The Fairbanks (Alaska) Convention and Visitors Bureau has a great ally in the Alaska Railroad — just ask Robert Holden, associate director auxiliary and business services, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, who also plans the Pacific region meeting for the National Association of College and University Food Services.

As part of the region's March meeting in Fairbanks, Holden rented two private cars on the Alaska Railroad for the trip up to Fairbanks for guests flying in to Anchorage.

Normally, a 12-hour train ride would not sound like fun, but when the trip takes you through Denali National Park and some of the most incredible scenery in the world, it's an experience. Aside from the visual rewards, the train ride provided networking and educational opportunities as Holden arranged a cooking demonstration.

Then it was on to Fairbanks for the three-day meeting in North America's northernmost “big city.” And with Alaska Railroad's fly-rail package, groups can fly back to Anchorage — unless, of course, they want to go by rail again. For more information, go to www.alaskarailroad.com and www.explorefairbanks.com.