2006 NSS SOUTHWESTERN REGION WINTER TECH REGIONAL

[madratdan]

2006 NSS SOUTHWESTERN REGION WINTER TECH REGIONAL

Cavers are invited to attend the 2006 Winter Technical Regional of the Southwestern
Region of the National Speleological Society, hosted by the New Mexico Tech Student
Grotto, on December 2, 2006 in Socorro, New Mexico.


GENERAL INFORMATION

The 2006 Winter Technical Regional meeting will be held on the New Mexico Tech
Campus located in Socorro, New Mexico. Talks will be held in the Mineral Science and
Engineering Complex (MSEC 101 & 103). "SWR/NSS" signs will be placed at I-25 exits
on the north and south side of Socorro the day of the event. Additional signs will be
posted at important intersections to guide you to the proper location on the New Mexico
Tech campus. Registration will begin at 8:00 AM, the SWR Meeting will be held at 8:30
AM and talks will be held from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. An evening banquet will be held
with a keynote address by Dr. Alexander Klimchouk, Director of the Ukrainian Institute
of Speleology and Karstology. Door prizes are currently being donated for this year's
event.

For the most recent updates on the 2006 Winter Technical Program, visit the New
Mexico Tech Student Grotto website: www.nmt.edu/~nmtcaver . The website has links to
local activities and attractions, which will be continuously updated as Winter Tech
approaches. A map is also available at the website.


TECHNICAL PRESENTATIONS

Talks have been scheduled for 15 minutes with 5 minutes of questions (three talks per
hour). Talks will be grouped by topic will be held throughout the day, including Science,
Exploration, and Conservation & Management. In addition to oral talks, poster
presentations will be displayed. Abstract submission officially closed on November 1,
2006 for oral presentations; however, poster presentations will be accepted until the
end of November. For further questions regarding time availability and submissions,
contact Kevin Stafford ([e-mail]. Snacks and refreshments will be
provided. Refreshments will include coffee, juice, sodas and water. Breakfast burritos,
fruit and bagels will be served during registration. A donation Kitty will be available.
Lunch will not be provided, but because of Socorro's small size, there will be ample
time to visit local restaurants. A list of local restaurants will be provided at registration.


EVENING BANQUET

The evening banquet will be held at a local restaurant (Backyard BBQ). Tickets for the
evening banquet will be sold at registration for $10/person. The dinner will include:
beef brisket, chicken, vegetarian option, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and
carrot cake. Beer and non-alcoholic beverages (soda, tea & water) will be provided.
During the banquet, Dr. Alexander Klimchouk will discuss the science and exploration
of Krubera Cave, the first 2000 meter deep cave in the world. This keynote address
provides a unique opportunity for the cavers within the Southwestern Region to learn
more about this recent milestone in caving. The evening banquet is optional for
individuals attending this year's Winter Tech. However, we will need to confirm those
wishing to attend during morning registration through ticket sales, so that the local
restaurant can prepare. Arrangements are in progress to allow folks to "socialize (not
eat)" without paying the full banquet price.


ACCOMODATIONS

Socorro offers numerous options of varying cost for accommodations. A complete list
of these can be found on the City of Socorro webpage:
www.socorronm.gov/socorro_lodging.

An abbreviated list of local hotels is listed below:
Days Inn (505-835-0239)
Econo Lodge (505-835-1500)
Economy Inn (505-835-4666)
Holiday Inn Express (505-838-0560)
Motel 6 (505-835-4300)
San Miguel Inn (505-835-0211)
Socorro Inn (505-835-0276)
Super 8 Motel (505-835-4626)

Camping options do exist within the local area and there are several yards and floors at
the homes of cavers in Socorro where people can stay. If you wish to camp or would
like to stay with someone locally, please contact Kevin Stafford ([e-mail]
505-838-0756 home; 505-418-8266 cell) or Mike Bilbo ([e-mail],
505-838-1278 office); arrangements can be made.


DECEMBER 2, 2006 PROPOSED EVENT SCHEDULE

8:00 - 8:30 Registration
8:30 - 9:30 SWR Meeting
9:30 -10:50 Presentations
10:50 - 11:10 Morning Break
11:10 - 12:30 Presentations
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch on your own
1:30 - 3:30 Presentations
3:30 - 3:50 Afternoon Break
3:50 - 6:00 Presentations
7:00 - 9:00 Evening Banquet

[Brian Roebuck]

Dang,
The meeting and presentations sound great especially after reading up on Krubera Cave etc! New Mexico is just a little too far out of our neighborhood to buzz on over and attend this event however. Maybe we'll get a chance to hear Klimchouk speak elsewhere sometime. To those that go - let us know how the event was and how much you enjoyed it!

[Sharon Faulkner]

Ya know, it would be quite a coup if you could arrange for Klimchouk to be the guest speaker at the SERA Winter Business Meeting Dr. Beaner. It might not be that tough to sell him on it, he's already in the U.S. and there is plenty of caving in the area.

If you could pull that off:

[Brian Roebuck]

Good idea Sharon,

I'll have to contact Chattanooga Grotto and see if they can grab him while he is here.

I am truly humbled by your choice of smilies! Wow...