About the Third International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture

This conference continues to feature the leading experts in recirculating aquaculture.

Ample time is allotted during all sessions for questions and free discussions. The 1000+ participants from the U.S. and 30 foreign countries that attended the past two conferences indicated that one of the most popular aspects of the 1996 and 1998 conference was the trade show, plenary session, and continuous break service forum. Equipment manufacturers and salespersons, producers, academics, regulators, investors, and others interested in the recirculating aquaculture field all gathered in the trade show area to "meet and greet" and "cuss and discuss" the pressing issues associated with recirculating aquaculture. The 2000 conference continues this feature to accent informal learning opportunities by expanding the trade show hours and adding a reception following the plenary session on Thursday night.

Your Full Conference Registration Includes:

  • Admission to all sessions, symposiums, and the trade show
  • Lunch on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 in the trade show area
  • Welcome Reception on Thursday, July 20 in the trade show area
  • Deluxe Reception on Friday, July 21 in the trade show area
  • Conference materials and handouts
  • Proceedings for the 1996, 1998, and 2000 conferences on one CD-ROM
  • Continental breakfast and continuous refreshment break service from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22

Program Highlights

Plenary Session--A plenary session will be held from 8:00-9:00 pm on Thursday evening. The session will be followed by a two hour open bar reception in the trade show area.

Symposium 1--Low energy systems. Energy use can be one of the largest variable costs in fish production from recirculating systems. Low overhead/low energy systems minimize energy costs and thus offer the potential to be economically competitive with other systems/methods of fish production.

Symposium 2--International RAS. Hear the latest on recirculating aquaculture systems from around the world. Presentations by internationally renowned experts.

Symposium 3--Report from the trenches. Listen to the people who are actually in business growing fish using recirculating aquaculture technology. Hear what works best and what pitfalls await potential producers.

Symposium 4--EPA/DEQ Effluents. How do the latest regulations concerning effluents impact recirculating systems? What are some potential problems and opportunities for waste stream resource recovery?

Technical Sessions 1-4. Various topics relevant to the design, construction, operation, management, and economics of recirculating systems.

Aquacultural Engineering Society Sessions 1-4. Hear from the people doing research on recirculating systems. Various topics and subjects of interest to potential and/or present recirculating system operators/owners.

Location

The Historic Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center,Roanoke, Virginia--The Star City of the South

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke is known as the Star City of the South. The Roanoke Star, located on top of Mill Mountain, lights up the evening sky and is a welcome sight for all visiting. Roanoke has it all from heritage and history, to technology and culture. There are international and southern restaurants, the Mill Mountain Zoo, the Colorado Rockies minor league baseball, semi-professional hockey, museums, golf, tennis, and antique/craft shopping. Beyond the Star City's glow, there is the Blue Ridge Parkway with breathtaking overlooks, trails, Virginia wineries, Civil War history, and the Smith Mountain Lake Resort. Washington, DC and Williamsburg are only a few hours away. The conference facilities at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (A Doubletree Hotel) are four star, and all meetings and the trade show are held in one of the largest ballrooms on the East Coast! Register early and make your room reservations now for the Third International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture.

For additional information about The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center and/or to make your room reservations online check out the website at: http://www.hotelroanoke.com/res/res_aqua.html

For additional information on Roanoke and Tourism check out the web site at: http://www.visitroanokeva.com/

Travel and Lodging

The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center is conveniently located at 110 Shenandoah Avenue, within walking distance of shopping and dining in the downtown Market district. A covered walkway connects the hotel with downtown Roanoke, Virginia.

A block of rooms is being held at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. You may make reservations at the special conference rate online at http://www.hotelroanoke.com/res/res_aqua.html or by calling (540) 985-5900.

Reservations for the special rate are on a first-come first-served basis--once the room block and/or the hotel is full the conference rate will most likely not be available. Therefore, please make your reservations by June 19, 2000. You must mention the Recirculating Aquaculture Conference when making your reservation to get the special rate of $94 single or double occupancy, $104 triple, and $114 quad (plus 9.5% taxes). Overflow lodging has been arranged at the Wyndham Roanoke Airport Hotel at a similar conference lodging rate. If all lodging is full at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center you can contact the Wyndham at (540) 563-9300 and mention the Recirculating Aquaculture Conference. Both hotels require that any changes in departure date be confirmed directly with the hotel no later than Monday, June 19. Otherwise you could be responsible for paying for the remaining nights if you leave early.

For additional lodging options check out one of Roanoke's web site at: http://www.visitroanokeva.com/

Travel by Air

The Roanoke Valley Regional Airport (ROA) is only minutes from The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. Complimentary shuttle service takes you directly from/to the airport and The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. A complimentary phone with a direct line to the hotel can be found in the airport's baggage claim area. The airport supports these airlines:

The Greensboro International Airport (GSO) is only two hours south of Roanoke and has many other flight options at reduced rates.

For More Information

For further information about the conference and symposia, please contact Terry Rakestraw, rakestra@vt.edu, office phone: 1 540-231-6805, address: Food Science and Technology; FST Bldg., Rm. 25-C; Blacksburg , VA 24061 or Dr. George Flick, Virginia Tech, Mail Code 0418, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, telephone: (540) 231-6965, or e-mail your questions to: aqua@vt.edu.