We're excited to welcome you to Tucson, Arizona's second largest city. We hope you'll enjoy the city's rich cultural heritage and hospitality.

The conference resort has graciously extended the conference room rate to be available from November 4, 2005 until November 16, 2005. We hope you'll take advantage of this and spend a little extra time exploring Tucson and southern Arizona. Below are links to a few of the most exiting attractions in the Sonoran Desert.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one place! Exhibits re-create the natural landscape of the Sonoran Desert Region so realistically you find yourself eye-to-eye with mountain lions, prairie dogs, Gila monsters, and more. Within the Museum grounds, you will see more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants. There are almost 2 miles of paths traversing 21 acres of beautiful desert.

Kartchner Caverns: The Kartchner Caverns story is one of amazing discoveries...both past and present. Stand where the discoverers first entered the cave. Marvel at the strange and colorful formations. Learn about cave inhabitants, both ancient and living. As scientific studies continue, discoveries are yet to be made.

Kitt Peak Observatory: Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) supports the most diverse collection of astronomical observatories on Earth for nighttime optical and infrared astronomy and daytime study of the Sun. Founded in 1958, KPNO operates three major nighttime telescopes, shares site responsibilities with the National Solar Observatory and hosts the facilities of consortia which operate 19 optical telescopes and two radio telescopes. Kitt Peak is located 56 miles southwest of Tucson, AZ, and has a visitor center open daily to the public.

University of Arizona: One of this conference's host institutions, the University of Arizona is a research extensive university of approximately 34,000 students. Founded in 1885, the University offers degree programs through 17 colleges and 10 schools, and competes in the NCAA's PAC-10 conference. Be sure to visit the University during the Night on the Town.

Pima Community College: Our other host institution is Pima Community College. As of Fall 2002, Pima Community College ranks as the eighth-largest multi-campus community college in the nation. For 2003/04, the College offers more than 5,500 active courses in 62 distinct program areas leading to associate of arts, associate of business, associate of science, associate of general studies, associate of applied arts and associate of applied science degrees and basic, advanced and technical certificates.

To find out about all of the exciting attractions in and around Tucson, please visit the Convention and Visitor's Bureau Website.