Welcome

Dear Delegates, 

Thank you for joining us in California, a state that is almost a country unto itself. (Our sincere apologies for having an orange president; we would highly recommend for us all to stay away from rude political jokes as they have become too easy and a sad reminder of the situation we are in). Instead, let’s be thankful the fires are under control, focus on our outstanding meeting, and enjoy our great privilege to be scientists and having the best job in the world. We have tried, like in our previous gatherings, to mix old and new (speakers), MAITs, NKTs, and group I CD1 reactive cells, traditional with unusual, expected with surprising. Challenge the speakers during the sessions, press the poster presenters with your astute questions, freely share ideas, expand your horizons by talking to your neighbor at meals, and smile to communicate your ecstasy. 

The sessions have been designed so that nearly all of the talks will be short (15 minutes), and will present a highly focused story.  However, we have sandwiched the meeting with three special lectures, two bookends and a middle, to ensure that your minds and your attention spans will remain flexible. The best of the younger generation will also be given the chance to compete for $$, the currency of the land, and we expect nothing less from them than the best. 

Socially, we will offer outings to explore the surrounding areas, and will not require you to take part in brutal local sports activities like football or baseball. Everybody is welcome to call everybody else “Dude” and as a primer, may want to watch the Big Lebowski to understand the full and profound meaning of the word. It is not as simple as the Australian “Mate” which refers only to “we came on the same boat and weren’t in first class cabin”, instead, it is complex, intricate, profoundly absurd and therefore existentialist. 

We are looking to make your stay pleasurable and memorable.

Jenny Gumperz, Mitchell Kronenberg & Luc Teyton