2007 Annual General Meeting, Oct. 5-7, Vancouver, BC Canada

Theme: "Discovering Emma in Vancouver"

Welcome Plenary Speakers Breakout Sessions Schedule Registration
Special Events Amusements Hotel Tours Travel Info

Special Events

The Jane Austen Book Club
The AGM Steering committee is pleased to announce plans to show the new feature film, The Jane Austen Book Club.   This special event will occur on Sunday at 9:15 PM (after the "Top of Vancouver" Post-conference dinner) at the Fifth Avenue Theatres and is only open to AGM attendees. Tickets are limited due to the fixed capacity of the theatre and will be sold for $20 Canadian. The price includes transportation to and from the film, either from the Fairmont Hotel or from the "Top of Vancouver" Post-conference dinner.  Tickets must be purchased at the time of registration for the AGM, no later than 10 AM on Friday.

Robin Swicord, director and screenwriter, will attend the event.  She will talk about making the film and answer questions.  Karen Joy Fowler, author of The Jane Austen Book Club on which the film is based, is also attending the film screening and will say a few words along with Robin Swicord.

"Mrs. Knightley Pays a Call: A Conversation at Randalls"
"As Mrs. Elton attempts to establish her domain in Highbury, she'll meet her match in Emma!"

On Friday evening the United Players Theatre Company of Vancouver, which has delighted Vancouver audiences for over forty years, will entertain us with a play written especially for this year's AGM, by JASNA members Judith Fiedler.

"The Pains and Pleasures of Editing Jane Austen"
Saturday noon, novelist and former newspaper columnist Anne Giardini will moderate while five distinguished guests discuss their experiences as editors of the Broadview Press edition of Jane Austen's novels.  Broadview Press is a small, independent Canadian publisher admired for the quality and range of its publications.  More...
Saturday Night Revels
Saturday evening begins in the Pacific Ballroom as Janeites, companions and guests gather to chat about their day and observe the pageant of costumes and finery that have become an integral part of JASNA's Saturday night entertainment. During this pre-banquet social hour (which includes a cash bar), you will have an opportunity to meeting with attending authors and have your books signed.  This will also be the time to consider future vacation plans as you meet with the 2008 AGM Committee from Chicago!

At the appointed hour, dinner will be served in the BC Ballroom.  After dinner, a piper will lead the parade of costumed revellers through the room and into the magnificent Pacific Ballroom for our Regency Ball.  A troupe of English Country Dancers with Dance Mistress Marie Disiewicz, will be waiting to demonstrate one or two dances for your enjoyment.  Afterwards, those who want to show off their skills or just join in for fun, may take the floor.

Christ Church Cathedral Thanksgiving Service
Sunday morning (8 am to 9 am), Vancouver's Christ Church Cathedral extends a warm welcome to all JASNA members and invites them to attend Thanksgiving communion service - in Regency costume if you wish.  Especially for Janeites, readings from Emma, and Jane Austen's prayers will be a highlight, as will music from the period on the superb new cathedral pipe organ.  This historic and recently renovated church, whose stained glass windows include three designed by William Morris & Company, is located across the street from the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.  During their visits to Vancouver, Prince Charles, Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II have attended cathedral services.
"Top of Vancouver" Post-Conference Dinner
As a lovely way to end your visit to Vancouver and spend a little more time with members of JASNA, join us for Sunday dinner at the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant. At 533 feet, this restaurant affords a panoramic and unobstructed view of Vancouver, the costal mountains and the ocean.  While you enjoy a delicious meal and sip a glass or two, the restaurant will slowly rotate 360 degrees.  This experience will be a special memory to take home with you.  Note: Companions are welcome at this event.
Vancouver Public Library - cancelled
Vancouver's main public library, located a short five blocks east of the hotel, will enter into the JASNA AGM spirit with displays of rare books and other materials that reflect the daily life and general history of Jane Austen's time.  Although there was no European settlement in the North West during her lifetime, the British naval Captain, George Vancouver, for whom the city was named, was actively charting and exploring British Columbia's coastline.

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