This Panel Discussion supports the 97th AMS Annual Meeting theme "Observations Lead the Way" by attempting to provide a vision of the future of the environmental systems enterprise for obtaining, routing and processing satellite-based observational data. To achieve this goal, the Panel Discussion will convene a distinguished panel of experts with broad expertise in environmental satellites to form a picture of the future environmental satellite system enterprise and how it will meet current and new requirements and employ emerging technologies and operational concepts. Panel members are expected from the NRC Decadal Survey, DoD, EUMETSAT and NOAA/NESDIS. The Panel Discussion moderator will be William B. Gail, past AMS President, Global Weather Corp. co-founder and CTO, and NRC ESAS 2017-2027 Decadal Survey Steering Committee Co-Chair. Riverside/Vencore are sponsoring a limited number of box lunches. For additional information, please contact Gary McWilliams (gary.mcwilliams@noaa.gov).

In keeping with the Annual Meeting Theme of "Observations Lead the Way", this panel discussion addresses the scientific opportunity afforded by the availability of a storm-penetrating aircraft.  Investments by the National Science Foundation (NSF) provide for modifications to an A-10 aircraft made available by the U.S. Air Force to NSF and the addition of the aircraft as a requestable asset within the Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF) managed for NSF by the Earth Observing Laboratory of the National Center for Atmospheric Research.  The panel will be comprised of experts in a variety of atmospheric science subdisciplines that could benefit from such an asset.  Additionally, experts on aircraft operations will provide details on potential operational capabilities of the A-10.  Panel presentations and open discussions will seek community input as to the needs and benefits of such an observing capability, which will include required and desired instrumentation.

Forecasters, emergency managers, and decision makers in Alaska and Hawaii and the US-affiliated Pacific Islands are challenged with numerous decision points each wildfire season. Unlike the Contiguous United States (CONUS) region, these regions outside the CONUS (OCONUS) rely on unique factors, indices and data sets. NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) hosts this side panel event in an effort to explore the role of environmental information in OCONUS wildfire management. This dialog will provide an opportunity for interaction between government partners, emergency managers, and field experts to discuss current techniques, data sets, and challenges, and identify requirements to enhance OCONUS wildfire disaster resilience and response. The intent is to foster and reinforce the lines of communication and to develop the resilience of the nation's resources and infrastructure.  Global Science & Technology inc. will be providing a limited assortment of light fare. For additional information, please contact Annette Hollingshead at Annette.Hollingshead@noaa.gov

The Publications Workshop this year will be focused on the importance of reviewing. Why is this such a critical part of the publication process? How does being part of the peer-review process help graduate students and early-career scientists advance their careers? What exactly are editors looking for when requesting a review? What are the ethical standards reviewers should be aware of?Monthly Weather Review Chief Editor Dave Schultz (and author of Eloquent Science: A Practical Guide to Becoming a Better Writer, Speaker, and Atmospheric Scientist), as well as other AMS journal editors, will cover those topics and more in this workshop that should be of interest to all parties involved in producing, publishing, and communicating about scientific research. A limited number of fresh baked cookies will be provided.For additional information, please contact Mike Friedman (mfriedman@ametsoc.org).

With the proliferation of platforms for communicating information over the internet and the popularity of weather, many news organizations are increasingly covering the subject. The platforms - including blogs, social media and more traditional online articles - facilitate instant sharing of time-sensitive, important information leading up to and during hazardous situations. Their interactive features encourage engagement that can facilitate mutually beneficial exchange of information. But in their drive to attract readers and clicks in covering weather in a very competitive business environment, some organizations and/or individuals have crossed lines. They sensationalize headlines and social media posts. They post forecasts beyond the range of predictability. They omit important details, make errors and/or perpetuate misconceptions. This panel will feature digital meteorologists and weather journalists who will discuss today's rapidly evolving media landscape. They'll discuss what's working well in online weather communication, best practices, and areas to improve. AccuWeather, The Washington Post, and Tom Fahy/Capitol Meteorologics will provide a limited number of box lunches.For additional information, please contact Thomas Fahy (tfahy@capitolgr.com)