Behavioral Economics: Retrospect and Prospect
August 14th - August 17th
Bellingham, Washington
Conference Overview
The Behavioral Economics: Retrospect and Prospect conference in Bellingham, WA, offers a blend of intellectual engagement and scenic exploration. Kicking off with an evening reception, the event features outdoor networking opportunities, including a hike at Fragrance Lake and a harbor dinner cruise. Saturday is dedicated to academic presentations and discussion at Western Washington University, followed by optional activities and a group dinner in downtown Bellingham. Attendees can choose from various lodging options in Bellingham, with convenient travel routes from Seattle and Vancouver. The conference concludes with a casual Sunday brunch for those departing later.
Registration
The suggested registration fee is $400, which helps cover event logistics, meals, and activities. Further details on payment and registration will be provided soon.
Conference Agenda
Thursday, August 14th
Evening: Reception at George’s
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Friday, Aug 15th
9:00 am: Breakfast & Introductions
10:30 am: Travel to Fragrance Lake trailhead
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11:00 am: Hike at Fragrance Lake Hike with packed lunch.
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2:45 pm: Travel to Taylor Shellfish Farm.
3:00 pm: Oysters and beer at Taylor Shellfish Farm
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6:30 – 9:00 pm: Harbor dinner cruise in Bellingham Bay, with families invited
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Saturday, August 16th
9:00 am – 12:30 pm: Breakfast & morning presentations at Western Washington University, Viking Union room 462
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12:30 - 2 pm: Lunch
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6:30 pm: Dinner at local brewery
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Sunday, August 17th
Morning: Small brunch for those who have time before leaving Bellingham, at George’s.
Getting to Bellingham
Option 1: Fly to Bellingham
Alaska Air (connection in Seattle)
Allegiant Air flights into Bellingham from Las Vegas, Oakland, CA, LAX, Phoenix, San Diego (not on all days, and I haven’t flown on it and can’t vouch for it)
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Option 2: Fly to Seattle then take shuttle bus
You can catch one of the shuttles from the SEATAC to Bellingham (link) or catch Amtrak. There is a trolley that goes from SEATAC to Amtrak in Seattle, but only a few trains each day, and it is SLOW.
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Option 3: Fly to Vancouver
Bellingham is actually closer to Vancouver (and sometimes flights to Vancouver are cheaper than to Seattle). There are various bus options from Vancouver airport (or downtown) to Bellingham. There is also Amtrak, but service is sporadic.
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Option 4: Fly to Seattle or Vancouver and rent a car
Where to Stay
Hotel Leo
1224 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 746-9097
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Fairhaven Village Inn
1200 10th St, Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 733-1311
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Chrysalis Inn
804 10th St, Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 756-1005
Four Points Hotel
714 Lakeway Dr, Bellingham, WA 98229
(360) 671-1011
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We encourage you to look on Airbnb and VRBO for additional options. For those wishing to coordinate with other attendees, please refer to emails sent by Eric VanEpps for such a list.
Things to Do in and Around Bellingham
Outdoor Adventures
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Rent a bike – Amazing bike trails throughout Bellingham
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Mountain biking at Galbraith – World-class single-track trails
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Hiking at Mount Baker
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Three-Lake Hike – A breathtaking single-day high-altitude hike
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Lake Anne Overnight Hike – Stunning views, rent gear at REI
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Water Activities
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Drive or bike to Lummi Island
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Whale watching tours
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Hang out at Lake Padden or Lake Whatcom
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Swim off the dock near Chrysalis Inn
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Walk the boardwalk
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Sea kayaking
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Take a ferry to San Juan or Orcas Island
Scenic Towns & Drives
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Visit Fairhaven – A second, super-quaint downtown
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Explore Edison & LaConner – Two charming small towns
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Drive Chuckanut Drive – (We’ll do this as a group!)
Hiking & City Excursions
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Lots of fantastic hill hikes – We’ll do one together!