[ESIP-all] Important Meeting Notice

Mon Oct 27 14:37:04 EST 2003

All -
As you are aware, the Federation of Earth Science Information Partners is
going through a period of significant change.  As we evolve from an
association with ties to a common funding source to a
broad-based user group that is representative of a wide spectrum of remote
sensing Earth science interests, we face the challenges of redefining who we
are, how we do business and what tangible services we should provide to our
members while, at the same time strengthening our traditional ties with
NASA.
If we answer these questions correctly, the benefits - in terms of
increased opportunities for collaboration and resources - could be enormous
for all concerned.
With these things in mind, we are developing the agenda
for the Federation's winter meeting around the theme of "Putting the User
First".  The meeting will be designed to highlight the work done
since the Boulder meeting to increase our base of strategic partners and to
respond to the variety of needs that exist among the Federation's different
Earth science data user interests.

Key features of the meeting will include:

* Presentations by Federal Agencies (in addition to NASA) that
Utilize Remotely Sensed Data
* Expanded opportunities for networking and collaboration (poster
session; specialized breakouts; outside interests represented)
* Specialized Breakout Sessions representing the following interest
areas:  Technology, Science/Research, Education, Applications
* Expanded Technical Workshops, Including a Vendor Exhibition.
* Pre-meeting workshop on Planning Data Product Marketing (January
4, 2004)

The meeting will run from January 5-8, 2004 at the Renaissance Airport Hotel
in Orlando, Florida.  Registration information will be posted to the
Federation website shortly. We expect to have a final agenda ready by
November 15.
I look forward to seeing you in Florida.

									Best regards,

											Dick Wertz

Richard C. Wertz
Executive Director
Foundation for Earth Science
3985 Alcoa Drive
Fairfax, VA 22033
703-802-7363
703-802-7364 (fax)
dick.wertz at earthsciencefoundation.org