But the most exciting result of the recent Western Engineering Competition and Conference occurred long after the winners were chosen and the prizes were awarded. It came during the plenary session when SFU stepped forward and announced that it was ready to showcase the talents of western Canadian engineering students to the city of Vancouver by hosting WECC in 2001.

For an engineering student that has never participated in a Western Engineering Competition and Conference before, this announcement may not have much of an impact initially. But for those of you in first or second year now, WECC 2001 is going to give you an amazing opportunity to get involved in something real and exciting and to make a difference in the way our school is seen all across the country.

WECC showcases students from across the western provinces with exceptional communication skills and entrepreneurial abilities, students who will be the managers and CEOs of companies in the next few decades. Obviously, the opportunity to network with these innovative individuals and corporate representatives will be invaluable. But for SFU as an engineering school, it will allow our school to show a level of professionalism and organization which will be emulated for years to come.

What Is Involved?

This year's WECC was run in Saskatoon on a $28,000 budget. In comparison, the national competition CEC/CCI was run for $145,000. The SFU committee is hoping to bring more of the prestige and class that the national event commands to the western setting. Because of this we will need to raise a large amount of money (hopefully in the $75,000 range). But other important tasks need to be accomplished

Competitions and judging need to be coordinated

Accomodations and meals arranged

Conference speakers and rooms booked

Efficient transportation for 100 people planned

Social events coordinated

Registration arranged with schools

Website set-up and maintenance