Thank you for visiting. The SfAA Student Committee is excited to assist you by answering many of your Conference questions.
If there's a question you'd like to have answered please < HREF="mailto:anneball@erols.com">e-mail the Chair, Anne Ballenger and she will include it here!

1. What is the SfAA Conference
The 63rd Annual Meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA) is the premier conference for international and U.S. applied anthropologists and students. The conference has been long considered the best venue for presenting research, theory and projects that have yet to go to press, as well as, the best place to receive immediate feedback and comments from collegues and formulate future projects by meeting your fellow practitioners and academicians.
A variety of presentation formats and activities are usually planned, such as:


Posters

Research presented in a visual format and one-on-one discussion with the researcher.

Sessions

A group of subject/theme related papers presented by different applied anthropologists in panel format, usually 15 minutes per presentation with a Q & A period.

Workshops

Theme related, usually on skills, training or information. They can be 1/2 day, full day or over several days. Typically they are organized by seasoned applied anthropologists and is very good for those wanting to learn more in a group interaction environment.
Often times, you need to pre-register or pay. Usually workshops fill quickly, so it's always best to check the website to signup before the Conference. If you don't get a chance to sign-up before hand, check at the registration desk at the conference and will be able to tell you if there is still space left.

Plennary Session

A distinquished guest is invited to speak on the conference theme.
The plennary session is a not to miss event and usually a reception follows. The food is free, but the cash bar reigns.

Business Meetings

Most of the SfAA Committees and special interest groups conduct their annual business meetings at the conference. Members and interested persons are always welcome unless noted in the program. Business meetings are a great way to find out what issues are flying about and to meet people in your field.
In addition, the SfAA Executive Board holds their semi-annual business meeting where committees present their reports to Executive Board. The Executive Board meeting is for Board Members, but an open SfAA Business Meeting is held for all memebers to attend at the conference. Check the program to note when it is.

Round Tables

Round tables are usually a small collection of theme related discussions take place at round tables.
They are really good way to discuss with researchers regarding the current theme and meet people working in that area. Some round tables are part of a lunch; others are not. I haven't seen too many round tables at SfAA in the last couple of years, but at least you know what they are if they are being offered here or at another conference. These are really good. The last time I was at one, I was asked to write an article for a journal! So, take advantage ...

Conference Orientation

The Conference Orientation is organized by the Student Committee and the Conference Chair and several SfAA Past Presidents present feature sessions, events, and discuss ways in which you can make the best of your conference experience. The orientation session is first session of the first conference day.

Luncheons

There are only a couple of luncheons available at the Conference, make sure you don't miss the SfAA Past Presidents & Students Luncheon as 25 students will receive a free lunch!
Luncheons are usually a pre-regisration and pre-pay event. They are a good way to meet people and formulate your network! Check the SfAA website for any that may appear.

Social Gatherings

There are a variety of social events at the conference including an opening social, followed by several more socials thorought the conference. These are free unless otherwise noted in the program, but drinks are pay as you go.
However, there are always three special socials students should look for:
~ the student party if you get there early, rumor has it there are free drinks!
~ the Past Presidents & Student Luncheon 25 students get a free sit-down lunch and great conversation.
~ the NAPA Student & Practitioner Party Always a good bet with free food and drinks!
Check the program for more events.

2. When is the SfAA Conference?
The SfAA Conference is March 19-23, 2002.
3. Where is the SfAA Conference?
The Conference is in downtown Portland, Oregon at the Marriot Portland Downtown Hotel.
4. What is the theme of the Conference?
The theme of this year's conference is Building Bridges: Collaborating Beyond Boundaries. Here is the copy from the SfAA website:


The 2003 Annual Meeting of the SfAA explores the collaborative efforts in anthropology and reports the research, ideas, and experiences of scholars and practitioners with diverse interests and backgrounds.

The sessions, panel discussions, open forums, workshops and posters focus on ways anthropologists and other social scientists collaboratively work on complex issues with other professionals, practitioners, stakeholders, and diverse publics.

The meeting invites contributions in all areas of anthropological inquiry:

• especially in environmental conservation and sustainability
• agriculture and development
• migration and resettlement
• health research and policy
• education
• urban planning and community development
• technology and its social impact
• ethnicity, gender, and class,
• business and work
• society and the law
• ethnic conflict and human rights
• cultural heritage and historic preservation
.

In addition to highlighting anthropology’s linkages with other disciplines and areas of research and practice, the 2003 meeting addresses the significance of meaningful engagements across disciplinary and professional boundaries.

To recognize and promote collaborative work, we encourage you to participate in this meeting by building innovative bridges across these boundaries.

“Building Bridges: Collaborating Beyond Boundaries” exhibits the diversity and strengths of anthropologists and creates a vision of future collaborations with other professionals, researchers, agencies, and communities.

