The 2008 Local Arrangements Committee is proud to welcome our fellow microscopists and microanalysts to New Mexico and more specifically, Albuquerque. Our city has just celebrated its 300th anniversary and is called the jewel of the Southwest. We hope that thoroughly enjoy and benefit from the excellent M&M 2008 scientific program, and that you have scheduled extra time before or after the meeting to explore Albuquerque's many historic sites, museums, and restaurants.

Albuquerque Convention Center

M&M 2008 is headquartered at the Albuquerque Convention Center, centrally located in the downtown area. There are many interesting places only a short taxi ride away. In Historic Old Town, you can enjoy the interesting and unique architecture of the Albuquerque region and explore five museums, including the Natural History Museum with its huge collection of dinosaur fossils; the Albuquerque Museum which details the history of Albuquerque and hosts traveling art exhibits; and the fascinating specialty museums the Atomic Museum, the American International Rattlesnake Museum, and the Turquoise Museum. You can also just shop for Native American jewelry offered al fresco by local artisans along the Plaza. We encourage you to visit one of the many Old Town restaurants that specialize in New Mexican cuisine. In contrast to the rich multi-cultural history of Old Town, Albuquerque and surrounding areas boast the University of New Mexico and a number of high tech companies and laboratories including Sandia National Laboratories, Intel, Los Alamos National Laboratories, and Eclipse Aviation.

Historic Route 66

Historic Route 66 goes directly through Albuquerque, primarily along what is now Central Avenue. Neon signs, many original to the heyday of Route 66, illuminate the path. Shops and restaurants on Central Avenue are an easy 2 block walk from the convention center. Route 66 still guides visitors from the volcanoes on the far west side of Albuquerque, over the famous Rio Grande, past the Rio Grande Botanical Garden and Aquarium, through historic Old Town, past the downtown business district and eastward past the University of New Mexico, the trendy Nob Hill area where you will find some of the city's best dining, unique shops and boutiques, and up towards the Sandia Mountains.

Sandia Peak Tram
Sold Out

The 10,000 foot Sandia Mountains dominate the eastern edge of Albuquerque. One of the highlights of your visit should be a trip to the top of the mountain on the Sandia Peak Tram. It features one of the world's longest unsupported spans. As you travel from the base of the mountain to the top you will view 6 of the 7 life zones. At the top, the views at sunset are breathtaking and well worth the 20 minute "flight". Make dinner reservations at High Finance, the restaurant at the top of the mountain, for a truly unforgettable experience. Remember that the elevation offers you a 2 for 1 effect for any alcohol you may consume. Plan your trip to the top for late in the week so that your body has a chance to adjust to the elevation.

Be sure to check out the special outing planned just for M&M 2008 attendees on Wednesday, August 6! Tram ticket, dinner, and shuttle transportation included.
The Sandia Peak Event is now Sold Out: June 6, 2008

Shopping in Old Town

After the meeting, we encourage to you to take a day trip or two. Chaco Canyon is one of the better known ancient ruins and is located a short 4 hour drive from Albuquerque, in the northwest corner of the state. Just an hour west of Albuquerque is Acoma Pueblo, the oldest continuously occupied city in the US. Acoma sits atop a 376-foot-tall mesa overlooking the desert. Take a walking tour through the pueblo, the plaza and 17th-century mission church. The historic city and state capital of Santa Fe, the "City Different", is 65 miles north of Albuquerque, There you can dine at world-class fine restaurants, enjoy the beautiful architecture, and unique shopping opportunities, including many the world renowned art galleries along Canyon Road. A short drive past Santa Fe brings you to Los Alamos, home of the Los Alamos National Laboratory and nearby Bandolier National Monument, is home to some of the nation's most visited ancestral Pueblo sites. Trails to ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs radiate from the visitors center. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful canyons.

Hot Air Ballon Museum

August weather in Albuquerque is mostly warm and dry. Summer monsoons often produce short-lived, late afternoon thunderstorms. Normal daytime highs will reach the low 90's while the humidity has a hard time reaching 20%. Dry conditions make it imperative that visitors drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Also, don't forget that Albuquerque is at an elevation of 5,000 feet which may cause some to experience altitude sickness. Proper hydration can alleviate some of these symptoms. Outdoor activities, like hiking, cycling and running, abound in Albuquerque, no doubt encouraged by the beautiful weather and surroundings. Albuquerque was recently voted the 3rd fittest city in the US.

For more detailed information about Albuquerque please visit http://www.itsatrip.org or http://www.VirtualAlbuquerque.com. These websites provide a great overview of thigns to do and see in Albuquerque.

Rio Grande Zoological Park

The M&M Sunday Opening reception will be held at the Rio Grande Zoological Park. You will be entertained by a Mariachi band while you enjoy a variety New Mexican food. After dinner, you are welcome to visit the zoo exhibits or catch up with friends and colleagues in the Cottonwood Park between the Polar Bears and Tropical America.

We hope you are planning to join us for M&M 2008. We know you will enjoy the meeting and go home with fond memories of your visit to Albuquerque.

Local Arrangements Committee
Co-Chairs:
Joe Michael, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
Paul Hlava, Access to Gems and Minerals, Albuquerque, NM

Treasurer:
Pat Dickerson, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM

Volunteer Coordinators:
Amanda Lawrence, Mississippi State University
Clayton Lohen, Virginia Tech

Committee Members:
Paul Kotula, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
Luke Brewer, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
Rob Dickerson, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
Ping Lu, New Mexico Institute for Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM
Alton Romig, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
Jerry Rejent, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
Heather Kotula

Our Sunday Opening reception will be held at the Rio Grande Zoo. You will be entertained by a Mariachi band while you enjoy New Mexican food. After dinner enjoy the Zoo exhibits or just sit around the common area surrounded by massive Cottonwood trees and catch up with friends and enjoy the beautiful view of the Sandia Mountains.

This years golf outing will be on Sunday August 3 and will be at the beautiful Sandia Golf Club. This course is at an elevation of 5300 feet above sea level and features a desert links style layout with breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains. The course is located at the Sandia Resort and Casino. The tournament format will be a scramble (best ball, one score per team per hole) being played from the resort tees (see scorecard at website). The outing includes transportation, a round of golf, cart, a beautiful embroidered polo shirt and beverages. Lunch will also be provided. Transportation will leave from the convention center in time for the 9:30 AM tee times. The course dress code requires appropriate attire - Men: Collared shirts with sleeves, mid length shorts, and pants. Women: Collared shirt, sleeveless blouse of conservative design, mid-length shorts, and pants. Non-metal spiked shoes must be worn while on the course. The sun, at this elevation, will be stronger then most are used to. A SPF of 30 or greater is recommended. Rental cubs are available at the course.

For more information on the course, visit: http://www.sandiacasino.com/htmlpages/golf.html