Robin writes >I have a question for the IFC. Are you going to have any forums on the >west coast. I want to go to the Forum at the Falls so bad. But it is >just to far for me. and Wolfy writes >I'll keep saving and hope that a Forum of the Falls type of thing can >come down my way (down south). The International Ferret Congress has had suggestions for having the next big Ferret Symposium (TM) in virtually every major city in North America! Unfortunately, such major events take a LOT of time and effort to plan, and are VERY expensive to carry out. It is impractical at this stage of our organization to do it any more often than once every 18-24 months. We are in the very beginning stages of planning the next one, scheduled for Fall 2003. Some speakers have been tentatively lined up, with the location yet to be determined. But there is so much demand for this type of educational event, that the IFC decided to offer smaller events as well. The Forum at the Falls is the first of these events. One of the few complaints we had from attendees of the Ferrets 2002 Symposium was the lack to time to socialize with new and old ferret friends. Thus the Forum and other smaller events will combine education with fun. Besides the educational sessions and table topics, there will be a meet and greet the evening before, and informal group tours of the falls. The internet is a great way to meet people who share your interests. But meeting face to face can deepen friendships, and encourage conversations and collaborations that could not occur otherwise. The Forum and similar events will provide this opportunity. So if the Forum at the Falls is too far, please be patient, we'll get out your way eventually! And if it's close, we'll see ya there! For more info and registration forms, go to http://www.ferretcongress.org, email me or call 440-774-3633. Linda Iroff Co-chair International Ferret Congress [Posted in FML issue 3813]