ACM Distinguished Speakers Program

0atwong • 24th Sep 2007 • Conversation Pieces

I have just been invited and accepted to be a ACM Distinguished Speaker. See my profile and my list of lectures at http://www.dsp.acm.org/view_lecturer.cfm?lecturer_id=682

ACM Distinguished Speakers Program :: History
The Distinguished Speakers Program has been in existence for over twenty years. Traditionally, the program was comprised of speakers from academe that traveled to individual ACM chapters and larger, regional “magnet events” to deliver lectures on their fields of expertise. A core group of lecturers would commit to serve for one year, with the option to stay on. ACM headquarters reimbursed lecturers for their travel expenses; chapters were responsible for local expenses. In this way it served as indirect financial support for chapters, especially those struggling with access to quality content and speakers.

In recent years, the program has been almost exclusively marketed to, and used by, student chapters, with positive feedback from both students and speakers. Recognizing the potential for the DSP to serve as a premier outreach program for all ACM chapters and members, the Membership Services Board created a committee in 2005 to review the current program and to set goals for expanding its size and scope.