This year's annual meeting will present how-to information for researchers, research communicators, and administrators alike. Specifically, the fall 2003 program will focus on what AUBER organizations do. First and foremost: research. What new and interesting projects are members engaging in? What's happening at federal statistical agencies? Second: communicating. How can centers effectively present research results? What's the right balance between printed and electronic dissemination? How can centers design a Web site that's easy to update and that will keep users coming back? Third: administrative issues. What do our deans (and universities) expect from us? How can you create an entrepreneurial enterprise and survive in a world of declining state appropriations?

Sessions are being organized on the following topics:

• How to Conduct a University (or Research Park) Impact Study
• What Are States Doing to Restructure Tax Bases?
• How to Conduct a Public Relations Audit
• Putting Together a Cluster Analysis for the Local Economy
• How to Assist Nonprofit/Advocacy Groups and Workforce Investment Boards
• The New Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics State Partnership
• What Are the opportunities for Organizing Partnerships with Other Centers and Organizations?
• Using Frameworks
• Economic Impact of Sports Stadiums/Teams, Airports, Etc.
• Feasibility Studies
• State/Local Economic Indicator Indexes an Stock Indexes
• How to Measure Tourism and Business Confidence
• How to Build an Effective Data Warehouse Web Site
• How to Implement NAICS into Forecasting Models
• CGE, Econometric, and Input-Output Models. Dynamic Scoring
• Using GIS in Research Projects
• Measuring Productivity at the State and Local Level
• And much, much more!

We're also introducing something new for AUBER conferences: poster sessions! Show off your projects in an informal, one-on-one setting! AUBER Director Maureen Dunne, Framingham State College, is heading up this effort. Look for more information concerning poster sessions in your e-mail inbox.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Duncan Meldrum, Chief Economist for Air Products & Chemicals, Inc., and NABE President, who will present the national economic outlook, and James Diffley, Managing Director of Global Insight's U.S. Regional Services Group, who will discuss the regional outlook. In addition, Dr. Julia Lane, Senior Research Associate with the U.S. Census Bureau, will report on the new Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics State Partnership.

As always, AUBER will be recognizing the best publications and web sites. Entry forms and instructions for the publication and web site awards will be announced soon, so be watching your e-mail.

Come early! Stay late! Register online now! See you in New Orleans!