On October 3, Wildlife Conservation Network conservationists from around the globe took San Francisco by storm to participate in the sixth annual WCN Expo week. Held in San Francisco for the first time, it was an exciting and productive week of professional networking opportunities, workshops and public education programs. Read on for the highlights!

WCN staff and guest presenters provided three days of workshops for the conservationists. These sessions offered an opportunity to learn from each other and share information in a relaxed and informal setting. Workshop topics this year included a tutorial on the benefits of using technology such as Google Earth in conservation efforts, instruction on obtaining funding and grants, and a two-day intensive training on measuring conservation success.
Photo courtesy of Kent Fields

This elegant event was held in the fabulous Garden Court Dining Room of the Palace Hotel. Amidst luxurious surroundings our conservation heroes and their supporters from all over the country mingled and shared their passions for wildlife conservation. The Stanford University a cappella group Talisman regaled the guests with their beautiful voices. Co-founder of WCN, Akiko Yamazaki, shared a few impressions from her recent trip to Africa with husband Jerry Yang, and our conservationists delivered the "Top 10 reasons it is good to work in the field"!
Photos courtesy of Kent Fields:

The 6th Annual Wildlife Conservation Expo was a one-day event bringing together 600 guests, 75 volunteers, 30 Associate exhibitors and 18 WCN conservationists. The Keynote speaker this year was the always inspirational Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE. This event is a unique opportunity for the public to learn about different conservation projects from around the globe, meet world-class conservationists in person and learn about their progress, their challenges, and hope for the future.
Photos courtesy of Marty Varon:

The Garden Party was the final event of Expo week: a 10-hour high-energy celebration of conservation with live music, live wild cats and a bounty of gourmet food and drink. This event provided our most generous supporters the opportunity to mingle and chat with the conservationists in a fun and informal setting. Our WCN volunteers worked tirelessly to help create a perfect, seamless event. As guests arrived they were greeted by the lively South American flavored music of Huayllipacha. Throughout the day everyone chatted, strolled through the garden, met with conservationists for group or private conversations, and indulged in a gourmet feast prepared by one of WCN's most generous supporters. Talisman performed once again and brought the crowd to tears with their moving songs of South African people and culture. The guests were also treated to a lively dance performance from Fua dia Congo. A few even jumped on stage with the dancers to show off their moves! Linda Rosen adorned the house with her beautiful wildlife art, with partial proceeds supporting WCN's conservationists. Many guests stayed all day, enjoying the perfect weather, great conversation and a lively celebration of our heroes of conservation.
Photos courtesy of Marty Varon: