by Rachel Houghton

Don't miss out on the Welcome Reception Sunday night, May 13, 2001. It's always worthwhile. When I was in Cincinnati two years ago (my first time), there was a caricaturist, a dixieland band.... who knows what they'll have this year!

Plan to go to the Region 7 Reception on Monday night (5-7 p.m.) It's always nice to meet folks from other chapters in our region. You'll meet our Director-Sponsor and have the opportunity to mingle and network.

If you have a chance, you might want to do the networking luncheon on Monday ($20, sign up in advance on the conference registration form). The luncheon is based on the "streams" of seminars, so if you find out you are interested in attending a lot of seminars in one stream, it might benefit you to find a seat at that stream's table(s).

There are other networking luncheons on Tuesday and Wednesday, along with Special Interest Group meetings, that may also interest you. Be sure to read your preliminary program for complete information on times, dates, and preregistration requirements.

There are also some hospitality tours such as the Chicago Botanic Gardens, the Art Institute and the Great Museums. Or you can just go explore the city on your own. There will be time to explore in the evenings or on Sunday afternoon before the Welcome Reception.

Rachel Houghton will be attending this year's STC Annual Conference in Chicago, Ill., May 13-16, 2001. If you are attending, and would like to hook up with other Willamette Valley members during the conference, contact Rachel at rhj@cypress.com.