RMA-PCAPPA Conference Companion Info

The RMA-PCAPPA 2007 guest program entitles your spouse or guest to a full registration and attend admission to the Educational Sessions, the Welcome Reception, Theme Dinner, as well as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Mass Ascension on Saturday, October 13. The guest program includes registration to the optional activities and tours. Register for the guest program on the Companion Registration Form (PDF Format).

The RMA-PCAPPA 2007 Golf Event will be held at the UNM Championship Golf Course. This Course has been nationally recognized by Golf Digest Magazine as one of the top-25 public cou

rses in the country, and in January of 1991 Golfweek Magazine rated all public and private courses in the country by state, and dubbed The Championship Course the number one course to play in New Mexico.

Balloon Fiesta Dawn Patrol & Special Shapes Rodeo
Thursday, October 11 (First-come-first-serve event)
5:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Dawn Patrol pilots take off in the dark and fly until it is light enough to see landing sites. The very first shapes appeared at Balloon Fiesta in the 1970s, and became increasingly common and crowd favorites. The Special Shapes Rodeo was created to showcase incredible creations. Some shapes are simple, pointed ears and whiskars added to a "regular" balloon to make it into a kitty's head. Others are computer-designed engineering marvels.

Balloon Fiesta Special Shapes Glowdeo & Fireworks Show
Thursday, October 11 (First-come-first-serve event)
5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

The Balloon Fiesta launched its Balloon Glow, the world's biggest in 1987. The sight of balloons lit at night like giant holiday ornaments is breathtaking, and "glow" events are now held all over the world. When all the balloons fire their burners (Fiesta Glow) and light up at the same time, are perhaps the most spectacular single moment in all of the Balloon Fiesta. The Balloon Glow is followed by New Mexico's most spectacular fireworks display.

The University of New Mexico campus, established in 1889, is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and high desert campus arboretum. The UNM campus tour will highlight important building architecture and architects, campus museums, public art, and the campus arboretum. The campus has one of the state's most outstanding botanical experiences in the midst of one of New Mexico's great public open spaces. The tour will be guided by Dr. R. Gary Smith, Associate Director of Environmental Services. Dr. Smith will provide opportunities to discuss a vast palate of plant material, water conservation practices, landscape design, pest management, grounds maintenance, and custodial services; and how each is integral in an overall sustainable campus.

Santa Fe, also known as the City Different, has a wealth of accommodations, shopping, dining, scenic beauty and outdoor activities that you are sure to enjoy. With a population of 70,000, Santa Fe is New Mexico's third largest city behind Albuquerque and Las Cruces. It is situated at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains. It was founded between 1607 and 1610, making it the second oldest city as well as the highest and oldest capital in the U.S.

Spanish missionaries planted the first grape vines in New Mexico in 1629, making the Rio Grande Valley the oldest wine making region in the country. Today, several award-winning wineries are located in the area and you can try many of their wines in Albuquerque restaurants.

This event takes place at the Casa Rondeña Winery, which offers Wine Tasting and Tours during the Balloon Fiesta. The Gift Shop at Casa Rondeña is the perfect place to find tasteful treasures for the wine lover and the gourmet on your gift list.

Old Town is the heart of Albuquerque's heritage. Take a walk through history around Old Town Plaza, the serene village that has been the focal point of community life since 1706. Shopping in Old Town is a truly delightful experience. Unique items can be found in more than 100 shops, boutiques, and galleries.

Albuquerque Biological Park/Rio Grande Zoo
Saturday, October 13
9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (lunch is provided)

The Albuquerque Aquarium takes visitors on a journey down the Rio Grande from Albuquerque to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Rio Grande Botanic Garden is an oasis in the desert, located across the plaza from the Albuquerque Aquarium. The Garden encompasses 36 developed acres, including a 10,000 square foot glass conservatory housing native and exotic plants from desert and Mediterranean climate zones. Walking distance through the aquarium and garden is about 1.6 miles.

The Rio Grande Zoo was founded in 1927. The 64-acre Zoo offers visitors close encounters with more than 250 species of exotic and native animals. State-of-the-art exhibit design and eye-pleasing landscaping enhance zoo animal husbandry. Walking distance through the zoo is about 2.25 miles.

Tingley Beach features three fishing lakes, a model boating lake, and a train station with gift shop and food service.