CAA2006.

The Steering Committee has received one bid to host CAA2006:

The Archaeology Technologies Laboratory at North Dakota State University, in Fargo, North Dakota, USA, submits a bid to host the CAA2006.

CONFERENCE THEME.  The theme for 'CAA2006 Fargo' would reflect both the general aims of the conference and the uniqueness of its place. The United States will be celebrating the bicentennial of the journey of exploration undertaken by Merewether Lewis and William Clark from 1804 through 1806. Lewis and Clark led the "Corps of Discovery" up the Missouri River, through the Dakotas, westward to the Pacific Ocean, and back again. They explored the frontier that came to the fledging American nation with the Louisiana Purchase from France. The territory was, of course, already occupied by numerous tribes of Native American Indians, whose ancestors had explored those same lands many millennia earlier. The exploration of new frontiers is a hallmark of the human experience; it is what has pushed humans to spread throughout the world. We also take note of the fact that the CAA attracts not just archaeologists, but also scholars in computer science, mathematics, architecture, graphic arts, geography, and physical anthropology. This appeal bespeaks a broadening umbrella that covers all concerns with computer applications for human heritage.

It is, then, a human theme, the exploration of frontiers and resultant discoveries that change our understanding of the world: in ages past, frontiers of land, today frontiers of knowledge. For the new exploration of new frontiers, we need new methods for discovery, and today those methods are preeminently digital. And so, we arrive at our theme: Digital Discovery: Exploring New Frontiers in Human Heritage.

SCHEDULE . We tentatively propose that CAA2006 in Fargo take place April 18 (Tuesday) through 22 (Saturday). A post-conference tour would follow, April 23-24.

LOCATION. North Dakota is in the north-central US, on the border with Canada, and is in the region known as the Northern Great Plains. The state is large geographically, but small in population. At 183,122 sq km, North Dakota is larger than Austria and Hungary combined, yet the population is only about 648,000. Fargo, the largest city in the state, is situated on the west bank of the Red River, which constitutes the border with the neighboring state of Minnesota (MN). Adjacent cites are Moorhead, MN, on the east and West Fargo, ND, on the west. The total population of our metropolitan area is about 180,000 people.

WHAT WE OFFER.  We have formed an Organizing Committee that has secured the support of the NDSU President and the Fargo City Mayor. We believe that Fargo would provide an economically attractive choice for the CAA. At present, the currency exchange rate is considerably in favor of Europeans. Recently, the rate has been $1.25 - $1.30 per Euro. We would also note that Fargo is a comparatively inexpensive city within the US, making a conference trip to Fargo relatively affordable.

Conference Facilities. We have tentatively selected the Ramada Plaza Suites and Conference Center. The Ramada has excellent conference facilities, with 11 conference rooms, all with high-speed Internet connections.

Accommodations and Dining. A listing of a wide range of lodging options, varying by cost, amenities, and distance to the Conference Center, will be made available for attendees to select from. At the Ramada, standard rooms are projected to cost $89 (€70). Several other hotels/motels (less expensive) are within easy walking distance, and we anticipate being able to make available a number of other motel rooms in the €40-€50 range, though not many of those would be within walking distance.

The Ramada has an excellent restaurant, and other dining options are nearby, from inexpensive fast food at the shopping mall across the street to several moderately-priced nearby restaurants. For dining away from the hotel area, a large number of restaurants are available. A typical moderately priced evening meal might run $10-$14
(€ 8-€11), with meals in the expensive range running from $15-$30 (ca. €12-€24).

Special Arrangement.  We will offer conference presenters the option of using true 3D technology. The ATL has a large, 2.4m by 1.8m screen with a high-end rear projector by Fakespace Systems. This system has the capability of active or passive stereo for more realistic 3D imagery. We will install the system at the conference center for those with appropriate graphics. An additional, larger Fakespace screen may also be available. We will provide advance service in converting virtual models into 3D viewable images that can be projected with the system. We also hope to have wireless capabilities for the conference center. A trade exhibit is planned for vendors with products of potential interest to CAA members. 

TRAVEL. The airport in Fargo is only 10 minutes from the Ramada Conference Center. Two major carriers, Northwest/KLM and United, have frequent flights to Fargo. Costs of airfare in 2006 cannot, of course, be predicted with any assurance. Timing of purchase is extremely important, as is the carrier and point of departure. Currently, however, costs can be as low as $425 (€338) (e.g., Fargo to Rome, roundtrip sale price this year), but we would expect airfares to run approximately $650-850 (€500-€665). Fargo is also accessible by train, bus, and car. We will work with a local travel agency to assist people who wish to travel elsewhere in the states before or after the conference.