The academy's history of public service includes meetings and conferences where members attend presentations by scholars on single issues and participate in their discussions. These conferences also draw upon public officials involved in the particular subject matter. In 1917, in co-operation with the American Society of International Law, the academy organized a National Conference on the Foreign Relations of the United States. It was, wrote "The New York Times", "the most notable unofficial gathering of authorities on international law and trade, diplomats, statesmen, journalists, publicists, and politicians ever held in this country". A 1932 conference held by the academy brought together distinguished economists, bankers and industrialists to discuss "Steps Toward Recovery".