This session aims to showcase society publishers' community engagement projects that have achieved real results. It will feature case studies from ASCB, ASM, FASEB, and AGU, highlighting their innovative approaches. The ASCB initiative provides guaranteed peer review for members, increasing submissions. ASM focuses on community-building through a sustainable open-access publishing model. FASEB has established an Early Career Researcher editorial board to enhance diversity and inclusion, expanding their team to over 100 members. AGU's Thriving Earth Exchange program and the Community Science Exchange platform support local communities by connecting them with researchers to address community priorities and sharing project reports and peer-reviewed articles. Speakers will engage attendees in dialogue to help them develop their community engagement proposals.

As the research landscape and related publishing activities evolve, so should your approach to evaluating publishing services agreements (PSAs) and the RFP process to select a publishing partner. This session will explore how the current scholarly publishing environment –particularly related to open access –is affecting the way societies and their publishing partners are structuring PSAs. Panelists will share their experiences and answer questions like: • How does open access change the dynamics of a PSA RFP process? • How can transformative agreements be evaluated in the context of society goals, member needs, and your PSA? • What changes in terms should you anticipate in your PSA renewal contract given the current climate? What should your renewal strategy be? • Whether you have a history of publishing through PSA partnerships or are thinking about working with a publishing partner for the first time, this session will provide valuable –and actionable –insights. || Learning Level: Mixed-Learning || Speakers: Pam Harley; Nicki Augustyn; Darla Henderson; Alison Denby

The first year of a new Congress, coupled with a new presidential administration, is an opportunity for advocacy, and ideally for progress. As a follow-up to previous "STM goes to Washington" SSP sessions in Portland and Boston, this year's panel will provide an update on the policy landscape for STM priorities in both the White House and the 119th Congress. The panel features a mix of STM professionals and publisher-adjacent specialists with expertise in government affairs, public policy, and science advocacy. Expected topics include the status of grants and agency funding; AI legislation; the implementation of public access plans; and the increasing degree to which lawmakers use science as a "culture war" topic. Given the volume of breaking news, discussion points are subject to change. Overall, the session will cover the STM-related workings of the United States federal government and encourage participants to engage in the legislative process.