The ACS Speaker Service

Dating back to 1936, the ACS Speaker Service is a respected and well-established program that provides ACS members as speakers on a variety of technical and non-technical topics at local section meetings. Nearly 200

volunteer speakers participate in the program. Approximately 80% of local sections request at least one speaker in a given year. Approximately 120 tours are conducted each year, with each tour including presentations to at least three local sections.

Speaker Service Basics

• Sections work within a circuit :
  Several local sections within a circuit work to create a “wish list” of desired speakers.
• Minimum of three local sections in a circuit must agree to the same speaker and time period.
• ACS staff serves as liaison between local sections and the speakers.

Scheduling a Speaker

1. Exchange contact information with other local sections in your circuit and obtain login and password required to access the Speaker Service Online database at the January ACS Leadership Institute.
2. Contact ACS to obtain your login and password if you did not attend the ACS Leadership Institute.
3. If you have your login and password you may access the Speaker Service Database.
4. Coordinate your request with two or more other local sections in your circuit
5. Make your requests in the online database.

Planning Timeline

2010 Speaker Service planning will begin in June 2009. Additional details will be provided later in the Spring.

Hosting the Speaker

• Confirm all logistics and meeting arrangements in writing with the speaker.
• Make recommendations about local hotels.
• Make AV arrangements and provide information about the audience.
• Give directions or offer a ride to the meeting.
• Review the speaker’s biography and introduce the speaker.
• Be an especially cordial host to qualify potentially for a Hospitality Award at the spring ACS national meeting.

Financial Matters

• Cost to the local section per tour speaker is $350, $175 for each additional meeting and $425 for team speakers.
• ACS pays the costs of the speaker’s travel, lodging, and meals.
• Speakers are volunteers and do not receive honoraria or stipends.

Evaluations

• The Speaker Service sends evaluation forms to local sections before the tour occurs.
• Provide candid feedback to the national office to keep the program strong and growing.

Cancellations

• Speaker Service can usually provide a substitute if a speaker must cancel.
• You will be charged the $350 tour speaker fee if you cancel less than 2 months before the scheduled event.

Sample Speaker Service Presentations

• Jeannette Brown: History of African-American Women Chemists, ACS San Francisco national meeting, September 12, 2006
• Donald Hicks: Seven Twists of Fate that Created the Huge U. S. Chemical Industry, ACS San Francisco national meeting, September 11, 2006
• Lynn Hogue and Mickey Sarquis: Creative Ideas for Teaching Chemistry Concepts, ACS San Francisco national meeting, September 12, 2006
• Stanley Manahan: Green Chemistry and Technology, ACS San Francisco national meeting, September 11, 2006