2010 Annual Conference & Meeting

Albuquerque, New Mexico is famous for the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. While the 2010 Fiesta will be held October 2-10, you'll still be able to see balloons floating over the city each morning during your stay.

For those who may want a more up-close-and-personal balloon experience, there are several vendors in Albuquerque who offer tours. Here are just a few:

• Discover Balloons has a location approximately 3 blocks from the Albuquerque Hotel. They offer a sunrise ride offered between 6-7 a.m. The ride itself is between 45 minutes to an hour, and riders should plan for 2.5 hours total. The cost is $160 per person, and there is pick-up and drop-off at the location near the hotel for no additional charge. Balloons can accommodate up to 6 people, but if there are more, Discover Balloons can make arrangements to accommodate.
  
  Call Toll Free: (888) 842-1118 or visit their website to reserve your spot.
  
  
• World Balloon is celebrating it's 37th continuous year in business, and they pride themselves on "being the Southwest's original and premier balloon company for scenic balloon rides in Albuquerque."
  
  World Balloon flies each day year round at sunrise, weather permitting.
  
  The fee is $160 per person with pick-up; $150 if pick-up is not needed.

  Call Toll Free: 1-800-351-9588 or visit their website to reserve your spot.
  

• Skyspan Adventures offers scenic hot air balloon rides year-round.
  
  Their rides typically last about an hour, although they can range anywhere from in length from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. There is an old saying in ballooning: never pass up a good landing site because it might be your last. Duration will depend on weather, location, and available landing sites. They ask riders to remember that flight operations are always at the discretion of the pilot in command.
  
  The fee is $160 per person with pick-up; $150 if pick-up is not needed.
  
  Call Toll Free: 1-877-759-7726 or visit their website to reserve your spot.

"A trip on the world’s longest aerial tramway transports you above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain a distance of 2.7 miles. See some of nature’s more dramatic beauty unfold before you."

"At sunset, the desert skies produce a spectacular array of color, and your vantage point from the observation deck atop 10,378 foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest affords an 11,000 square-mile panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley and the Land of Enchantment." The Sandia Peak Tramway is located on the eastern edge of Albuquerque in the Sandia Foothills at the end of Tramway Road.

Hours of operation:

• 9 am - 8 pm (except Tuesdays)
• Tuesdays only 5 pm - 8 pm 

The New Mexico Ski Museum is now open - It is located at the base of the tram and open daily. While visiting the tram or Sandiago's Mexican Grill, drop in and learn about the history of skiing in New Mexico - it's free!

To learn more about the Sandia Peak Tramway, including ticket cost, visit their website.