HISTORY

Since its inception, the Consortium has evolved in some ways to accommodate changing conditions, but the constant has been its purpose and its schedule of convening two times a year, in Spring and Fall.

In its first few years, Consortium membership included a year-long research project conducted by the Consortium leader on a topic chosen by the group members. A report was issued and the results were discussed at the next meeting.

Meetings were initially held at the facilities of members, but eventually the research projects were discontinued and meetings were convened in cities that afforded the opportunity to visit universities and other companies to learn about research projects and professional practices that were being done in-situ. These in-person meetings, which also included private members-only sessions, continued until the COVID-19 pandemic invaded the United States. Starting with the 2020 Fall meeting and continuing through 2023, meetings were held virtually. Beginning in 2024, meetings have been held either in-person or virtually depending on the preference of the members.