The 2005 CFA Summer Meeting,

our 30th Anniversary, is just around the corner. The CFA staff, Board of Directors, and committees involved in the planning of this event have implemented a host of changes to keep the event fresh, exciting, and fun.

The first change is the schedule. Classes will begin before the opening reception Thursday, July 6th. The golf outing was moved to Saturday morning so that golfers didn’t have to hurry, or worse yet be forced to make a decision on whether they would be late for the meeting or finish their round of golf. The golf outing has been growing every year due in part to the scramble or best-shot format. You don’t have to be a good golfer to participate – just willing to have fun. It doesn’t hurt, however, to have at least one experienced golfer in your group.

The second change is the educational format. There will still be seminars presented by Doug Staebler and others but we will be returning to the “round table” format for part of the educational forum this year. These interactive sessions were very popular when conducted in the past so we are bringing them back.

This is our first meeting in a major Metropolitan area since Milwaukee and Baltimore, which were both before my time (as executive director – not before I was born). We were able to negotiate a room rate of $145/night (plus taxes) at the Hyatt Embarcadaro, which is very low for a urban setting in this type of hotel. Try to book that same room on-line or direct and it will set you back $255/night. Make sure you mention the CFA room block when reserving.

Other things in the city center can be relatively expensive. Parking your car, for example, can set you back between $40 and $50 a day. If you arrive by air (or train) and need a car, we recommend you rent it only on the day or days you need it. There is a car rental desk located in the hotel. If you shop around, however, you can wine, dine, and travel for a reasonable sum.

Our location is great. The Hyatt Embarcadaro is across the street from the old restored Ferry Building, filled with shops and restaurants. The docks are still in use by the ferries – in fact, we board Saturday night’s harbor cruise ship at one of the docks. Step out of another door and you can jump on one of the famous Cable Cars. The terminus of one of the lines is directly in front of the hotel.

Both of the group extra events involve the sea. Friday night we board the USS Hornet, a World War II aircraft carrier. If you have never been on one (even if you have) you will be impressed. Tours will be conducted throughout the evening and we will have access to their “simulator” ride. The ship never leaves the dock but the experience is still dramatic. Saturday’s event is an evening harbor cruise. Relax, network, and enjoy San Francisco lights from the bay.

There are a number of great sights in San Francisco itself – the Presidio, Altatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Cable Car Museum to mention a few. If you want to leave the city, Muir Woods is a great spot to see the giant Redwoods. Napa and Sonoma valleys, where some of the best wines in the world are produced, are just an hour north of the city. Yosemite National Park and the Pacific coast are also great side trips.

This issue of our newsletter will provide details about the meeting and some of the opportunities that could make this a great family vacation. We have a limited number of rooms at the discount price so make your reservations early. I look forward to meeting you in San Francisco.