For 50 years the FLY MEETINGS have been a core component of the fly community. Ever since their inception, they have been a venue to share data openly and freely, form collaborations, and exchange ideas. To provide a perspective of the history of these meetings, we will present a lively discussion involving scientists who were either there from the very early days of these meetings (Mel Green, Dan Lindsley, Tony Mahowald) or who have seen the meetings evolve over the last 30 years (Thom Kaufman, Ruth Lehmann, Eric Wieschaus). This discussion will be hosted by Scott Hawley.  In addition to telling stories and sharing a bit of history, our goal is to
celebrate how the spirit of sharing and collaboration established at these meetings 50 years ago continues to propel ground-breaking science today.