ALA Scientific Program Coming to Michigan State University and Iowa State University Exclusive Program on Automation and Technology in the Laboratory In keeping with our mission to advance science and education related to laboratory automation, ALA is pleased to offer the 2008 ALA Spotlight Series. And, once again, this educational program is free. The 2008 ALA Spotlight Series comprises scientific-based presentations that highlight putting automation and technology to work in the laboratory. This year's series was developed in partnership with Pioneer Hi-Bred and Syngenta Seeds. Whether you are focused in drug discovery and development, clinical diagnostics, agriculture and food, forensics and security, energy generation and petrochemicals, or another discipline - the pressures on the research and discovery community are greater than ever. Innovation in the laboratory is constant and the pace of change is breathtaking. It is imperative to stay abreast of the latest information by participating in such forums as the ALA Spotlight Series. Participants benefit from the knowledge, insights and experiences of those scientists actually immersed in the day-to-day action in the laboratories at Pioneer Hi-Bred and Syngenta Seeds. You Can Win a Trip to Palm Springs, CA in January 2009! It's simple — register online and participate in one of the two ALA Spotlight Series programs. One winner will be selected from a random drawing of participants in attendance at each location. The winners receive flight, lodging and complimentary registration to LabAutomation2009, Jan. 24-28 — ALA's 13th Annual Conference and Exhibition in wonderful and warm Palm Springs, California. ALA policies and guidelines apply. ALA Spotlight Series programs are being offered this fall at the following locations: Michigan State University Thursday, November 6, 2008 2:00 - 5:30 p.m. Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center Conference Room 62 Michigan State University 55 South Harrison Road East Lansing, Michigan 48824 Iowa State University Wednesday, November 12, 2008 2:00 - 5:30 p.m. Iowa State University Memorial Union South Ballroom 3630 Memorial Union Ames, Iowa 50011 ALA Career Connections After participating in an afternoon of concentrated, scientific sessions — take a moment to unwind and network at the post-program ice cream social. Here you have the opportunity to meet informally with the scientists from both sponsoring organizations — and their career development specialists as well. Cost The ALA Spotlight Series is free. Who Should Attend Post doctoral associates, graduate students, under graduate students, academicians and government personnel, researchers, engineers, and business professionals.