Dear ISCA members, dear colleagues,

  When you will read this message, we will be very close to the opening of our flagship event: the 2012 Interspeech conference in Portland.

  Before the conference, I want to congratulate Richard, Esther, Jérôme and all the other colleagues who worked hard in order to make 'the best conference ever'. I want to remind all of us that this work came and comes in addition to their normal duties and the fact that it relies on a voluntary basis.

  I know they are all in a difficult period: all the decisions are made, everything is ready but the 'gold proof' will come soon... If they are logically anxious, I have no doubt, looking at the quality of the organisation and the quality of the scientific program, about the success of the conference!

  Interspeech is also the time to honour our colleagues. We will have one ISCA Medal for Scientific Achievement, four new ISCA Fellows, two new ISCA distinguished Lecturers and several best paper awards (best journal papers and best Interspeech 2012 student papers).

  I take this opportunity to thank our very successful student volunteers from the ISCA Student Advisory Committee. The SAC organizes two events during Interspeech 2012:  the 'Student Roundtable Lunch' on Tuesday and the 'Students Discover Industrial Career Challenges' on Wednesday.

  Interspeech is also the time to report about the ISCA activities for the past year and to present and discuss the activities for the next year(s).

  As I already explained at several occasions, ISCA is at a crossing point in its long history and the next years will decide about the future of the association.

  Looking at this challenge, we will inaugurate a new format for the General Assembly (Tuesday 18:15 - 19h15). After the presentation of the financial report and a very short overview of ISCA activities, we will present our plan for the future and open an -always fruitful- discussion. I am sure you will all come to the General Assembly!

  See you soon in Portland!

  JF Bonastre