Monday, October 26

Sandia Peak Sunset Tram Ride (ticket required) | Meet in Hotel Lobby | 4:00pm-9:00pm

Enjoy the spectacular New Mexico sunset atop the Sandia Peak and ride the world’s longest aerial tramway. The Sandia Tram will take you above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain - a distance of 2.7 miles to the top (10,378 ft.), where you can take a short hike along the Sandia Crest trail. After hiking and enjoying the scenery, enjoy cocktails, appetizers or dinner at the High Finance Restaurant, or return to the base of the mountain to enjoy dinner and drinks at Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant. Visit http://www.sandiapeakrestaurants.com/ for more information on dining options or to make a reservation. Event shuttles will depart the Hotel Albuquerque promptly at 4:00pm and will return from the base of the tramway between 8:00-8:30pm. Cost of the trip, (including r/t shuttle and tram ride) is: $25.00

Tuesday, October 27

Opening Reception (open to all) | Franciscan Room | 7:00pm-9:00pm

Come enjoy the unique flavor of New Mexico as you reconnect with your colleagues at this special event. State Senator Jerry Ortiz Y Pino will open the event with a warm welcome and introduce our jewel of New Mexico, the National Institute of Flamenco, as they perform the ancient form of artistic expression in the Spanish Gypsy culture. The art and spirit of flamenco is passed from generation to generation through an enduring oral tradition. The song, dance and music of flamenco explore the full range of human emotion with an intense, vibrant quality that leaves audiences spellbound. Enjoy the food and cash bar at this casual but culturally festive event.

Wednesday, October 28

Tai Chi (open to all) | Outdoor Pavilion | 6:30am-7:30am

Our Tai Chi instructor will introduce concepts and background of this ancient practice using Qi (breath, or life force) to awaken intrinsic self-healing energy to begin a practice that can be applied to today's life styles. This session is planned for the outdoor pavilion (the center courtyard of the hotel), but the Potter’s Room will be the alternative in case of bad weather.

Silent Auction (open to all) | North & East Atrium | 8:00am-12:00 (noon) and 1:00pm-4:00pm

Don’t forget to check out this year’s Silent Auction! The Silent Auction will be located in the exhibitor area in the north and east atrium. Expect to bid on items unique to New Mexico and artwork from local artists. New Mexico is famous for artwork inspired by the enchanting scenery of the state and native cultures. The winners will be posted Thursday afternoon. You can pick up your goodies on Thursday at the coffee break or on Friday morning after the Regional Breakfast Meeting.

Plenary Luncheon (ticket required) | Franciscan Room | 12:00pm-1:30pm

LaDonna Harris is a member of the Comanche tribe and a long-time activist on issues of concern to Native Americans, women, children and the mentally ill. In 1970 she founded Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO) and is still involved in many different grassroots initiatives with Native American communities in the U.S. as well as indigenous communities in Latin America, New Zealand and other parts of the world. In addition, she continues her activism in the areas of civil rights, environmental protection, the women’s movement, human rights, poverty alleviation and world peace. She has served as a U.S. representative to UNESCO and the Organization of American States’ Inter-American Indigenous Institute.

Historical Tour of Old Town (open to all) | Meet in Hotel Lobby | 5:30pm-6:30pm

The Tour of Old Town will lead you to the heart of Albuquerque close to our hotel. Discover one of the oldest places in the US founded in 1706 by Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdez. Enjoy the San Felipe de Neri Church, the unique adobe buildings, the little hidden corners, winding alleys, and great gift shopping opportunities. You will enjoy learning about the mixture of two cultures: Native-American and colonial American.

Salsa Dancing (open to all) | Ballrooms A-B-C-D | 8:00pm-10:00pm

A popular dance in New Mexico, salsa is a fusion of Latin and Afro-Caribbean influences. There are many local hot spots in Albuquerque where live bands perform the vibrant sounds of salsa and the local people dance all night to the captivating rhythms. Come join us for lessons from a professional dance instructor and then shake what your momma gave you! Afterwards, head over to the hotel’s “Q-Bar” for the tail end of their weekly salsa night to put what you’ve learned into practice.

