The 1987 WASBE conference in Boston, USA, headed up by President John P. Paynter (USA), Conference Chairperson Lee Chrisman (USA) and Program Chairperson Frank Battisti (USA), featured ensembles from Norway, The Netherlands, Japan, Switzerland, Israel and the United States.

Also included was a composition project chaired by Dennis Johnson (USA). Other events included “Forums” led by WASBE Secretary Vondis Miller (Canada), “Panels” for composers, conductors and publishers. Frank Battisti (USA) was named Honorary Life Member.