To all forest entomologists in North America and beyond,
This is the first announcement of any sort I am aware of regarding the 2016 North American Forest Insect Work Conference. At the 2011 meeting, Dr. Bob Rabaglia (USFS) and I were recruited to help organize the next work conference by those involved in organizing the 2011 conference. Other participants also showed some interest in organizing a meeting, but by 2012, it seemed like Bob and I were the only ones left standing. If this is a misconception or others are working toward this, it would be a good time to make yourselves known.
Bob and I have, with some guidance, investigated the possibility of holding the meeting in Washington D.C. The driving factor for this was to be able to engage U.S. federal leadership (I.e. come to their doorstep) to educate and interact with those many of us rarely see or influence. There are several people who have indicated a strong interest in organizing the program and this will be their great challenge, engaging the leadership group while providing an excellent scientific and professional program for all the participants.
This past June, Bob and I got serious and visited several potential venues in D.C. to identify if there was an outstanding place that could hold our meeting during the desired spring season. Even though spring in D.C. is generally very expensive and hard to book even 3 years out, I am pleased to say that we have tentatively found a fantastic venue to hold our meeting: The Wardman Park Marriott near the National Zoo (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasdt-washington-marriott-wardman-park/). The meeting spaces, lodging rooms, and location are all first rate. Since we are still in negotiations with the hotel, I cannot say too much, but suffice it to say the discounts provided by the hotel are impressive. Per diem lodging in Washington DC during the spring in 2013 is $224/night and with a 3% annual increase to 2016 could be as high as $244. Right now we are being offered $169/night for a single and $179 for a double. Even this substantial discount seems high, but it is unbelievable for springtime in D.C. It is also the current summertime per diem. No one could get close to this for us. While the lodging rates are higher than we normally deal with, it will be balanced by cheaper travel, as D.C. is a major airline and rail destination.
We have targeted the dates of May 31 (arrival) - June 3 (departure), 2016. This would mean the welcome reception would take place Tuesday evening the 31st. This is the day after Memorial Day. We have been offered a substantial discount to hold our meeting at this time simply because the dates are so close to Memorial Day. After consulting with several individuals involved in organizing previous meetings, it was determined that this would not be a bad date for us, as it would present an opportunity for participants to actually come a few days early and vacation in the city during this important holiday. The only other less expensive dates available would be in the heart of the summer when D.C. is pretty miserable and when many of you are unavailable due to field seasons. Being able to retain the traditional springtime meeting while keeping the costs down has got us pretty excited.
This message is designed to inform and allow for feedback especially before a contract is signed. Now we clearly understand we cannot make everyone happy no matter where or when we hold the meeting, but if there are substantial issues that we have not considered that you want to convey to us or others, this is a good time to do it.
We look forward to helping plan a most successful NAFIWC meeting.
Scott M. Salom
Professor - Forest Entomology
Department of Entomology
216 Price Hall MC 0319
170 Drillfield Drive, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Phone: 540-231-2794
Fax: 540-231-9131
Dept. Website: http://www.ento.vt.edu/people/tenure/salom-scott/index.html
Interfaces of Global Change Website: http://globalchangephd.com/