This workshop on Local Structure from Diffraction was organized to bring together
leading researchers studying local structure using diffraction techniques. Surprisingly, there
are few opportunities for the powder and single crystal diffuse scattering communities to
come together in one place and discuss their common goals of local structure
determination. This intimate and intensive workshop was held at the historic and
picturesque Park Place Hotel in Traverse City, Michigan, USA from 10—14th August, 1997
and aimed at addressing that need. All the attendees were by invitation only; 25 of whom
gave presentations at the meeting. There were also many animated and detailed private
discussions. Seven different countries were represented with people coming from as far
afield as Australia, Korea and Ukraine as well as a strong representation from Europe and
North America.