President's Message

Diemer de Vries, President

2009 November, Vol 57 No. 11

Dear AES member:

Thank you for taking the time during your busy day to read this note. Your membership and interest in our Society is what makes AES such a strong and vibrant organization.

In some countries, the accession to office of a new president causes a complete change in the society. You will be relieved to know this is not to be expected in our Society. The newcomer (me) has already been acclimated to his job during a year as president-elect and a member of the Executive Committee, which determines the AES policy as a team. Taking over the helm is just the second year of a 5-year leadership role. I hope to make a significant contribution to the Society during my year as president, before becoming a past-president next year and in a couple more years a wise (I hope) old governor. Besides, there is an extensive governing group of vice presidents, governors, and committee chairs (all of whom are listed on the inside front cover of each issue of the Journal) that is ready to support the president in his heavy duties. And, of course, there is Executive Director Roger Furness with his professional staff that takes care of the continuous daily Society activities.

So, just a year of relaxation for the president? Fortunately, not really. Although our Society is more alive than ever—the membership went up last year, as did the number of Journal subscriptions, and a varied array of conferences, meetings, and other activities organized by the regions and sections–the worldwide recession did not leave our Society untouched. It means that we have to deal most efficiently with money and manpower to maintain the present quality and success of our Society. I think it is the task and responsibility of the president to take, or at least to stimulate, initiatives to this purpose. The present circumstances force us to reconsider our traditional approaches, and it is very useful to do so from time to time. Let’s maintain the good things, and change things that can be improved.

We will be looking at all areas of the society’s activities, and one will be the AES international conventions. The technical programs at the conventions mix cuttingedge research reported in the papers and posters sessions with the very practical tutorials and workshops—and much else besides. And the other part is the only true proaudio exhibition. In the past these have been separated by necessity of venues used, but we want to integrate these two major activities more closely. Hopefully you will see the results of this in future conventions, starting in 2010.

Another new development, the benefits of which I hope you will experience soon, is the appointment of Target Group representatives. AES members are of very different plumage. The interests of loudspeaker builders differ from those of recording engineers. The concerns of room acousticians differ from those of forensic audio people, and so on. Members of these target groups who know the ins and outs from their own experience have been invited to assist us in organizing our activities in such a way that all groups are served most efficiently.

More creative ideas are being formulated and evaluated at the moment, and this should continue. If you happen to have such an idea or suggestion that could be of use for our dear Society, don’t hesitate to contact your eager-to hear-from-you president at the email address below.

Enjoy your AES membership!