For the first time ever, the SMA held its annual meeting in Nashville, TN.  We were a little unsure what to expect, given this new and unfamiliar location.  But what a great meeting it turned out to be!  We had record attendance, participation was strong, and the program was as competitive as any in recent memory.  I want to thank all the authors, reviewers, session chairs, discussants, and track chairs.  Their hard work made the meeting a success. 

Some of you might find these numbers interesting.  We had 319 submissions, of which 174 were accepted, for an acceptance rate of 55%.  Counting both regular papers and symposia, we had 60 sessions in all; that means 60 session chairs, and 171 discussants.  We also had 676 reviewers who provided input to the track chairs and feedback to the authors.  Finally, we had 8 tracks and 8 terrific track chairs who worked tirelessly to manage this process and assemble the sessions.  So, to Hettie Richardson (Louisiana State), Franz Kellermans (Mississippi State), Martha Andrews (UNC Wilmington), Marcia Simmering (Louisiana Tech), Patricia Lanier (Louisiana Lafayette), Jody Tompson (University of Tampa), Melenie Lankau (University of Georgia) and Michael Collins (Coastal Carolina), I offer a special word of thanks.  Finally, I also want to thank Geralyn Franklin (USF St. Petersburg) for all her work on the local arrangements and Peg Williams (Virginia Commonwealth) for her assistance managing the logistics of the program and the sessions.

In just about every way, the meeting was a great success.  Certainly it showed the depth and strength of our organization and its membership.  So, to all those mentioned and to all those who participated, thank you.  You are the best of the SMA and I am grateful to you for allowing me to serve as your Program Chair.

Allen C. Amason
2007 SMA Program Chair, 2008 SMA President Elect