The ISI has held Sessions biennially since 1853 bringing together academic, government and private sector statisticians and related experts from various fields. The Sessions provide an opportunity for statisticians to attend scientific meetings focusing on their own speciality. At the same time they can absorb new research in other statistical fields that may have unanticipated applications to their own speciality. Many have spoken of the valuable 'cross pollination' of ideas that they have experienced during the ISI Session.