Pre and Post Conference Excursions

The Pre and Post Conference experience has become an exciting tradition associated with the Professional House Directors Conference.  Each year, destination specific experiences are carefully chosen to enhance and augment the conference experience.  Many chapters and house corporations provide these experiences as bonuses for their house directors.  For example, most House Directors attend the conference because their House Corporations pay for their professional development.  Additionally, many House Corporations and even several chapters pay for the House Director to attend the post-conference experience as a year-end gift to their beloved House director.

The 2010 Pre-Conference Excursion

Remember the song, Up Up and Away?  …. Or maybe you even saw the movie, Around the World in 80 Days!  Well, now is your chance to experience firsthand the adventure of a lifetime. 

Albuquerque has been the premier center of ballooning activity since 1882 due to the crystal skies, perfect climate and a phenomenon called the Albuquerque Box. With a combination of weather patterns and geographic landscape, the box allows balloonists to control and even retrace their adventure.

You can share in the experience of a lifetime. Join us in a balloon ride experience.  There are more details on the AFLV website. This once in a lifetime opportunity is available on a first come first serve basis and space is limited.  This is an amazing activity appropriate for adventurers of all ages. Each participant will receive a certificate, a photo, a souvenir and upon landing a continental breakfast including a champagne toast.
 

The 2010 Post-Conference Trip

A visit to Santa Fe is like stepping out of time into a place where past and present merge seamlessly:  Centuries-old adobe buildings house contemporary art galleries and world-class restaurants.  Ancient traditions of hospitality are enhanced by modern amenities.  A unique melding of Native American, Spanish and European cultures blending Old World style with a modern outlook.  From its serene setting in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe offers an unrivaled mix of culture, history, art cuisine and scenery.  You’ll find this 400 year old city to be unlike any other destination in the world.

Tour of Old Santa Fe
Guests will have the opportunity to see the insider’s view of this ancient town either by a 90 minute walking tour or an optional minimal walking tour.  The guides have in-depth knowledge in archaeology, architecture, art, cuisine and, of course, Santa Fe history.  The tour will include information about shopping for southwestern treasures: weaving, pottery, turquoise, etc.

Option 1 – Taos Day Trip
The Taos Tour begins with captivating views of the Rio Grande valley before stopping at the San Francisco de Asis Church, one of the most widely photographed churches in the U.S.. Then on to one of the most soul-stirring sites: Taos Pueblo at the foot of the sacred Taos Mountains. A Taos native will provide the tour of his ancestral home. Lunch will be followed by free time at the shops, galleries and art studios located on the Taos Plaza.  A docent-lead visit of the Millicent Rogers Museum is scheduled for the afternoon. As the day began at the photographic Mission, so will it end with another photo-op at the breathtaking Rio Grande Gorge before a restful return to Santa Fe.

Option 2 – A day at the Spa
We have arranged a $100 discount on services at one of Santa Fe’s best known Spas.  More Information including other discounts, details, and prices will be available here in the very near future.

Our Accommodations
La Fonda on the Plaza – where history and hospitality abound.  Join us and stay in a living museum. This historic hotel is just steps from the Plaza and sits literally at the terminus of the Santa Fe Trail. La Fonda is steeped in history and offers authentic Santa Fe hospitality.

Each of the classic rooms is itself a unique work of art featuring hand-painted furniture, designer flourishes and custom touches. Whether you opt for a classic room or a spacious suite, chances are you’ll be enjoying accommodations favored by presidents, celebrities and artists.

Oh yes, there are many amenities including WiFi, The Spa at La Fonda, an outdoor hot tub, fantastic food and heated swimming pool. More details about the hotel may be found by CLICKING HERE.