Program Chair, William R. Mason, Ph.D. and the symposia chairs have assembled a top-notch program, featuring offerings from nearly every AACC division, plus many special sessions designed to meet the needs of the membership as expressed in last year's Member Survey. Functional foods were "top of the list" for most survey respondents, so functional ingredients and final products will be addressed in several sessions throughout the meeting. Food safety, number two on the member survey, will go under the microscope at a special session and related Corporate member luncheon presentation.

The meeting will conclude with an exciting, interactive session where you can learn the basics of The Six Thinking Hats©, Edward de Bono's Tools and Techniques for High-Performance Thinking. This hands-on symposium is yet another example of the innovative program planned for this year's meeting. Look for more information about this timely training session in upcoming communications.

The Washington State Convention and Trade Center is within walking distance from all of the Annual Meeting hotels and provides an excellent venue for our Technical Program. Registration and the Table-Top exhibits open at 4:30 PM (PT) on Sunday, October 31, and the Welcome Reception will once again begin in the Exhibit Hall, allowing you to sample hors d'ouevres and Washington State wines while you visit the Table-Top exhibits.

Located in Hall 4 ABC on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday
Located in Hall 4C on Wednesday

Something New!
When you pick up your name badge and program book this year, you'll also get a "passport" with several "must-see" destinations for you to visit while in the Table Top Exhibits and Marketplace area. You'll receive a special stamp at each stop, and your completed passport is also your ticket to win some great prizes!

AACC Products and Services
The Marketplace and Events area features the latest in AACC products and services; purchase AACC and Eagan Press publications at a discount; learn about upcoming short courses, regional and divisional meetings; and the check sample program.

Member Services
Membership in AACC offers the opportunity to network with 4,000 colleagues worldwide. You're invited to visit the Members Services area to learn more about the latest AACC benefits and services, and to pick up membership materials - it's also a great place to meet with old friends and new acquaintances. Meet staff from AACC's European office, for assistance with questions about membership, journals, book orders or just to say "hello".

Publisher's Book Display
Respected scientific publishers from around the globe are invited to display their books and journals at the AACC Annual Meeting. You can review display copies of each publication in the Marketplace; pricing and ordering information will be included in your meeting program book.

Silent Auction
One of the highlights of the Marketplace is the AACC Student Division Silent Auction. Bid on some terrific prizes and benefit the AACC Foundation which funds scholarships and fellowships to undergraduates and graduate students, as well as other association programs and projects. Last year, the Silent Auction raised more than $9,300, and the student division organizers are striving to break the $10,000 mark this year. Ninety percent of the money raised goes directly to the AACC Foundation Endowment Fund, and the remainder supports Student Division activities. The Silent Auction features a wide variety of items for bid including food, clothing, travel, consulting and some very exciting "big ticket" offerings. Stop by and place your bid to benefit this great cause!

Table-Top Exhibits and Posters
More than 250 displays of products and services for the food products industry!

Seattle Visitor Information
Need a recommendation for dinner nearby? Interested in getting out to the Space Needle or the Seattle Art Museum while you're in town? Check with representatives from the Seattle / King County Convention and Visitors Bureau, located in the Marketplace area for answers to all of your "getting around town" questions.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Sunday, October 31

Bill Doty Memorial Golf Tournament
6:00 am - 2:00 pm, Echo Falls Golf Course, $145 per person

This beautiful, challenging course, located close to downtown, is a favorite with Seattle golf enthusiasts. Designed by Jack Frei, the 18-hole course is set in the spectacular Northwest countryside, highlighted by a sparkling lake and several waterfalls. You'll depart the Sheraton Seattle at 6:00 a.m. via motorcoach, and enjoy a continental breakfast, courtesy of Cereal Foods World. The shotgun tournament begins at 8:00 am, with lunch and beverages available during play. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team, and in several other categories. Don't miss this great opportunity for a little friendly competition on one of the Seattle area's most popular courses!

Attention Anglers…
A very recent change in the Washington state fishing laws severely restricts the taking of salmon, and we are therefore unable to offer a fishing outing at this year's Annual Meeting. We apologize for any disappointment this recent ruling may cause, and hope to be able to offer a fishing tournament in 2000.

Northwest Winery Tour
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Depart from Sheraton Seattle $26.00 per person

Situated at the same latitude as the French wine country, Washington State has a fast-growing wine industry that is wining prestigious awards throughout the world. You will learn more about Northwest wines as you visit two popular local wineries. Located on 87 acres of arboretum-like grounds, Chateau St. Michelle is Washington's oldest and most famous winery. After a cellar tour and wine tasting, you will have a chance to stroll the grounds and visit the extensive wine and accessory shop. You'll sample other fine wines at the nearby Columbia Winery, the pioneer of premium wine production in Washington State.

