FCCA'S TOP 10 CONFERENCES
YOU DIDN'T WANT TO MISS!

10. 1993 San Diego, California
9. 1999 Miami, Florida
8. 1998 Albuquerque, NM
7. 1995 Sun Valley, Idaho
6. 1989 Las Vegas, Nevada
5. 2002 Portland, Oregon
4. 2001 Cleveland, Ohio
3. 1992 Boston, Massachusetts
2. 1990 New Orleans, Louisiana
1. 1996 New York, New York

The Top 10 survey was a lot of fun with great participation as well as anticipation. I've enjoyed reading and talking to many of you about the memorable conferences and why they were special. On Thursday evening, June 26, 2003, I shared some of those reasons as I do now.

• I have been to 23 of them and they all have been special in their own way. I have never been to a bad conference. FCCA, and the many friends that I met at the conference have been a special part of my career.
• I love them all and I found it very hard to rank them for I think they have all been great in their own way.
• I've been to seven conferences and they are all so special. Everyone who hosted a conference did a lot of hard work and presented their area wonderfully. From opening ceremonies to award banquets and everything in between, the experiences have been great.
• It's hard to remember all the conferences I have attended, much less rank them, Ha!
• Professional Development, Great Friends, and location, location, location, . . . 1996 New York: Number #1 choice, it was my first conference, and how I got hooked. I attended every class I could squeeze in, saw my first Broadway play, rode the subway for the first time and celebrated "New Year=s Eve" in NYC. I made lots of new friends and learned what a great organization the FCCA really is. My FCCA friends are very talented energetic people who are always willing to share their experiences. Each year I look forward to catching up with them at the next FCCA conference. I LOVE NY.
• 1990 New Orleans: Number #1 choice, it got better and better every day. First rate in every way. Elegant hotel, French Quarter, and Hugh crowd in town that knows how to party. Crawfish, shrimp, crabs, oysters on the half shell, with ice-cold draft beer at seafood festival were "Unbelievable." Experiencing the excitement of Mardi Gras and the city that care forgot.
• 1993 Boston: Number #1 choice, the Red Sox game and the green monster in Fenway Park, to the fascinating tour of the John F. Kennedy Library and the Lobster Clambake, we were given every opportunity to sample the flavor of this unique and fascinating area of our country.
• 2001 Cleveland: Number #1 choice, will never forget George Ray being kicked out of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for dressing up like Elvis! Rock on!
• 2002 Portland: Number #1 choice, it afforded me the opportunity to network with other courts which eventually helped me with a career move.
• 1989 Las Vegas: Number #1 choice, too much to see and do. Made friends for a life time. Carol FitzGerald, Clerk, all her kindness and professionalism. Something for everyone.
• 1995 Sun Valley: Number #1 choice, it was high adventure! River rafting, mountain biking, horse back riding and sliding around the ice rink at night, great fun! Had photos taken with a special guest, Director Ralph Mecham. This setting alone in the high mountains, provided an adventure I'll always remember.
• 1998 Albuquerque: Number #1 choice, best breakfasts of any conference! Food and booze were plentiful, so everybody was happy! Very generous hosts! Great place, great education, great prizes, great people, and great food! Great, Great, Great, . . .
• 1999 Miami: Number #1 choice, thongs everywhere, South beach parties, ocean swims were thoroughly refreshing and quite invigorating. Fun in the sun all week long. Hard to beat!
• 1993 San Diego: Number #1 choice, best weather in the world. Beautiful cold Pacific with first ever "Seniors" party. Made friends that will last a life time. The Bahia resort is perfect location where my family has vacationed twice since attending.

By now, I'm sure you know they were all special!

Thanks,
David Stechmann, Historian