"2001: A Mathematical Odyessey," the 28th annual western regional conference of the N.C. Council of Teachers of Mathematics, will take place 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, March 9, in UNCA's Karpen Hall. The conference is open to math instructors of all grades.

The conference will include lecture sessions and hands-on workshops. The keynote address will be given by Appalachian State Mathematics Professor Bill McGaillard.

A special portion of the conference will be dedicated to the Western North Carolina regional Mathematics Fair for kindergarden-12th grade students. Seventy-five students from 15 regional schools will present 56 projects from 10 a.m.-noon in UNCA’s Owen Conference Center. Winners from this competition will advance to state competition in May.

The $30 registration fee covers all presentations as well as lunch. Advanced registration is not required. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in the lobby of Karpen Hall.

For more information about the conference, call conference coordinator Gary Kader at 828/262-2356. For more information about the Mathematics Fair, call fair coordinator Betty Long at 828/262-2372.