Early Bird Price is extended until January 31, 2013. Clubs with 3 or more full participants will receive Early Bird Price even after deadline.      

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SEE OUR SPEAKERS CORNER

SEE BERN ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

CONFERENCE 2013 FORUM (must be logged in) - looking for a roommate? want to meet up for transport? post your questions/requests here.

FAWCO will be having its next Biennial Conference in Bern, Switzerland in March 2013 (click here for the dates, you must be logged in). In addition to the conference being our annual general meeting with reports from all facets of FAWCO business, delegates will elect a new Board of Directors for FAWCO and The FAWCO Foundation. Local and international speakers will cover a variety of global and club-level issues. There will be a final report on FAWCO's Target Water Project, in partnership with The FAWCO Foundation, benefiting Tabitha Cambodia Wells for Clean Water. The FAWCO Foundation will announce education awards winners and development grants recipients, and conduct their annual silent auction charity evening. As the Conference falls on March 8th, International Women's Day, the theme is to celebrate the progress of Women.

Each FAWCO club would send one delegate to be the voting member for that club: this is usually the President or the FAWCO rep. for the club. Click here to see past conferences.  Online registration will open October 15, 2012.

The conference is attended by over 200 representatives of FAWCO's local chapters from around the world. For advertising and sponsorship inquiries, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

THE CITY:

Not many cities have managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The old town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thanks to its 6 kilometres of arcades - the locals refer to them as 'Lauben' - boasts on of the longest weather-sheltered shopping promenades in Europe. The medieval air of this city with its many fountains, sandstone facades, narrow streets and historic towers is unique. The elevated Rose Garden above the Bear Park and the platform of the 101-metre-high cathedral tower offer the best views of the old town round which the River Aare flows. The Zentrum Paul Klee situated on the outskirts of the city houses the most comprehensive collection of works by the artist Paul Klee. The Albert Einstein House bears testimony to the physics genius' stay in Bern at the start of the 20th century and may ideally be combined with a visit to the Einstein Museum. With the History Museum, Art Museum, Swiss Alpine Museum and Communication Museum Bern offers a very varied range of exhibitions. Bern is also the seat of Switzerland's government. Go to BERN TOURIST INFORMATION.

HOW TO GET THERE:  Bern is best reached by flying into Zurich or Basel/Mulhouse then taking the train direct from the airports to the center of Bern (less than 1 hour). The hotel can easily be reached by foot or tram.  

THE HOTEL:

The conference will take place at the Kursaal Kongresszentrum in Bern with its associated four-star Hotel Allegro. Go to the KURSAAL WEBSITE. 

Click here for the list of hotel options  close by the conference hotel.

THE HOST CLUB:

Over the years since its founding in 1949, the American Women’s Club of Bern has helped numerous women transplanted far away from home feel happier, more comfortable, more connected, more informed and more involved. The club has not only served its members, their husbands and their children in countless ways, but has also used its charitable contributions to help a good number of Swiss citizens. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many volunteers, some of whom have contributed their time and energy year after year to make the club a success. Go to CLUB WEBSITE.

THE TOURS: 

Whether you want to see Löwenberg Castle in Murten, Fill up on cheese in Gruyere, indulge in decadent chocolate at Maison Caillier, visit the Roman Amphitheater of Avenches or come face to face with the US Mission to the UN, our pre-conference tours offer something for everyone. 

During the conference  be sure to take advantage of the Bern walking tour and see the city through the eyes of a local. For guests, the day tours to Emmentaler Show Dairy, Paul Klee Museum, Jungfraujoch (top of the world) and Tropical House Frutigen are amazing opportunities to explore the country.

The post conference tours offer the chance to travel on some of the worlds most famous and beautiful trains; Golden Pass Panoramic Train and Glacier Express. Take this opportunity while you are in Switzerland to see breathtaking scenery and visit incredible cities that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.  For more information, click TOURS.

You will be able to sign up and pay for all tours on the online registration form. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for inquiries.