Summer is well underway and what a summer it has been! From baseball games, to boating on the lake, to vacations, to grad parties, I feel like it’s been a whirlwind of activity for our family! Time is flying and there’s still much more fun to have before it completely winds down. Let’s slow down time just a bit, am I right?

I have a feeling our MAFS Meeting planners are thinking the same right now, well, maybe not quite the same. We are nearing the culmination of our organization’s biggest event, the annual Fall Meeting! The venue is picked, workshops are set, instructors are starting to plan their travel, and registration for you is open. But are they ready for all the fun yet? Probably not quite yet.

While the meeting planners finish all the last-minute details, let’s reflect on what all their hard work means for you in Columbus this year. As I mentioned, this is our organization’s biggest event. It is a week geared to fulfilling our purpose—to encourage the exchange of ideas and information within forensic science. MAFS knows how to do this in fun and exciting ways.

First, we have a jam-packed workshop schedule that’s sure to capture your attention. Check out workshops like Drug Chemist vs. Quality Assurance, Forensic Examination of Fabric Impressions, Homemade Explosives Awareness for the Chemist, From Bench to Boss: Transitioning Roles within your Organization, or any of the many other workshops available.

Second, if the workshops don’t catch your eye, we have a plenary session and discipline-specific presentations to share knowledge of relevant topics in the forensic community with you. You can even sign up to share your knowledge and ideas with others! Contact your Section Coordinator to do so!

And finally, the gala and extracurricular activities are yet another way to exchange ideas with others. I have found these to be the best times to network, catch up with old friends, and meet new ones. Whether the exchange is as inane as, “does ketchup belong on a hot dog?” (important forensic question, of course) or as complex as, “how does your lab handle inherent bias?”, the exchanges are sure to happen. As with the formal learning offered, there’s a little something for everyone. We have a first-time attendee’s reception for those new to our meetings. We also have axe-throwing on the agenda one night and trivia another. If big crowds aren’t your thing, ask someone next to you for dinner one night. I heard there’s more than a few good places to try in Columbus!

Hopefully, something has caught your eye, and I’ll see you soon in Columbus! If now just isn’t right for you, consider checking us out in Minnesota next year. Have a great rest of your summer!

Debbie Kaurala

MAFS President