Received from:
Amanda Hodges - achodges@ufl.edu

Carrie Harmon - clharmoln@ufl.edu

Paul Vincelli - pvincell@uky.edu

The 2009 NPDN National Meeting, Diagnostics in the 21st Century, in Miami, Florida, will provide an exciting, interactive, and educational program for diagnosticians, extension specialists, and regulatory partners.

Examples of speakers and topics at the opening plenary session include:

• International Trade: A Threat to Plant Biosecurity - Dr. Clive Brasier, UK Forestry Commission
• Invasive Arthropods in Natural Areas and Agricultural Plant Systems - Dr. Wayne Dixon, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry
• The Science and Practice of Foresenic Plant Pathology - Dr. Jacque Fletcher, Oklahoma State University

• New and Emerging Threats - organized by Dr. Pat Shiel, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Carolyn Klass, Cornell University, and Fred Warner, Michigan State University
• Genomic Tools and Resources for Pest Identification - organized by Drs. Phil Berger, Laurene Levy, and Pat Shiel, USDA-APHIS-PPQ
• Novel Techniques for Detection and Surveillance - organized by Drs. Paul Vincelli, University of Kentucky, and Pat Shiel, USDA-APHIS-PPQ

• Technology Tools and the NPDN - organized by Dr. Amanda Hodges, University of Florida
• Spodoptera litura and S. littoralis Identification - with Instructor Julieta Brambila, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, and Instructor Assistant: Lyle Buss, University of Florida

• Diagnostic Tips-Informal Information Exchange - Facilitator: Carrie Harmon, University of Florida

Information on Abstract submission, registration, accommodations and tours is available at http://www.apsnet.org/meetings/NPDN/default.htm .

Program updates periodically posted on the NPDN website at: http://www.npdn.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=8&tabid=70 .