ACA Workshop Proposal Information 2027

Have an idea for an ACA workshop? We welcome proposals that provide practical training, introduce new techniques, and help participants develop skills in crystallography and structural science. Leading a workshop is an opportunity to share your expertise and connect with others in the community.

What Is an ACA Workshop?

ACA workshops provide focused instruction in specific methods, tools, software, or scientific concepts through lectures, demonstrations, guided exercises, and discussion. They may introduce foundational concepts to newcomers or offer advanced training for experienced researchers.

Unlike scientific sessions, which primarily present research findings, workshops emphasize structured learning, practical skills, and participant engagement.

Each workshop should have a defined audience, clear learning objectives, and an instructional approach that helps participants apply what they learn. Workshops must be educational and non-commercial in nature.

Workshop Format & Scheduling

Workshops will be held TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2027 and may be proposed as half-day or full-day programs.

Organizers should develop a detailed agenda that includes all instructional activities and scheduled breaks. Half-day workshops must include at least one coffee break; full-day workshops must include two coffee breaks and lunch.

All activities must have designated start and end times using 24-hour (military) time. Final schedules are subject to ACA approval.

ACA Workshop Support

The ACA provides a workshop room with tables and participant power access, a laptop, projector, and two microphones, along with the scheduled refreshments appropriate to the workshop's duration.

Wi-Fi is not included. Any internet needs, specialized equipment, software, or additional resources must be identified in the Special Requirements section of the Workshop Agenda Form. ACA Headquarters will review these requests to determine whether they can be accommodated. Undisclosed essential requirements may result in workshop cancellation.

Workshop Funding

Organizers are not required to submit budgets or secure sponsorships. The ACA will review expenses and establish registration fees based on workshop needs and educational value, allowing smaller, specialized workshops to be considered without a financial neutrality requirement.

Individual workshop sponsorships are not accepted, and support is limited to the resources described above. Additional food and beverage orders are not permitted.

Workshop Organizers & Instructors

Workshop organizers are responsible for developing the educational content, coordinating instructors, and preparing the proposed agenda.

The following requirements apply:

• Participation: Each instructor may teach in only one workshop and must confirm in writing to ACA Headquarters by December 1, 2026, that they will attend ACA 2027 in person.

• Registration: Instructors must register for their workshop, but the workshop registration fee will be waived. They must also register for the full Annual Meeting and pay the applicable registration fee.

• Instructor Benefits: Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided during the workshop as a thank-you for sharing their expertise. Travel and Annual Meeting registration expenses are not reimbursed.

ACA membership is not required to submit a proposal. However, workshop organizers and instructors must register for the Annual Meeting if their workshop is accepted.

How to Submit a Workshop Proposal

Complete the ACA 2027 Workshop Agenda Form and submit it by November 9, 2026.

The form includes detailed instructions and collects the information needed to evaluate your proposal, including:

1. Workshop Information: Title, organizer contact information, description, learning objectives, relevant ACA Special Interest Groups (SIGs), maximum participants, and proposed start and end times.

2. Detailed Agenda: A chronological schedule of presentations, demonstrations, hands-on activities, discussions, and breaks, including times, descriptions, instructor names, and email addresses.

3. Special Requirements: Any internet access, software, equipment, or other resources needed beyond standard ACA workshop support.

Please review your completed form to ensure all information is accurate and the agenda covers the entire workshop.

Proposal Review & Selection

The ACA will review proposals based on their educational value, relevance to the crystallographic community, instructional approach, and logistical requirements.

ACA Headquarters may contact organizers for clarification or additional information. Final workshop approval, scheduling, and registration fees will be determined by the ACA.