Western States Seismic Policy Council
XIX Annual Conference

November 4-7, 1997
Victoria, British Columbia

The mission of the Western States Seismic Policy Council is to provide a forum to advance earthquake hazard reduction programs throughout the Western Region and to develop, recommend and present seismic policies and programs through information exchange, research and education.

WSSPC's goals are to promote regional cooperation and the interaction of the members' Emergency Management Program and Geoscience Program representatives to cultivate, develop and recommend seismic policies; to raise the overall awareness among all parties of earthquake hazards and methods to mitigate the associated risks; to serve as a resource for earthquake related materials, information and activities, in coordination with others; to provide advice to all policy implementing bodies on issues and research related to earthquake hazards.

Conference Agenda

Conference Registration

Ocean Pointe Resort and Victoria, British Columbia

Air Travel

Conference Preceedings

Field Excursion

WSSPC Annual Conference Policy Sessions

To further the mission of WSSPC, we have structured the conference sessions around the development of seismic policy. What is seismic policy? First perhaps we need to define "policy" or "government policy." The dictionary defines it as a principle, plan, or course of action as pursued by government. Following the dictionary definition using the word "principle," government policy could be defined as the philosophical basis for laws and regulations adopted by government. Seismic policy would then be such government policy that relates to earthquake hazards and mitigation. Each policy session will have brief presentations by the speakers and extensive time for participants to discuss and attempt to develop policy alternatives that address these issues.

WSSPC Annual Conference Schedule of Activities

(Times of sessions and invited speakers may change)

Tuesday, November 4
4:00 p.m. Conference Registration Begins
6:30 p.m. Meet and Greet and Exhibitor Fair

Wednesday, November 5
7:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Opening Session
Steven Ganz, Western States Seismic Policy Council
Lorayne Frank, Utah Division of Emergency Management, and WSSPC Chair
Robert Volland, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Representative of the British Columbia and Canadian Government
9:00 a.m. Policy Session #1 · Building Codes and Seismic Zonation
What are the effects of seismic zonation on communities and can we build safer and more hazard resistant communities with stricter building codes?
Dennis Gage, Insurance Services Organization
Ron Lynn, Clark County Planning Department
Robert Olshansky, University of Illinois
Representative of the Government of Guam
12:00 p.m. Buffet Lunch and Exhibitor Fair
1:30 p.m. Keynote Address
Robert Page, United States Geological Survey
1:30 p.m. Policy Session #2 · Hazard Loss Estimation and Scenario Development
Looking at the newest technologies and methodologies for estimating hazard losses
and developing scenarios.
James Davis, California Division of Mines and Geology
Craig dePolo, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
David Gronbeck-Jones, British Columbia Provincial Emergency Program
Gil Jamieson, Federal Emergency Management Agency, HAZUS
Vic Levson, British Columbia Geological Survey
5:30 p.m. Evening Social, Exhibitor Fair and Poster Session

Thursday, November 6
7:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Policy Session #3 · Earthquake and Hazard Insurance
A survey of the current state of hazard insurance, including the ramifications of
all-hazards insurance, mandatory insurance and other aspects of insurance policy.
Jim Ament, State Farm Insurance
Richard Andrews, California Office of Emergency Services
Michael Armstrong, Federal Emergency Management Agency
James Davis, California Division of Mines and Geology
Representative of Insurance Institute for Property Loss Reduction
11:30 a.m. Field Excursion on Vancouver Island
6:00 p.m. Conference Banquet and WSSPC Awards in Excellence Ceremony

Friday, November 7
7:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. WSSPC Committee Meetings
10:30 a.m. WSSPC Business Meeting and Policy Development Session
12:30 p.m. Lunch and Meal Roundtable Discussions
2:00 p.m. Earthquake Program Development and Information Sharing
4:00 p.m. Conference Adjourns

Conference Registration

Registration Early Bird
if postmarked before after
Oct 1 Oct 1 On-Site
Registrant $ 180 $ 210 $ 240
Spouse/Guest $ 70 $ 95 $ 95

The WSSPC registration fee entitles participants to attend all programs and social events, including all breakfasts and lunches, the conference banquet and the exhibitor fair.
All registration fees must be paid prior to attendance at the conference.
All cancellations must be received in writing and are subject to a $30 handling fee.
WSSPC will invoice prior to the conference. Invoices will not be issued on-site or after the conference.
PAYMENT IS MANDATORY FOR PARTICIPATION.
Registration fees can be paid by cash, check, or state vouchers.

Ocean Pointe Resort and Victoria, British Columbia
The WSSPC Annual Conference will be held at the Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria, British Columbia. The facility is located in the heart of Victoria on the harbor, walking distance to downtown and offers panoramic views.
Rooms are available at the WSSPC conference rate of CAN$105 (approx. US$80) per night single occupancy. Call 1-250-360-5860 for reservations and ask for the WSSPC rate.
More information about the WSSPC Annual Conference Hotel Site -- Ocean Pointe Resort

Air Travel
WSSPC has arranged airfare discounts on Alaska Airways. To receive your discount or to make travel arrangements, call Let's Travel at 1-800-628-0109, or have your travel agent refer to meeting identification number and fare basis CMR2249 when making your airline reservations.

Conference Preceedings
In an effort to add value to the conference, WSSPC will be issuing a "preceedings" volume before the event. Papers from the session speakers will be compiled and distributed to all attendees (before the conference). This volume will serve to prepare participants and will be an excellent addition to your library.

Field Excursion
WSSPC will be hosting visits to interesting seismic sites on Vancouver Island. The tour will take conference attendees to geologically interesting sites. Lunch will be provided during the field excursion. This event is sponsored by Emergency Preparedness Canada. Space is limited and will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis.