Innovation is the overarching theme (Rethink - Reimagine - Revolutionize) for the upcoming 2024 NAPB meeting, co-hosted by Bayer and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Preparations for another inspiring event held in St. Louis and in Champaign July 21-25, 2024 (https://www.plantbreeding.org/meetings/2024) are going on at “full throttle” for the local organizing team, putting the program together, finding sponsors, figuring out all logistical details. Watch out for the meeting web-site of the co-hosts with registration information, coming up shortly. If you are renewing membership in connection with signing up for the 2024 NAPB meeting: consider to use the meanwhile available 3-year membership option. Preparations for the 2024 NAPB meeting also keeps most of the NAPB committees and working groups busy, while the NAPB Executive Committee (EC) is finalizing the 2024-2028 5-year strategic plan, to be presented to NAPB membership at the business meeting. A major theme is, how NAPB can provide additional benefits to its membership – while being aware, that NAPB is a volunteer organization of busy professionals. In the background, initial preparations for the 2025 (Hawaii) and 2026 (Texas) meetings have started, and a location for 2027 is under consideration. Future meetings (from 2025 onward) will be supported by BT Professional Solutions, who started to provide administrative assistance to NAPB in 2023.
While you will read more about the upcoming annual meeting (and much else) below, your NAPB president could not resist to explore the latest “kid on the block” with regard to innovation: artificial intelligence. Impressive, what ChatGPT4 generated based on a few condensed information within seconds, when it was tasked to prepare an introduction for this newsletter – here it is:
Dear Members of the National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB),
As we welcome the vibrant spring season, a time of growth and renewal, it is my pleasure to reach out to you with anticipation and excitement for our upcoming annual meeting. The 2024 NAPB meeting, scheduled to take place in St. Louis from July 21-25, promises to be a gathering of minds, innovation, and collaboration.
Spring, as we all know, is not just a time for the natural world to flourish but also a crucial period for us, the dedicated members of the NAPB, to prepare for our most significant event of the year. Our commitment to bringing together the best in plant breeding is reflected in the meticulous planning and effort that goes into organizing our annual meeting. This year, we aim to create an even more exciting and informative program, showcasing the diverse activities of our various committees and working groups.
One of the highlights of this year's meeting will be a special 1-day trip to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This excursion will offer us an invaluable opportunity to explore innovative research, foster new collaborations, and witness firsthand the advancements in plant breeding being made at one of the leading institutions in our field.
As we focus on making the 2024 meeting a memorable and productive event, I also want to share with you that the planning for our future annual meetings in 2025, 2026, and 2027 is already underway. These initial plans are a testament to our association's forward-thinking vision and our commitment to advancing the field of plant breeding.
I encourage each of you to engage actively in the preparations for the St. Louis meeting. Whether you are part of a committee, a working group, or looking to contribute in other ways, your participation is crucial to the success of our gathering. Together, we can create a dynamic and enriching program that reflects the breadth and depth of our field.
Let's use this busy season to not only advance our work but also to prepare for an annual meeting that celebrates our achievements, fosters new ideas, and strengthens our community. I look forward to seeing many of you in St. Louis and to working together to continue the tradition of excellence that defines the NAPB.
Warm regards,