Microscopy & Microanalysis 2011, the premier conference of the field, is this year being hosted by the Microscopy Society of America, the Microanalysis Society, and the International Metallographic Society. On behalf of our respective societies, we welcome you to Nashville, Tennessee, the Music City, truly one of the most entertaining cities in America. We are confident that Nashville will serve as a wonderful location for our meeting, and that the conference will prove to be stimulating and worthwhile for all both on a professional and personal level.