Phoenix, AZ
The MSA held its annual Microscopy and Microanalysis 2012 meeting in Phoenix, AZ from late July to early August. The event was held at the Phoenix Convention Center, and drew a large crowd. Starting with the Sunday Opening Reception, this year’s social event was at the breathtaking Phoenix Convention Center ballroom. The Sunday Social Event was a great opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues, make some new ones, and enjoy some wine, local beer, and a delicious Southwestern supper buffet. The meeting chair was Luke Brewer from the Naval Postgraduate School, and he did an impressive job in the program for the meeting.
The meeting provided an opportunity for professional education, exposure to première vendors, and the opportunity for fun and entertainment around every corner. Phoenix proved to uphold its reputation as “hot” with the temperatures reaching 110 °F on most days — yes it was really hot.
The MSA Council members and Planning Committees did a great job, as the meeting was well advertised, well organized, affordable, interesting and fun! Really, it was the Phoenix nightlife that was fun! Classes and tutorials were well attended and covered a wide range of technical topics. The symposia were also very diverse, ranging from the plenary lecture to the impact of Cryo-preparation for Biological EM.
The MSA vendors were, as always, generous with their time, with their displays in the Convention Center, and with their “invitation only” events, such as the FEI reception and the Arizona science center, which was well attended, and the Zeiss reception at the Hyatt.
Arizona State University offered tours to the Cowley Center, perhaps the world’s premier High-Resolution Transmission microscopy center, although NCEM would disagree. It is an impressive facility.
There are currently 32 independent Local Affiliated Societies (LAS) active nation-wide, with NESM being one of the biggest and most active among them. NESM strongly encourages all members to become members of MSA and enjoy the benefits of the national society.
David Bell
2013 Physical Sciences Director
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