Speaker Information:

Preparing for a DISCOVER Conference

On behalf of the American Dairy Science Association thank you very much for agreeing to be a speaker at an upcoming DISCOVER Conference. Your participation is very important to the overall success of this Conference and we appreciate your taking the time and effort to contribute. I am confident that you will find this to be a rewarding and exciting opportunity!

The ADSA DISCOVER Conference (DC) series addresses topics of contemporary importance to food animal agriculture. Meaningful interaction in a relaxing atmosphere is a key feature. Conferences are held in an informal, retreat-type setting, and provide an environment and format that fosters stimulating interactions among all participants. Information about the DISCOVER Conferences, including the program for this specific Conference, the complete list of program committee members, travel and conference information can be found on the ADSA DISCOVER web site (www.adsa.org/discover/.)

I urge you to carefully read the abbreviated version of Guidelines and Procedures, which covers some of the important aspects of your participation as a speaker.

Registration: The registration fee for the Conference includes the reception and conference dinner on Sunday evening, three buffet breakfasts, three buffet lunches, all refreshment breaks, meeting facilities, A/V equipment, etc. As a speaker, your conference registration fee will be waived for this conference. We do however ask that you complete a registration form so that we may ensure your registration is accurate and complete. Please do this as soon as possible.

Lodging: We kindly ask speakers make their own lodging reservations. Lodging can reserved online at the ADSA DISCOVER Website (www.adsa.org/discover/). When making your reservation and in all other communication it is important that you reference this specific DISCOVER Conference. I urge you to make your lodging reservation soon.

Atmosphere: Because the conference is held in an informal, retreat-type setting, we encourage you to dress accordingly. Casual to casual-business is the most common attire -- we want you to relax and interact in a comfortable environment. Also, plan to bring clothes for recreation – most conference schedules allow free time in the afternoons or evenings for recreation, further discussion or relaxation. Many recreational opportunities exist, so check the website for your options before you pack.

Transportation from and to the airport can be either by rental car or by shuttle. Again, see the DISCOVER web page for complete details.

Attendance: Speakers and moderators are expected to be present for most, if not all, of the conference. See Guidelines for specific information.

Information Needed from Speakers

1. A copy of your final PowerPoint presentation emailed (or mailed on cd). If you are unable to prepare your presentation using PowerPoint, please let us know so we can arrange for alternative presentation equipment. Speakers are not required to provide full manuscripts. Instead, please note that copies of speaker visuals are assembled for inclusion in a handout booklet for registrants. If you are using something other than PowerPoint, handouts of key tables and figures will be fine. We request these in advance so we have time to duplicate and assemble presentation notebooks, and time to pre-load all presentations onto one computer.

2. A brief biographical paragraph; this will be duplicated and inserted into the handout at the meeting. (see DISCOVER web site for sample bio)

3. An Interpretive Summary of your presentation. As you know, in order to preserve the free flow of discussion, we do not publish proceedings of the conference. We do however receive numerous requests for information both during and after the conference about topics presented. The Interpretive Summaries fill that need. Summaries should not exceed one page (single spaced, 12 pt). At the top of the page should be the title (all caps), and beneath it your name and institution/affiliation. The summary should address the following:

a. What is the nature and scope of the problem or phenomenon that you discussed, and the impact or importance it has for the environment and for society?

b. What remedies, solutions, improvements, or understandings are envisioned that will reflect progress in dealing with the problems or in understanding the phenomenon?

c. If the remedies, solutions, improvements or understandings are achieved, how will this impact the environment and society?

Feel free to include a summary table or figure if it helps communicate your basic message. The Interpretive Summary should be free of jargon and technical terms/details. A lay person reading the summary should be able to know what the core message of the presentation was. At the end of the summary, include your contact information (name, title, institution/affiliation, address, phone, fax, email). We plan to include copies of the Interpretive Summaries in the program booklet given to each registrant and to post them on the DISCOVER web site. A sample Interpretive Summary can be found on the DISCOVER Web site at www.adsa.org/discover)

The above materials can be sent to: Molly Kelley at kelleymt@aol.com or to Molly Kelley, ADSA Headquarters, 1111 North Dunlap Avenue, Savoy, IL 61874; ph: 217/356-5146. Please contact Ms. Kelley, Bill Baumgardt, or any of the program committee members if you want to discuss any aspect of your responsibilities.

It is very important that speakers stay within their allotted time so that the discussion component of the Conference can be fruitful.

Again, thank you very much for your willingness to participate in this conference. We are looking forward to another stimulating DISCOVER Conference.