World Vegetarian Congresses Far and Near: Thailand, Toronto

VUNA VIEWS - July 1998

World Vegetarian Congresses Far and Near: Thailand, Toronto

by Judy Miner

About every two years, the International Vegetarian Union offers vegetarians from all over the world the opportunity to come together for a World Vegetarian Congress. The 33rd Congress, hosted by the Thai Vegetarian Union, will take place on January 4-10, 1999, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Yes, this is halfway round the world from North America, but those who make the trip will enjoy a Conference with a distinctly Asian flavor (and that's not just the food!) in a beautiful location for a bargain price.

The carefully planned program balances talks and workshops by local and international speakers focusing on the economic, ethical, spiritual, environmental, and scientific aspects of vegetarianism, opportunities for networking and consideration of different methods for promoting vegetarianism, time for touring the scenic and historic attractions of this region of Thailand, evening entertainment, and presentations on traditional herbal medicine, Eastern and Western cooking demonstrations, tofu making, the delicate art of fruit and vegetable carving, qi gong, tai chi, yoga, folk dancing, and much more. Though featured presenters come from all over the world, a large proportion are Asian and will offer a perspective generally unavailable at North American gatherings. All meals will be free of animal ingredients and will feature both Thai and international cuisine, with emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables from local organic farms. English is the official language of the Congress.

January weather in Chiang Mai, the second-largest city in Thailand, is spring-like, cool and dry. Prices for the Congress are quite reasonable: $125 (US) for registration by September 30, $215 per person (double room, air conditioned, private bath) for accommodations at a five-star hotel with all meals included; less expensive accommodations within walking distance are available. Chiang Mai has direct international air service, or you can connect by air, train, or bus through Bangkok.

The easiest way to sign up for the Congress is through the Booking Form on the World Vegetarian Congress Web site (http://www.ivu.org/congress/thai99). A form is also included in the IVU News newsletter. Remember, rates go up after September 30.

The 34th World Vegetarian Congress will take place much closer to home--Toronto--from July 10 to 16, 2000. With TVA's experience in arranging large vegetarian gatherings, we are assured a superb mix of top international speakers, great food, plenty of social activities and opportunities for interacting with veggie-minded people from all over the world, all in the exciting, cosmopolitan atmosphere of Canada's largest city. The downtown campus of the University of Toronto will provide air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible locations for the program, and accommodations will range from nearby hotels to student housing. For updates on the 2000 Congress check the Congress Website at http://www.ivu.org/congress/2000 or write to TVA at 736 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2R4.

Maintained by Judy Miner jwminer@accessvt.com