First Timer Orientation
3:00 - 4:00 pm, Convention Center

Join the AACC Board of Directors, AACC staff and those who are attending their first AACC Annual Meeting at this special orientation session. It's a great opportunity to meet long-time members who can answer your questions and help you make the most of your Annual Meeting experience. Be sure to check the "First Timer" box on your Annual Meeting Registration Form, included in this packet.

Welcome Reception
4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Hall 4 ABC, Convention Center

Dessert / Coffee
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Hall 4 AB Atrium, Convention Center

The official beginning of the Annual Meeting kicks off with combined Table-Top Exhibits, Registration and an exciting Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall. Enter through Hall 4C to pick up your registration materials, then join your friends and colleagues in Halls A B, for your first look at the Table -Top Exhibits. Hors d'oeuvres and a selection of beverages including Washington state wines will be available at stations throughout the hall. Look for the flying fish balloons above each station.

Be sure to visit the AACC Table-Top Exhibits, Marketplace and Events Area (with your special Annual meeting "passport") for the latest AACC products and services. At 7:00 p.m., the exhibit hall will close and the action moves out to the atrium where you'll be treated to the exceptional vocal stylings of "Kickshaw", an award-winning a cappella group from Seattle. Desserts and coffee will be served in the atrium, capping off your first official evening at the Annual Meeting. This is a ticketed event - all registered meeting attendees and registered guests are invited to attend.

Monday, November 1

Opening Session and Breakfast
7:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. - Ballroom 6 ABC, Convention Center

Join your colleagues and fellow meeting attendees for breakfast (meal service begins at 7:15 and ends promptly at 8:15), presentations and awards (including the Geddes Award) at the popular Opening Session and Breakfast. Don't miss it! This is a ticketed event - all registered meeting attendees and registered guests are invited to attend.

Corporate Member Luncheon and Presentation
12:30 - 1:30 pm, Convention Center

This special "by invitation only" event is open only to Corporate Member representatives. The lunch presentation will focus on food safety, and invitations will be mailed in August. To become a Corporate Member of AACC, call Member Services at + 651/454-7250.

Student Division Social and Dinner
6:00 pm, Ivar's Acres of Clams, Pier 54 on the waterfront, student division members $21.00

Ivar's is one of Seattle's most popular restaurants, serving up fresh seafood right on the waterfront, and the student division has arranged for a private room with a view of Elliot Bay. Your ticket price includes a beverage, clam chowder and garlic/cheese bread, your choice of one of three entrees (indicate your choice on the meeting registration form), rice and vegetables, sourdough rolls, coffee/tea/soda and dessert. Join your fellow students for a fine meal and great fun at Ivar's.

Tuesday, November 2

International Attendee Welcome Reception
5:00 - 6:00 pm, Convention Center, $18.00

Join other attendees who have traveled to the meeting from outside the U.S. for a special international reception featuring light snacks and beverages. This is a ticketed event - purchase your ticket on the Registration Form included in this packet of Registration Materials.

Europe Section Dinner and Jazz Evening
6:00 - 10:00 pm, Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, Downtown Seattle, ticket price to be determined in August

In its first eighteen years, Dimitriou's Jazz Alley has become the west coast's premiere jazz club. Every week the club brings the greatest names in jazz to Seattle audiences. Artists of international stature such as Nancy Wilson, Cleo Laine, Steve Allen, Lionel Hampton, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Sample, Betty Carter, Dr. John, Joe Henderson and Max Roach appear weekly at Jazz Alley. Check out the club's Web site at: www.jazzalley.org.

At this writing, the club had not yet booked the artist for November 2, and a ticket price has not yet been determined. Ticket prices for performances range from $10 to $25, and the club's restaurant menu features selections from $11 to $25. AACC has reserved 40 spots at the club, and if you are interested in attending this event, check the appropriate spot on the Registration Form and you will receive additional information when it becomes available.

If you have questions about this premiere Europe Section event, contact Leslie Gibson at AACC headquarters +1.651.454.7250, fax +1.651.454.0766; e-mail lgibson@scisoc.org.

Wednesday, November 3

Prayer Breakfast
7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., Sheraton Seattle, $14.00

Guest Speaker - Ralph Young, General Manager, Kartak Glass Company. Reserve your place at this ticketed event on the annual meeting registration form.

Ideation and Practical Creativity Featuring the Six Thinking Hats©
3:30 - 5:00 pm, Convention Center

A unique, hands-on session featuring Chuck Dymer with People Works, presenting an overview of Edward de Bono's tools and techniques for high-performance thinking. You will participate in several short exercises throughout the presentation, and leave the session with ideas, materials and inspiration to pave the way for innovative thinking and "practical creativity" when you return to your workplace. NOTE: Please reserve your place in this special symposium by checking the appropriate box on the meeting registration form. This session must be limited to 300 attendees.

Farewell Reception
6:30 - 9:00 pm, Sheraton Seattle, $30.00 per person

One last opportunity to share some time with your AACC colleagues and friends. Join AACC president, Fred Hegele; members of the Board of Directors, and headquarters staff for a cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment as we bid farewell to scenic Seattle.