Still a ways off, yes. But the call for papers is now available, and sessions are soon to begin taking shape. So now's a good time to think ahead.

APEE 2009 will be held in Guatemala City and co-hosted by Francisco Marroquin University. The program runs April 5-7, 2009, at the Westin Camino Real Hotel. The conference kicks off with its traditional opening reception & dinner on Sunday night, and it continues with academic sessions Monday through Tuesday. There will be a guided excursion to Antigua, probably on Sunday morning (for an extra fee). UFM's slick conference brochure reads

APEE and UFM share many values and a vision about the relevance of private enterprise education. Indeed, UFM's mission is to teach and disseminate the ethical, legal, and economic principles of a society of free and responsible individuals. The country of Guatemala is one of the world's most famous tourist destinations because of its breathtaking scenery, ancient Maya ruins, and traditional indigenous communities. It has live volcanoes to climb, the most beautiful colonial city in the hemisphere to explore, spectacular lakes to swim in, and forests where you can watch the comings and goings of a wide range of exotic and migrating birds. A generous sampling of Guatemala's scenic and cultural riches has been included in the program, along with plenty of opportunity to shop for treasure from our rich handicraft tradition.

Here is Lawson's hiking report from Nov. 2006, when he and Ben Powell and I climbed two Acatenango and Fuego.

The photo here is of Chichicastenango, which explodes weekly into one of the world's largest bazaars.

Here is Lago Atitlán with one of its surrounding volcanoes.

Here is one view from Antigua.

Conference registration is $390 (includes opening reception & dinner plus breakfasts, lunches, and one additional dinner, plus APEE membership). Flight times are 2 hours from Miami, 3 hours from Atlanta/Dallas/Houston, and 5 hours from the coasts. Guatemala is also proud of making easily the world's best rum, Zacapa Centenario.