Financial Women's Association International Conference in Costa Rica

FWA 23rd International Conference
Costa Rica
Departing from NYC March 7th/Returning to NYC March 14th

We are pleased to announce the highlights of our upcoming 2010 delegation to Costa Rica. For a registration form and complete information about the trip please refer to the FWA website (www.fwa.org) for all details of our eight-day, seven-night program.

San José:
We will arrive on Sunday, March 7th, in San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. Located in the Central Valley, San José is the seat of national government, the focal point of political and economic activity and the major transportation hub of this Central American nation.

In San José, we are working on a meeting with the current President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Oscar Arias, and key government leaders. Our three day business program in San José will include panel discussions on topics including global issues affecting the environment, the educational system and the role of women in economic development. We also have planned a visit to INCAE University and possibly a visit to the Congress.

Poás Volcano National Park and INBioparque:
On Thursday, March 11th, we will drive to majestic Poás Volcano National Park. Poás Volcano is still an active volcano and its colorful crater is one of the widest and deepest in the world. INBioparque is an educational and recreational center where you will sample the vast world of biological diversity found in Costa Rica. Mark Garland, a naturalist and Audubon expert, has been engaged to accompany the delegation to Poás Volacano National Park and INBioparque and provide expert insight on the array of bird and other wildlife we will be viewing.

Monteverde:
We will arrive on Thursday evening, March 11th, and will spend two nights at El Establo Hotel. Monteverde is both a community and forest reserve that is home to hundreds of bird and mammal species. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a world-famous forest where large trees are nearly completely covered by thick, wet and heavy “carpets” of small plants including orchids.

In Monteverde we will hear lectures and panel discussions on many topics including eco-tourism, green initiatives and the sustainability of the environment. We will visit the Women Entrepreneur’s Fair and spend Saturday on a guided natural history walk in the Cloud Forest Reserve.

We will depart Monteverde on Saturday afternoon, spend our final night in San José and then depart on Sunday, March 14th. In addition to the conference and for an additional cost, you can elect to take a post-conference tour to include Arenal Volcano with the Arenal Hanging Bridges and a trip to Manuel Antonio Beach on the Central Pacific Coast.

The final all-inclusive Costa Rica Conference cost including group travel, air, land expenses and conference fees, is $2995 for members; $3995 for nonmembers. Certain conference meetings include meals that are underwritten by conference sponsors. All other meals and costs are the responsibility of the participant. The deadline for registration and payment is December 31, 2009. Please refer to the FWA website for details.

Our 2010 conference promises to be among the FWA’s most successful, offering high-level access and focus on the emerging financial markets, successful products, and microfinance projects The conference agenda has been designed to maximize delegates’ understanding of the complexity of Costa Rica’s socioeconomic, political and business structures in a relaxed cultural setting that encompasses Costa Rica’s rich heritage. Please feel free to contact Nancy Sellar ([email protected]) with questions or comments.

Thank you again for your continued support of our international endeavors and for your prompt attention to the registration requirements.

Stephanie Hauge
President

Mary Ann Grossman Marguerite Platt
Co-Chairs, Costa Rica Conference