Thursday, October 29

Morning Nature Walk (free, ticket required) | Meet in Hotel Lobby | 6:30-7:30am

Come join us for a morning nature walk at the Rio Grande Nature Center! Located in the Bosque, or cottonwood forest, and by the wetland bordering the Rio Grande, the Nature Center is the focus of the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. A refuge from the city life of Albuquerque, the park offers opportunities to experience 270 acres of woods, meadows and farmland flourishing with native grasses, wildflowers, willows and cottonwoods. For more information about the Rio Grande Nature Center, please see http://www.rgnc.org/index.htm.

State Breakfast (ticket required) | Alvarado D | 7:30am-9:00am

Join other NAFSA members for breakfast and learn more about the NAFSA activities in your state!

Silent Auction (open to all) | North & East Atrium | 8:00am-12:00pm

Don’t leave New Mexico without a souvenir!! Check out our Silent Auction in the exhibit area. Expect to bid on items unique to New Mexico and artwork from local artists. New Mexico is famous for artwork inspired by the enchanting scenery of the state and native cultures. The winners will be posted Thursday afternoon. You can pick up your goodies on Thursday at the coffee break or on Friday morning after the Regional Breakfast Meeting. Remember, the region will not ship the items to you.

Tour of the University of New Mexico (free, ticket required) | Meet in Hotel Lobby | 12:00pm-3:00pm

The extended afternoon break will allow conference participants to choose from several activities including a tour of the UNM campus. Meet in the lobby where vans will transport you to the university. This hour-long tour will introduce you to the largest university in the state and many of the University’s landmarks including: the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, the Duck Pond, the Alumni Chapel, Zimmerman Library, the Student Union Building and the UNM Bookstore. You will also stop at the Office of International Programs and Studies, where you can compare facilities with your own international office. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water to make the journey more enjoyable.

Museum Hops (open to all) | See map at Hospitality Desk | 12:00pm-3:00pm

There are many museums in the Old Town area within walking distance. For those who desire a more educational excursion, please pick up an Old Town map at the Hospitality desk where the museums in the area have been highlighted for your convenience. Many of the museums have snack bars, so you can have lunch while you explore. Museums include: The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, The Albuquerque Museum, The Rattlesnake Museum, The Atomic Museum, Explora (all ages science museum) and the Turquoise Museum. The Albuquerque Aquarium and Botanic Gardens is also nearby and is an exceptional venue to spend this extended break in the conference. See the hospitality desk for entry fees and additional information on each of these locations.

Get Your Kicks on Route 66 Event (open to all) | Meet in Hotel Lobby | 5:30pm-10:00pm

Enjoy socializing with other NAFSA members on Route 66, Albuquerque's original "Main Street." This evening will guide you through one of Albuquerque’s historical landmarks and social hubs, the Nob Hill district. Whether you enjoy a quiet dinner, appetizers, or drinks and dancing, you are sure to find your comfort zone. Four pubs/restaurants will be highlighted for this fun event. Complimentary shuttle service will run between 5:30pm and 7:30pm from the front of the Hotel Albuquerque lobby. Returning shuttles will begin at 8:30pm and run until 10:00pm from the Nob Hill Shopping Center (in front of Gecko’s). For those enjoying their “kicks” after 10:00pm, public transportation and taxi service options are available. Explore the Nob Hill map for the scheduled stops on the Rt. 66 pub crawl.

Friday, October 30

Yoga (open to all) | Potter’s Room | 6:30-7:30am

Hatha Vinyasa Yoga incorporates breathing with flowing movements in and out of what should be familiar poses. These sessions will be geared toward participants who have had some (beginning/intermediate) experience with Yoga. Those who are more practiced should feel free to enhance their poses for more of a stretch, while the less experienced will be shown options that will cause less strain, particularly if there are any physical problems. This morning session will be energizing while also creating a calm space to enjoy the day’s activities. The session will end with a period of relaxation and meditation. Please come prepared with your own mat, towel or blanket.

Regional Breakfast (ticket required) | Franciscan Room | 7:30am-8:15am

Catch up with colleagues during breakfast and learn more about NAFSA activities across the region. Advance ticket purchase required. The annual Region II business meeting will follow at 8:15am and is open to everyone.

Region II Update Meeting (open to all) | Franciscan Room | 8:15am-10:00am

Following the Regional Breakfast, this update meeting is open to all. Learn more about the business operations of Region II. This is also a chance to meet and congratulate the Region II award winners.