In this column, I will review the highlights of the 1998 SIOP conference in Dallas, and especially, thank everyone who contributed to its success. I will also introduce the new 1998–99 SIOP Executive Committee and Committee Chairs, and finally, I will report on several initiatives we are undertaking this year.

The 13^th Annual Conference in Dallas

Once again, we had a tremendously successful SIOP conference! This year’s attendance was the highest to date (over 2,500 people); workshop attendees and program submissions also hit all time highs. Every year, I think things are going to level off—so far, we only continue to grow. This is a clear testament to the many dedicated SIOP members who devote a great amount of time and energy to the conference.

First and foremost, thanks to Katherine Klein, retiring chair of the SIOP Conference Committee. It’s hard to imagine all that’s involved and the amount of time it takes to run a conference the size and complexity of ours. Katherine has done an exceptional job as conference chair and has made outstanding contributions to the Society in this role (especially the luncheon going away and the dessert reception that replaced it).

I also extend a special thanks to Kevin Nilan, who handled registration and coordinated the group of 46 SIOP Volunteers who provided assistance performing various activities during the conference. Also contributing enormously to the conference’s success was our SIOP Administrative Office, in particular Lee Hakel, Milt Hakel, Esther Benitez, and Ted Smith. As we continue to grow and the job of executing the conference becomes more challenging, the Administrative Office has been taking over more aspects of the conference. The service and efficiency of the Administrative Office is unparalleled and I look forward to their continued and increased involvement in running the conference.

Job placement was also a great success, thanks to Steve Ashworth and Linda Sawin. Many prospective employers and job seekers commented on the value of this service and how well the operation was run.

The Continuing Education and Workshop Committee once again put on a set of 14 outstanding workshops that were sold out and very well received by attendees. Thanks to all of the workshop presenters and coordinators, and especially Angie McDermott, Workshop Committee Chair.

Another highpoint of the conference was the Doctoral Student Consortium, organized by Lyse Wells and Steven Rogelberg. The students who attended had many positive things to say about this year’s program, which included presentations by Joan Brannick, Jim Breaugh, Stephen Gilliland, John Hollenbeck, Jerry Kehoe, and Ann Marie Ryan.

Local arrangements in Dallas were handled by William Shepherd who did a wonderful job. Also, thanks to Larry Peters for arranging the pre-conference tour of American Airlines. Other conference activities included the annual 5K run, organized by Kevin Williams, and SIOP golf outing, organized by Jos Cortina and Chuck Lance.

Although I heard very positive comments about the conference overall, several people mentioned to me that they would like to see more "O" sessions on the program. When I asked what exactly they would like to see included, some mentioned topics such as job satisfaction, job stress, and so forth, while others said they would like more on change management and related topics. Irrespective of how one might define "O," these comments made me wonder about the overall composition and balance of our program. Mike Burke, the 1999 SIOP Program Chair, will be analyzing the Dallas program in terms of session topics, proportion of acceptance/rejection rates for "I" versus "O" sessions, and other things to examine issues related to program composition and, if needed, make recommendations to address any imbalances.

It is also important to note, however, that the content of the SIOP program is largely contingent on what is submitted. Thus, if anyone feels that there are topic areas they would like to see on the program, I encourage you to develop these ideas into program proposals and submit them. Another way to become involved is to volunteer for the Program Committee.

The 1998–99 Executive Committee and Committee Chairs

Congratulations to the election winners: Angelo DeNisi, President-Elect, and Ann Marie Ryan, Member at Large to the Executive Committee. We will also be voting for two new APA Council Members this year. APA will be sending the ballot for this election to APA Members, so please keep your eyes open for it.

Returning elected officers are: Bill Macey (Secretary), Jeff McHenry (Treasurer), Angelo DeNisi, Wayne Camara, and Georgia Chao (APA Council Reps), and Nancy Tippins and Jan Cleveland (Members at Large). Also returning, now in the role of Past President, is Kevin Murphy. I extend special thanks to Kevin for his leadership and hard work on behalf of SIOP this past year.

Our new Committee Chairs are Fran Yammarino (Awards), Steve Ashworth (Business Visibility), Beth Chung (Ethnic Minority Task Force), Neal Schmitt (Frontiers Series and Principles Review), Adrienne Colella (Membership), Linda Sawin (Placement), Jeff Schippmann (Professional Practice), Ed Salas (Professional Practice Series), Murray Barrick (APA Program), Mike Burke (SIOP Program), Katherine Klein (Public Policy), Fritz Drasgow (Scientific Affairs), Ron Johnson (Society Conference), Kalen Pieper (State Affairs), and Allan Church (TIP).

Continuing on in their terms as Committee Chairs are Bernardo Ferdman (Committee on Committees), Angie McDermott (Continuing Education and Workshop), Debbie Major (Education and Training), Phil Craiger (Electronic Communications), Bob Dipboye (Fellowship), Irv Goldstein (SIOP Foundation), and Laura Koppes (Historian).

As is evident from the long list of involved members, our activities and successes are the result of many individuals who generously contribute to SIOP. It is a privilege to work with these talented and committed individuals, and I look forward to what we will accomplish this year.

Major Initiatives and Activities

Speaking of accomplishments, we’re well on our way. We are still involved in the process of providing input on the revision of the Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests, and we have also been exploring the need to revise the Principles. Neal Schmitt is leading an Ad Hoc Committee on this issue and will be providing specific recommendations for revisions of the Principles in the near future. SIOP is also providing input on a Test Taker Rights and Responsibilities document that is the product of a working group of the Joint Committee on Testing Practices.

Irv Goldstein and his Foundation Committee have been hard at work establishing operating procedures for the SIOP Foundation. We will be disseminating more information about the Foundation in the near future.

Finally, I want to report briefly on several important initiatives we are undertaking as a result of the strategic planning session we conducted in January of this year. These initiatives are:

1. Education and Professional Development. The goal is for SIOP to become the "preferred provider" for continuing education and professional development. Target audiences will include psychologists, doctoral students, managers, and HR professionals. Methods of training may include workshops, study tours, and other continuing education activities. Long Range Planning is leading this initiative.

2. Public Policy Influence. The goal is for SIOP to become a highly visible source for input in forming public policy. A new Public Policy Ad Hoc Committee has been established and charged with leading this initiative.

3. Visibility to Educators and Students. The goal is to provide educational materials to educators and students about what I-O psychology is and what I-O psychologists do. The Education and Training Committee is leading this effort.

4. Visibility to Business Leaders. The goal of this initiative is twofold: (a) to create products that give SIOP’s name and identity visibility in the business community and (b) to disseminate I-O knowledge that is particularly relevant to the business community. A new Business Visibility Ad Hoc Committee has been established to spearhead this effort.

5. Globalization of I-O Psychology. The goal is for SIOP to be the world leader and most frequently consulted I-O psychology organization. The International Affairs Subcommittee of the Professional Practice Committee is leading this effort.

We will be reporting on specific actions and our progress on these initiatives throughout the year.