NABP’s 102nd Annual Meeting Attendees Can Experience Firsthand the Character of ‘The City by the Bay’

February 28, 2006 12:00 AM

Meeting attendees, spouses, and guests attending the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy^®’s (NABP^®) 102nd Annual Meeting, to be held April 8-11, at the Westin St Francis in San Francisco, CA, will have several opportunities to experience for themselves the unique character of the sophisticated “City by the Bay” while they share information and network.

Spouse/Guest Tour: Alcatraz Island

Attendees will have the opportunity to take a tour of Alcatraz Island, which starts at Fisherman’s Wharf, and experience “The Rock” firsthand from 1 to 5 PM on Saturday, April 8, 2006. Participants will be led by a tour guide on the island, followed by an audio tour of the prison. Alcatraz Island was used as a military fortress from 1850-1933 and then as a maximum security prison from 1934-1963. Presently, Alcatraz is a historic site managed by the National Park Service. During its 29 years of use, the prison held such infamous criminals as Al Capone; Robert Franklin Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz; and Alvin Karpis, who served more time at Alcatraz than any other inmate. No officially successful escapes from the penitentiary were ever recorded.

The cost of the tour, which is $50 per person, includes motor-coach and ferry transportation. Those interested in the Alcatraz Tour must register by March 17, 2006, as space is limited.

After visiting Alcatraz, attendees have the option to stay at Fisherman’s Wharf to explore on their own. Fisherman’s Wharf has a wide array of shops where attendees can shop for fine art jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. Guests who are interested in staying longer than the allotted time at Fisherman’s Wharf, which is open from 9 AM to 9 PM, must find their own transportation back to the hotel. The tour company recommends Desoto Cabs (415/970-1300), but there are many cabs available at the Wharf. Another option is taking a cable car, operated by the city’s Muni transportation system, which runs until midnight.

Fun Run/Walk

NABP will offer its Fun Run/Walk for the eighth consecutive year – providing attendees a chance to kick off their day with some fitness and fresh air. The three-mile run/walk begins at Union Square across from the Westin St Francis at 6:30 AM on Sunday, April 9, and guides participants past such attractions as Chinatown, North Beach, the Embarcadero, the Ferry, and then back to Union Square at 7:30 AM. Participants must register (for no charge) by March 17, 2006.

More Information

For more information regarding the 102nd Annual Meeting, please contact the NABP Meetings Desk at 847/391-4406. Information, the schedule of events, and registration forms may also be found on NABP’s Web site.

Larissa Doucette