The first SAPA gathering at the 228th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting was organized by SAPA-GP and held on August 24, 2004 at Joy Tsin Lau Chinese Restaurant in Philadelphia. The purpose for this gathering was to promote the interaction and to provide a networking opportunity among SAPA members, particularly those who work in the chemistry fields from different geographical locations. It is also our intention to promote SAPA in American mainstream professional society. The event attracted over 60 SAPA members and their friends from all geographical locations, including China. SAPA-GP president Han-Cheng Zhang opened the gathering with a very brief introduction of SAPA and SAPA-GP. The SAPA immediate-past president Min Li, the SAPA-GP immediate-past president Bo Liang, and GP EC members and volunteers Jian Li, George Li, Zhongda Zhang, Ping Cao and Hong Ye facilitated the networking and discussion at each banquet table. Some of attendees learnt SAPA for the first time and expressed their strong interest in joining SAPA at the gathering. The event was well received and many attendees wished this kind of gathering could be continued in the future.
SAPA-GP is planning its 3rd Annual Conference on June 18, 2005, in conjunction with the BIO2005, the world largest biotech convention to be held on June 19-22, 2005 in Philadelphia. In addition, two workshops, a holiday party and other activities will be held in the coming winter and the next spring. Please visit www.sapa-gp.org for the latest updates.