Written for the scientist or professional society faced with the task of organizing a congress, conference, or symposium, this remarkable guide presents in chronological order the do"s and don"ts necessary to create a successful meeting. Topics range from questions of motivation and date to those of bookkeeping and final financial settlement. The book also provides a precisely structured flow chart for planning and a detailed checklist of critical steps. Among the questions fully discussed_often in a tone of dry, tolerant humor_are conference location, hotel reservations, transportation, social amenities, visual aids, and when, how, and what to announce. Other topics include the capricious habits of chairmen, speakers, methods for gaining sponsorship, and microphones. The author believes that the mood of a meeting is as important as its research papers, and he shows how to achieve the right mood by means of an effective entertainment program.