Greetings!

The members of Women Police in Alaska (WPA) are honored and excited to have been selected to host the 2019 International Association of Women Police (IAWP) Conference in Anchorage. Anchorage was fortunate enough to be the site of the 1985 and 1998 conferences, both highly successful in meeting the financial, training, and networking goals. The 2016 conference held in Barcelona, Spain had women officers representing a total of 91 countries. The 2017 conference held in Cairns, Australia set a record for attendance with over 500 officers. The 2018 conference is being held in Calgary, Canada where WPA representatives will attend to promote the 2019 conference here in Anchorage. IAWP training conferences are known for outstanding training and networking experiences.

We are endeavoring to provide our conference attendees with excellent training, cultural events, vendor booths, and lots of opportunities for networking. We have selected our theme, Mentoring the Next Generation, which has both broad appeal across the continents and is one of the missions of our organization.

We are seeking your help in making this conference a success. There are many ways in which you can demonstrate your support of women in law enforcement and be a part of this amazing international conference. The sponsorship packet provides details of just some of the opportunities available. We welcome the chance to discuss personalized support and promotional packages with you. Any financial or in-kind support is appreciated.

We envision this conference will bring over $700,000.00 worth of business to Anchorage. We look forward to showcasing Alaska’s spirited community for the trailblazing women from around the world and encourage you to take part. The hundreds of attendees who will be enjoying the hospitality of Anchorage bring an unparalleled opportunity for international recognition for all our sponsors.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Michele Logan, Conference Co-Chair
Julie Shank, Conference Co-Chair

Welcome to Anchorage!

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska with a population of more than 300,000. Our community covers nearly 2,000 square miles from Portage Glacier on Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet to the historic Native village of Eklutna on the Knik Arm. This includes 30 other neighborhoods including the downtown high-rises, Chugach State Park and a portion of Chugach National Forest. In fact, the Municipality contains more than 500,000 acres of preserved parkland and miles of Alaska’s most spectacular wilderness. In addition, we are framed on the north by Mt. McKinley and the agriculturally-rich Matanuska-Susitna Valley; on the south by the Kenai Peninsula; the east by Prince William Sound and the west by Cook Inlet and the great Alaska Range.

Protected by the Chugach Mountains and warmed by Japanese currents of the Pacific Ocean, Anchorage has a temperate, maritime climate. Winter is considered to be the period from November to early April. Snow falls on about 25 percent of the midwinter days and generally comes in small amounts; only eight percent of the snowfalls exceed six inches. The Northern Lights are occasionally seen on clear nights especially during the winter months.

Spring and fall are characterized by warm, pleasant days; the average temperatures rise rapidly and precipitation amounts are very small. Summer is a delightful time of year. Days are long and at the time of the summer solstice, June 21, sunshine in Anchorage amounts to almost 20 hours.

Anchorage is embraced by the Chugach Mountains and warmed by the waters from the Pacific Rim. The city has a moderate, maritime climate, with low humidity that contributes to Anchorage’s comfortable temperature.

Spring through fall, Anchorage's climate is similar to San Francisco's spring weather; summer highs average 65 degrees. Winter brings snow with temperatures ranging between 10 and 34 degrees, creating a climate very much like the ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains, Canada or Europe.

The key to comfort is to dress in layers – it’s the best way to be prepared when taking advantage of the areas many outdoor activities. Comfortable walking shoes and warm socks are appropriate for all seasons. In winter, bring heavier layers, including long underwear, hat, gloves and warm boots. Anchorage’s informality makes casual wear welcome virtually everywhere.