Dear EMWA Members,

As we came together in the historic city of The Hague in November 2015 for another successful and enjoyable conference, we were particularly delighted to welcome our Benelux members who turned out in force. The usual EMWA egalitarian spirit was boosted with a little cocktail shaking and salsa dancing this time around. These great socials were the icing on the cake of a packed learning programme: 21 foundation and advanced level workshops bolstered with a fantastic range of free events including the InScience Communications-sponsored lunch symposium; a question and answer session on the first EMWA Special Project, the CORE (Clarity and Openness in Reporting: E3-based) Reference project; an update on the second EMWA Special Project, the PVSIG (Pharmacovigilance Special Interest Group) and the lively Freelance Business Forum - and all in 2 days!

As memories of The Hague settle, and we approach the end of 2015, it is time to think about our hopes for the coming year. As elections for the Executive Committee are around the corner, please consider the contribution you might make. We need committed people to help shape the future of our association. Remember the key aspirations that underpin EMWA's growth and longevity: retaining experienced members and influencing our industry. If challenges like these make your creative juices flow, why not step forward?

In such a deadline-driven industry, we all need to rest at times, so I wish you all a relaxing festive season. With your feet up, browse this December 2015 issue of MEW on writing for lay audiences, and look forward to the new-look MEW in 2016 with our new publisher. Happy 2016!

Best wishes,

Sam Hamilton