ALBUQUERQUE

National Guard, Aug 2006

SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2006 * ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.

DISCOUNTED AIRFARE

American Airlines is offering a special 5-percent discount to those attending the conference. Attendees can purchase American Airlines tickets by calling the airlines meeting services desk at (800) 433-1790. Use authorization number A7296AL.

LOOK FOR THE BUS

Most attendees will fly into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)-just lour miles south of the central business district, home to most conference hotels and the Albuquerque Convention Center (above).

From the airport, buses will be your primary mode of transport. They're free for all register attendees and run to and from ABQ to all official conference hotels on the travel days (Sept. 15 and 19) and between the hotels and all conference events and activities. Bus schedules will be posted at each hotel. A list of conference hotels is available in the "Conferences/ Meetings" section ofwww.ngaus.org.

Buses also will be available for those arriving via military airlift to Kirtland Air Force Base, which is alongside ABQ.

BUSINESS AT HAND

All business and professional developments sessions, meetings, the industry exhibition and several other conference events will be held in the Albuquerque Convention Center.

Business sessions will begin at noon, Sept. 16 with an opening ceremony that includes a celebration of the New Mexico culture and history. They will feature speeches by senior delense and elected officials.

Session agendas don't typically solidify until a lew weeks prior to the conference. Even then they are subject to change due to unforeseen events, such as last year when the response to Hurricane Katrina forced several speakers to change plans.

But some significant officials have already accepted speaking invitations. They include Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, Air Force Air Mobility Command commander, Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore, First U.S. Army Commander, and Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, National Guard Bureau chief.

Most presenters will reflect on this year's conference theme: National Guard: Pathway to American's Defense.

A preliminary agenda will be posted at www.ngaus.org later this month. Agenda and other conference updates will also included in NGAUS NOTES, the association's electronic newsletter, which is available on the web site.

For the fourth consecutive year, NGAUS is scheduling special professional development sessions during the conference. Topics include transformational leadership and emergency response.

Delegates also have association business to conduct. They will consider legislative resolutions, review bylaws changes and hold elections for Army, Air and adjutant general board-of-directors reps for Areas III and VI and an overall Army company-grade representative to the board. All six NGAUS officer positions are up for election.

INDUSTRY SHOW AND TELL

Expect another sold-out industry exhibition. This year's show will feature more than 500 companies and organizations, including more than 100 displaying for the first time, according to Harve Horowitz, president of Exhibit Promotions Plus.

The show will encompass at least two complete exhibit halls and the street that separates the two buildings comprising the convention center. It opens at 4 p.m., Sept. 15 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

BALLOONING POSSIBILITIES

Following last year's successful Pineapple Challenge, NGAUS will offer a similar game this year to add fun to the trade show while encouraging greater circulation around the exhibits.

The Balloon Challenge will take participants through the displays in a quest to answer 15 questions about NGAUS and the National Guard Educational Foundation. Answers will be scattered throughout the exhibit areas on posters featuring a sombrero-wearing hot-air balloon (right).

Those answering every question correctly will be eligible to win prizes, including airfare, accommodations and registration for one at next year's conference in Puerto Rico, iPod MP3 players and a balloon ride over New Mexico, one of world leading areas for hot-air ballooning.

Balloon Challenge game cards will be available at the NGAUS booth, which will be stall number 519.

ENCHANTED Dnrs AND NKHTS

Conference social events and activities will also have a distinctive Southwestern flair.

The NGAUS Members' Tournament Sept. 15 is set for the University of New Mexico Golf Course, which has hosted multiple NCAA championships.

The Company Grade/Venant Officer Mixer is scheduled for Sept. 15 at the Convention Center, West Complex Lower Level Atrium. This is a ticketed event and tickets will be collected at the door. Company grades and warrant officers must register through their state.

If you want to get some exercise Sept. 16, be ready for the 5K Fun Run at 6:30 a.m. Cost is $20; payment is due when you register.

Expect a great evening of food, fun and dancing Saturday night, Sept. 16 during the Governor's Reception at the Rio Grande Zoo in Albuquerque. This open-air event will include Southwestern entertainment.