Welcome to GatorMUN VIII

Dear delegates, advisors, and Model United Nations followers,

On behalf of the entire Secretariat and staff, it is with great pleasure that I invite you to participate in the eighth annual Gator Model United Nations conference. GatorMUN VIII will take place from February 4 to February 6, 2011 in the J. Wayne Reitz Union, located on the University of Florida's welcoming campus. Our conference is designed to provide delegates with the opportunity to learn about significant historical and contemporary international issues. Delegates further develop their abilities in public speaking, consensus-building, and formal writing while creating innovative solutions to the difficulties our world encounters. Throughout the weekend, delegates will have their skills put to the test as they are faced with the challenge of fighting for the interests of the countries or personas they represent, whether those interests align with their own views or not.

We are very proud of the reputation GatorMUN has achieved. The success of our conference is made apparent by the growth we see each year in the number of schools, delegates, and staff who choose to participate. It is our goal to continue growing while still maintaining the highly interactive environment that our smaller, more intimate committee sizes offer delegates. Our committees this year will include the more traditional UN bodies and regional blocks, as well as several fast-paced crisis simulations. With 15 diverse committees, all reflecting the broad interests of our staff, GatorMUN is sure to have something that will pique the interests of each delegate attending, regardless of their level of experience.

In order to ensure that all participants have an outstanding conference experience, each of our well-trained, knowledgeable staff members dedicates countless hours throughout the year in preparation for GatorMUN. Our staff consists of over 60 committed individuals, most of whom compete with the University of Florida's MUN team at the collegiate level. Staff members are required to attend regular meetings in which they focus on parliamentary procedure, run mock committee sessions, and plan out how to introduce crisis scenarios using audio-visual materials or guest speakers. From writing and editing background guides to providing delegates with the tools they need to get started, we work all year to make sure the weekend goes smoothly for everyone. It is the delegates' dedication and enthusiasm for Model UN that makes putting this conference together so worthwhile and rewarding for all of us.

As you decide which conferences your school will be attending throughout the year, feel free to peruse our website and please do not hesitate to contact us at gatormun@gmail.com with any questions you may have about what GatorMUN can offer you and your delegates. I hope you will join us in February for an educational and memorable experience!

Aida Bibart
GatorMUN VIII
Secretary-General