Many years ago when Honolulu was selected by the PAS Executive Committee for the 2008 meeting, there were myriad reactions: concerns over the travel distance, flight costs and hotel rates which were buffeted by many people’s enthusiasm for the novel and exciting location. So far, one thing is certain: the number of abstracts submitted exceeded previous years’ records and requests for hotel reservations required an increase in housing blocks.

It has been a very rewarding but challenging endeavor to review the increased number of workshops and research abstracts submitted. The acceptance rate for Workshops was significantly lower this year due to the room availability remaining unchanged. The majority of those unselected were of excellent quality with the ultimate decisions frequently based on attempts to diversify this year’s program by including new topics and new presenters.

The overall number of excellent research abstracts allowed us to negotiate for additional platform sessions for both Behavioral/Developmental Pediatrics and General Pediatrics. Likewise, we will have the opportunity for some additional posters due to the configuration of the Honolulu Convention Center. While we realize this has the potential for increasing your personal challenge in arranging session attendance, our goal is to provide the opportunities of your choosing!

The Program Committee is most grateful to all of you who served as reviewers. Without your efforts, the process could not have been accomplished. The timing of the reviews during the holiday season always places a considerable strain on your schedules and we are very appreciative of your contributions. Our special thanks to our staff, Marge Degnon, Connie Mackay and Kamali Wilmot for all their help in organizing us and shepherding us again through this complex process.

We look forward to seeing all of you in Honolulu! And don’t forget your sunscreen!

Updated 04/07/08