I am pleased to announce that the number of submissions for the 2012 Phoenix conference is the second largest we have ever had (Boston 2011 was the largest). With 2570 paper submissions and 163 panel proposals, our conference will represent a broad array of the finest communication scholarship in the world. Moreover, the configuration of the Sheraton hotel will enable us to panel about 49% of the submissions, up from last year's 38% acceptance rate and much more in keeping with earlier conferences.

Conference planning is now in high gear. Division and Interest Group reviewers are busy evaluating papers and panel proposals. These reviews will be completed by 10 December and then planners will begin to create sessions. Submitters will be notified of acceptance or rejection of their papers and panels by mid-January and the conference program should be available online by 1 March 2012.

Besides traditional sessions and live streaming of special panels, we have several exciting opportunities available for conference participants (both face-to face and virtual). The plenary and miniplenary sessions are just about finalized and in the next Newsletter I will provide a final list of the speakers and events. Be sure to plan to stay around for Monday morning - we have an exciting debate planned that will feature some of the finest scholars in our field.

Beginning 15 January the ICA website will have full descriptions of the 16 preconferences being sponsored. On the website you will also find a list of excursions that offer unique Arizona experiences. I want to call special attention to The Heard Museum Tour, Reception, and Tequila Tasting scheduled for Friday evening, 25 May 2012. The internationally acclaimed Heard Museum is dedicated to the sensitive and accurate portrayal of Native arts and cultures, and offers a glorious site to celebrate the magnificent American Indian artwork and powerful exhibitions that make the Heard a world-class institution. I hope you will join me for this evening celebrating American southwestern cultures and communities. Horseback riding, night hiking, and daytime petroglyph hiking are also available along with a trip to Taliesin West, the site of Frank Lloyd Wright's studio and architecture school. And of course there are the side trips to the Red Rocks of Sedona and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. ICA members, our families, and our friends have a lot to enjoy in Phoenix and its environs.

Overall, I am confident that our Phoenix conference will be intellectually stimulating, socially engaging, and professionally rewarding. I look forward to seeing you there.