PREFACE This bulletin defines the duties of those who are appointed to plan and conduct API district meetings@ and outlines procedures by which these duties can be discharged. The procedures herein are not necessarily the only ones that will achieve the desired end; but since they do reflect the experience of some 150 past meetings@ it is expected that all chairmen and committee members will find that frequent reference to this guide and general compliance with its recommendations will@ in the long run@ conserve their time and minimize duplicated efforts and errors of omission. It is intended that@ with few exceptions@ these recommendations be taken as suggestions. Circumstances and possibilities vary widely from district to district@ and from city to city within each district@ so that procedure must conform to practical requirements rather than to a general standard. Even when variations are not dictated by necessity@ it is hoped that everyone connected with the district meetings will freely suggest changes that promise improvement so that we will not fall too easily into a stereotyped way of doing things. As mentioned@ there are a few recommendations which are matters of fixed API policy and should be treated as inflexible. These points are all concerned with the handling of funds@ the financing of entertainment@ and the disposition of surplus entertainment funds. The paragraphs which should be considered inviolable are 31 through 39. Everyone who refers to this bulletin is requested to point out any deficiencies it may have. The unselfish and effective voluntary effort which industry representatives have always put into the planning of district meetings is certainly deserving of the best possible guidance.