WASFAA Conference 2000
by Conference Co-Chairs Rick Weems, University of Alaska - Anchorage,
and Barbara Alm, Boise State University

Anchorage, Alaska.
In the registration material that was sent out we stated, "The mere mention of 'Alaska' conjures up a multitude of images about this last frontier. Of all the common misconceptions, probably the most enduring is that Alaska is covered by snow and ice all year round. Snow generally leaves Anchorage in April and doesn't return until late October or early November." The 476 attendees at this year's conference went away with a wonderful new image of the Last Frontier. Conference attendees arrived in Anchorage to bright sunny days in the low 50's, very little snow on the ground and of course, no igloos.

We shared with those planning to attend that they would have an incredible conference. The sheer size and majesty of Alaska cannot be described with a singular word; there also can be no singular word descriptive of this WASFAA conference! The welcome by stand-upcomedian (not really) Jim Henderson from the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Tlinglit and Haida native dancers gave an inkling that this was not be the normal conference. Jim regaled the group with humor and adaptability, as the microphone wanted to be difficult.

The Tlinglit and Haida native dancers, a group of 15 ranging in age from 2 to 85, touched our spirits with a true look at Alaska and her culture. With 45 breakout sessions, a keynote on process design, and a federal update by Jeff Baker, attendees had a wealth of training opportunities to attend. Our luncheon speaker on Monday was DeeDee Jonrowe, a famous Alaskan dog musher. She captivated us with stories of dog sledding and how she's applied her academic studies - she has a degree in Biology - on the nutrition and care for her 65 dogs. Capping the Alaskan experience was a 4-hour dinner excursion on the Alaska Railroad south out of Anchorage along the Turnagain Arm, viewing Dall sheep, moose and the majestic scenery of Alaska.

The 1st WASFAA Conference of the 21st century was a truly memorable experience for those of us who planned it; we hope it was as memorable for those who attended!