Hi all, I am writing to let you know about our forthcoming whale watching conference, to be held in Iceland from 12-14th March 2008. Please keep the date free – it would be great if you could take part. We want to celebrate the success of whale watching and give operators the chance to share ideas. This conference is relevant for all wildlife tour operators, tourism students and anyone considering setting up a business in wildlife tourism. Please forward this invite on to anyone you think might be interested. The conference is being organised by Icewhale (Iceland's Whale Watching Association), with support from IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Highlights of the conference include: Education onboard whale watching vessels – a talk followed by a workshop to share information and ideas. Research onboard – what techniques and equipment are available and why it would benefit your business. Making your business more economically sustainable. Sustainability of whale watching. Confirmed speakers include: Dr David Lusseau (University of Aberdeen, UK), Richard Fairbairns (Sealife Surveys, UK) and José Palazzo (Brazilian right whale scientist and long-time advocate of whale watching). The conference fee includes 3 nights accommodation at the Hotel Selfoss http://www.selfosshotel.is coach transfer to and from the hotel and all meals. The fee is ISK 25,000 (approximately £200, US$400 or €275). Return flights from Europe start at £175 (€250) and flights from the USA start at $400. Please do not book flights until your space has been confirmed in January. An additional option at the end of the conference is a one- day trip to Húsavik (in the north of Iceland). This will include flights, bus transfer, a guided tour of the Whale Museum and lunch. If you reserve your place before 16th January 08, you will get a 20% discount on the conference fee. No payment is required at this stage. We will get back to you early in January with booking details. Please book your places by emailing Ellie Dickson at IFAW on edickson@ifaw.org Yours truly, Ásbjörn Björgvinsson, Icewhale --------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: The International Fund for Animal Welfare works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people. This transmission is intended only for use by the addressee(s) named herein and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential and/or legally privileged.