The conference focuses on discussion of preliminary data, new concepts, and new methods. This is done in part by having extensive poster sessions and in part by extensive discussions after each talk and in explicit discussion periods at the end of each session.

To everyone: Please be aware of the major importance of adhering to the time schedule. Ample time for discussion during the formal sessions is of the highest priority. We've arranged so that there is time for such discussion, but this depends on speakers not going overtime, and on discussion leaders being sure to enforce this. Also be aware that discussions should not end at the end of your session/talk but should continue during lunch/dinner or in the bar. Try to leave your audience with food for thought rather than with the impression that all is understood.

To speakers: We have allotted 45 minutes for each speaker, of which a minimum of 10, and preferably 15 minutes are for discussion (see above). You should, therefore, aim for a 30-35 minute presentation (preferably closer to 30). It is best to have several introductory slides, as you will be addressing a interdisciplinary audience, many of whom will need to learn the broad background, key issues, and current status of the research problems in the field in order to fully understand the talk. And, in the spirit of the Gordon Conferences, we do encourage you to be bold, speculative, and provocative! Remember that all that transpires is "off-the-record". Please do the unusual and consider using some time for presenting the more controversial bits: the bits that may not (yet) be accepted in the journals. Perhaps you can also indicate where the work is heading and which experiments can NOT yet be done, but should be done. Remember also that it should be nice to refer to poster presentations that may be relevant for your topic.

To discussion leaders: You should plan to take about 5 minutes at the beginning of the 15-minute general discussion period that will follow the formal talks to make some points to help focus the topics and/or guide the discussion. Or you may prefer to use 5 minutes at the beginning of the session to do this. You may like to meet with the speakers in your session ahead of time, to reinforce this message that a major purpose of the talks is to provoke discussion, and to give you some topics to raise in the discussion section so as to provide a bit of structure. We should highly appreciate it if you can get the younger participants to participate. For this, you might wish to refer to specific posters that are relevant for the formal lectures or for the discussion, so they can then also be discussed. Please be totally strict in sticking to the time schedule, both for yourself and for the speakers.

Facilities: The lecture hall is equipped with the usual screens, overhead projectors, slide projectors, video equipment and a data projector (97 Powerpoint-compatible). NO COMPUTER IS PROVIDED; if you do wish to do a computer presentation, we advise you to bring your own laptop. (Please let us know if you intend to do this and which format you intend to use.) Alternatively, you could use the laptop of Hans Westerhoff (PC Windows 95, runs MS Powerpoint 97). In this case you should contact him beforehand and E-MAIL him a try-out file soon; in principle we would then count on you bringing a CD-ROM with your presentation, or E-MAILING him a complete file before Friday August 4. E-MAIL: hw@bio.vu.nl

Finances: For those of the speakers/discussion leaders who for some reason paid the fixed fee, you will be reimbursed during/after the conference, but you must bring your receipts. Similarly, for those who requested help with travel expenses, please bring your receipts to the conference. All of the paperwork must be done on site.

Extra accomodation of speakers/discussion leaders: My list of those who wish to have accommodation at the College on Saturday night, August 5, includes the following: Drs. Bakker, Bernardi, Clegg, Cohen, Gundersen (Fri. & Sat.), Gunning, Kell, Mannella (is this correct?), Osteryoung, Saks (2 people), Stubbe, Verkman, Ovadi, van Driel, Westerhoff, John Wilson. If your name should also be on this list, or if it is listed in error, please let me know.

Program: There have been some changes in the program, please refer to the web page for the up to date information. These are not yet on the web page, but should be soon. The detailed time schedule for the conference will also be posted, and should be available shortly.