Many local sections fall into the routine of presenting the same structure for every meeting. Often the standard “dinner and a speaker” format is used. This approach certainly can be informative, and many members enjoy it. However, it can be invigorating for a local section to occasionally host a different type of event. The following are some examples of successful alternative meetings held by local sections across the country. 

Meeting Ideas

• Implement a Science Café for one of your annual events. To apply for funding, visit ACS support.

• Consider successful programming developed by other local sections through the Innovative Projects Grant (IPG) Program. See examples of successful projects and information on how to apply.

• Run a Chemagination contest.

• Run a “speed dating” program for young professionals. Review the transcript of the Eastern New York Section’s “Best Practices Telecon” from April 20, 2006 with Dr. Sara Paisner as an example.
  
• Host a meeting highlighting the research of local undergraduates. Ask them to present posters and/or give a brief oral synopsis of their research.

• Host a “destination” meeting—usually weekends work best (Friday evenings). Perhaps there is a get-away location somewhere in your section that would appeal to members and their families: hiking, snowshoeing, sightseeing, or touring an interesting facility (i.e., local industry, brewery or winery).
  
Hold a meeting at a local museum, aquarium, zoo, or botanical garden.

• Use the ACS Speaker Service.

• Host a community service meeting.

• Have a picnic.

• Go to a local baseball game (possibly tailgate beforehand). This works for any sporting event!

• Partner with Student Affiliates chapters in your section.

• Have a meeting focused on food chemistry—invite a chef!

• Hold a brainstorming meeting for new ideas.

• Host joint meetings with other organizations or associations. They do not necessarily have to be chemistry-oriented groups—sometimes all that is needed is a common interest.

• Video conferencing can be done for the entire meeting or just the executive committee meeting.

• Hold a meeting on Saturday and offer activities to bring out members and their families.

If your local section sponsored a successful event and you want to share it with other sections, please send the information to c_brown@acs.org so that it can be added to the Local Section Resource Kit highlighted in this newsletter.

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