Do you know where the first AACC Annual Meeting was held? Kansas City! AACC was founded by 11 young chemists in 1915 who met in Kansas City, Missouri, to exchange ideas and prepare for the future. Eighty-five years later, AACC continues to shape the industry with the latest technologies and global issues that are presented at the Annual Meeting. Please join the celebration November 5-9 in Kansas City, as we remember our past and prepare for our future.

We are very proud of this year's program because it represents many milestones in AACC's history. What started in Kansas City has continuously grown to be a strong association with a membership of nearly 4,000. AACC has always kept a keen eye on innovation and addressed the leading science and global issues. This year's Technical Program was prepared with the future in mind. With over 90 oral presentations and 200 posters, watch that innovation happen.

There is something new for everyone this year. We are excited to present the Technical Round Tables and Interactive Poster Sessions — two more ways to network and exchange ideas with your peers. You will also want to take time out to appreciate your association's history by visiting the History Posters section in the exhibit hall.

I sincerely hope that you will join in the celebration of 85 successful years at the Annual Meeting in Kansas City. Be there as we continue to make history and start the new millennium of cereal science!

Respectfully,

Julie Miller Jones
AACC President

Most of us who attend the AACC Annual Meeting come to revel in the festival of knowledge that is the Technical Program. After chairing the creation of this year's program, I know we have a program that will meet everyone's expectations for depth and quality. If you need to be up on the latest in cereals research, if you need to be aware of trade or legislation issues, if you need a deeper understanding of a new technology, if you need to develop yourself professionally...you need to be at Kansas City in November. This year we have encouraged symposium organizers to address international viewpoints and invite international speakers... fundamental to maintaining the continued relevance of our organization on an increasingly global stage.

The AACC Annual Meeting is a unique opportunity to learn what is happening today, in your industry, in your science, with input from all over the world. Along with the Symposia, which are, of course, focused on a particular theme, I believe we have assembled a particularly stimulating program of Technical Sessions. We have accepted ninety oral presentations, presenting the latest in research and opinion. Over 200 technical posters complete what is an amazing compendium of up-to-date knowledge in cereal science.

For those who want to make the absolute most of their meeting...this year we have introduced a new meeting feature: the Technical Round Tables, to be held on Thursday morning (9th November). The Technical Round Tables are specifically structured to promote discussion and exchange of ideas. We are planning informal, cabaret-style seating, regular coffee breaks, high science and lots of controversy. Join one of the TRTs this year in Kansas City, and ask a few pointed questions yourself.

Make time to come to the AACC Annual Meeting! You'll be happy you did!

Rod Booth
Technical Program Chair