This meeting will explore current trends and future paradigms for research, teaching, and application as well as their impacts on important policy issues and public debate.

5. What is the cost of the Conference?
I've got great news for you! If you've never been a student member and are planning attend the Conference, you are in for a treat!
• New student members & student conference registration is ONLY $60.00!
• Student SfAA Member Registration -- $35.00
Student Member -- registration only, does not include membership renewal.
Please include student I.D. below as proof of current student status.)

• Non-Member Student Registration -- $45.00
Just so you get an idea what a deal students get at SfAA, regular members registration is $85.00.
6. Where can I stay?
You can make reservations at the Conference Hotel and SfAA has arranged for a Conference rate.

Here is copy from the SfAa web site about the hotel:
The Marriot Portland Downtown Hotel will serve as the host hotel for the 2003 SfAA Annual Meeting.

You may make reservations by calling the Central Reservation Number at 1-800-228-9290.
Please ask for the special group rate that has been reserved for the Society for Applied Anthropology -- $120 per night for a single or double room. Please make your hotel reservations early, as space will be limited.

7. Are there places that are cheaper to stay?
Yes, there are cheaper places to stay. In fact, Aaron Whiteford, an applied anthropology student, has written some ideas down for you at < HREF="https://members.tripod.com/anneballenger/student/conftravel.html">Conference Travel Tips on our web site.
8. How can I find a roommate to split the cost of a room?
9. Why should I go to the Conference?
~See the answer to the first question.
~You may be able to work out academic credit for your attendence. See the question further down the list.
~Membership in SfAA and a presentation here is excellent for your C.V.!
~I can't tell you how many future research collaborations, funding relationships and future job opportunities are fermented here. It is not uncommon for a group of people to meet and the next thing you know, they are planning an exciting new collaboration. ~If you are looking for a Ph.D. program, this is the best way to meet those profs. outside of their department to find out if their program is right for you. ~In fact, you really don't know you will meet. Last conference I met the woman who's theory I used for my thesis!
10. How can I cut down the cost of attending the Conference?
There are several ways to decrease your expenses to attend the conference. Here are some;

• < HREF="http://www.sfaa.net/spicer/spicer.html">Spicer Travel Awards (2)- apply for a travel award by submitting a paper to SfAA for this award.
• Dell Jones Travel Award (1) - apply for this travel award honoring Dell Jones
• Peter K. New Award (1) - the winner receives a stuben trophy, prize money & a travel and accommodation stipend
• Share a room with a school chum or find a roommate
• Stay at a local motel/hotel close by
• Contact the local student antrhopology club at Oregon and see if they have people to put you up
• Use the local busses to get around - they're cheap!
• If you've got the time, drive instead of flying. If there are anumber of your going from your University, you may want to car pool.
11. How do I get to the conference?
If you are flying here is what SfAA has done for you:
SfAA has arranged a contract with American Airlines for travel to the annual meeting. American Airlines will provide discounted fares when you call the American Meeting Network Service at 1-800-433-1790.

When you speak to the representative, you must use the SfAA File Number, 3333AA to obtain this discount.

12. Can I come to the conference if I'm not presenting a paper?
Yes. The SfAA encourages the attendance of all students and you can participate fully in all the activities, events and sessions. Some say that's the best way to attend, because you are not worried about your presentation the entire time.
13. Do I have to pay? Yes. However, the SfAA has low student prices, and also single-day prices. See, the student registration and membership question above.
14. Can I chair a session as a student?
Absolutely! In fact, SfAA encourages you to expand your leadership and organizational skills.
15. What kind of papers are accepted for presentation:
All kinds of papers. Interested students would to best to consult the programs from previous years to ascertain the breadth of subjects covered in the conference. In general, papers based on original research are the norm.
Take a look at the Conference "Theme" question above. I am sure that you've got a paper that fits in with all those areas listed above. If not, contact the Conference Chair, Sunil Khanna, Oregon State University.
16. Can I volunteer to assist at the conference?
Of course! For several years, the SfAA has encouraged students to volunteer with a variety of tasks. Students are asked to volunteer for four hours. In return, students receive a free annual membership in the Society, entitling them to all the publications and benefits of membership.
17. I have a great paper I wrote last year. How do I go about submitting it?
The SfAA has an electronic submission form on the SfAA homepage. You can also print out a copy and mail it in. Instructions for completing the process can be found on the homepage as well.
18. Does SfAA offer academic credit for students attending the conference?
Response from the SfAA Business Office:
The Society does not have an arrangement for providing college credit for attendance at the meeting (or attendance in conjunction with an assignment). This is the kind of thing that should be arranged with your own institution. I suggest that you contact your faculty advisor to determine if your college/university can make such an arrangement. At our end, we can provide for you and your advisor ample evidence to substantiate the professional content of the meeting.