?!?  Today we enjoyed some fast-paced mini-workshops, posters, and a not-too-painful business meeting. We can’t wait to use you volunteers for continuing to improve ABLE.  I gotta say though, Jen and Mindy did a great job.  THANKS!!  Especially for the fantastic banquet tonight complete with lobster, dancing, spectacular views, wonderful live music and wine (you didn’t get any?  You should have been at my table!!  ) Everyone joins me in saying “WOW” and “Halifax RAWKS!” and “We wish you rest.”

Many participants will stretch their Halifax stay with planned excursions, family trips, or hang-out time tomorrow (Sat).  But, I’ve gotta head back.  Any of you stretchers are welcome to post a comment and let us know how the trips went. They look spectacular, and I’m sad I’ll miss it. It was great to meet so many new people, and to have so many new people (90?) experience ABLE this year. I’m sad to say goodbye, just as every year; but, will look forward to seeing my “once-a-year friends” in New Mexico in June 2011!!

Mark

Wednesday’s workshops, vendor setups/demonstrations, food, and frivolity all seemed like a great success here at ABLE 2010, Dalhousie-style.  My colleague and I enjoyed torturing our workshop participants into practicing “conversion immersion” on clicker questions, while others commented on how quickly the time went in their morning session.  Posters have started to go up on the 6th-7th floors of the LSC, and we had a “free night” last night to enjoy some of the plenty that Halifax had to offer. (I went the route of locally slaughtered pork chops then some GREAT live music/drinks at the Old Triangle Irish Alehouse.)

Alec and Mike, ABLE board members, enjoy the water (photo by K. Nolan)

It seems like just yesterday that we arrived….but by noon, I suppose we’ll be half-way done with the conference!  Make like a sponge and soak it all up folks! I can’t wait to get the Volume 31 proceedings up online for members (should happen in a week or so), and continue to update the binder materials for this week’s conference (available on the members-only site).

Caio,

Mark