We are now just days away from the start of Plant Biology 2011 and as the registration manager, I am eager for this meeting to start. I look forward to meeting many of the people I have helped with the registration process and the abstract submission process. I also look forward to meeting the exhibitors, many of whom I feel I know by now after spending the last several months, with Nadine George, making sure they had everything they needed.

I also look forward to seeing all the attendees enjoy what has been a lot of work to organize. We have some of the best speakers and presenters for our Symposia and minisymposia. We also have a vast selection of workshops for attendees to choose from, many of which are free, even if they require pre-registration. A significant number of them are sold out already, so I assume that means that the attendees are excited about them as well.

Of course there is also the Opening Reception and the Party, both of which are open to all registered attendees and guest tickets are available. The Opening Reception is the first chance for the attendees and exhibitors to meet with each other and for many of the attendees to socialize. The Party – aka the ASPB Hoedown, should be lots of fun. Make sure to pack your cowboy boots!! We have a few fun surprises in store for the party.

Don't forget that there is also a chance to win prizes during some Exhibit Hall hours – make sure to read the information about the Scavenger Hunt and the Hot Spots for your chance to win a little pocket money to make your trip more enjoyable.

Putting together Plant Biology 2011, with all the other people who work hard all year on it, has been fun and challenging at times. Seeing the attendees enjoying themselves will make it all worthwhile.