Social Events

Opening Reception & Exhibit Show

Please join us in renewing old friendships, welcoming new participants, and supporting our exhibitors at this year's Opening Reception on Saturday, May 31, in Exhibit Hall B of the Knoxville Convention Center.   The reception will begin at 7:30pm and is free for registered participants.  Name tag is required for entry to the hall.

Tour of the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

On the evening of Sunday, June 1, attendees may tour the Spallation Neutron Source; this event is sponsored by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and a reception including hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be held at the site.

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is a 1.4-MW accelerator-based neutron source located near Knoxville, Tennessee.  The SNS is the first of a new generation of spallation neutron user facilities, exemplifying a significant increase in both neutron production power and instrument technology.  While still ramping up to full power, the SNS is already producing the world's most intense pulsed neutron beams for materials, physics, chemistry and biological research.  The SNS is currently building and commissioning a diverse suite of eighteen instruments for diffraction, small-angle scattering, spectroscopy and reflectometry.  These complement the scattering instruments at the recently upgraded High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) neutron source. 

The tour is open to ACA attendees, guests and exhibitors only and can be done through the  SNS Tour page registration form; there is no charge for this event; transporation will be provided.  Your conference badge and photo identification will be needed to board the buses and enter the laboratory.   Unfortunately, due to entry restrictions and the amount of time required for approval of visitors from certain countries, we are not be able to accept registration from any foreign national who is born in, a citizen of, or employed/sponsored by a company in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan or Syria. 

Young Scientist Mixer

The Young Scientist Mixer is one of the meeting's most popular events.  The mixer provides a great opportunity for young scientists (students, post docs, and early career scientists/teachers) to network and socialize.  The 2008 Mixer is scheduled for Monday, June 2, beginning at 7:30pm at the Sunsphere. There will be no charge for registered students or post docs but you must indicate on your registration form if you wish to attend.  Tickets will be available for $15 for all others and guests must be purchased before May 28, 2008. 

Mentor/Mentee Dinner

Since 1995 the ACA has sponsored a Mentor/Mentee Dinner to provide a relaxed atmosphere for young scientists to network and seek mentors within the crystallographic community.  On Tuesday, June 3, young scientists will have the opportunity to discuss their science and career aspirations with the mentors present. 

Mentees are usually considered students, post-docs, and early career teachers/scientists (i.e.  non-tenured assistant professors) while Mentors are typically more experienced researchers, although assistant professors wishing to mentor are more than welcome to do so.  This event will be buffet dinner at Calhouns, on the River.   Tickets are $20 for Mentees, $30 for Mentors and must be purchased before May 28, 2008. 

Banquet and Award Ceremony

Our annual banquet and awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 4, within the convention center.   Winners of the 2008 Poster Prizes will be announced.  A cash bar reception begins at 6:30p.m with dinner  at 7:30p.m.  Dinner tickets for registered students are $25.  Tickets for all others are $55.  Tickets must be purchased before May 28, 2008.

Please contact the ACA office to purchase tickets to the social events:
aca@hwi.buffalo.edu, Fax (716) 898-8695, Phone (716) 898-8690.