The Pacific Coast OrigamiUSA Conference 2013 is happening during the same time as the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM.
Our hotel is very near the Balloon Fiesta Park and we have made some changes to allow our attendees to enjoy some of the Balloon festivities.
Saturday/Sunday Classes
The times of the classes will pushed back to allow attendees to attend the mass accession at the Balloon Fiesta Park. Check out the General Schedule for more information regarding times and also information regarding how to attend the Balloon Fiesta. Ticketing for classes will be from 9-10 am. Remaining class tickets will be available on the Big Board when you return from the Balloon Fiesta. If you are concerned about getting your class tickets you may give your PCOC ID to someone else to pick up your tickets. Likewise, if you need someone else to pick up your registration packet, give that person an authorization note.
Trip to Balloon Glow on Sunday night
The Marriott Pyramid is offering us a bonus trip on Sunday night to the Balloon Glow activities at the Balloon Fiesta Park. Buses will take guests of the Marriott to the Balloon Park after the end of classes on Sunday. The bus ride is compliments of the Marriott. There will be an $8 admission fee to the park; you must pay in advance on your registration form. Inside the park is a plethora of food, craft, and balloon souvenir vendors. At dusk the balloons will inflate and light up to create an amazing glow. If you are staying through Sunday night make sure you take advantage of this amazing experience.
Raffle
The local group (Albuquerque Origami Society) is working hard making very special decorations for PCOC. One special dinner decoration will be a southwestern origami bowl designed by Robert Lang especially for PCOC and folded from paper printed by local artist, Vicki Bolen. In addition, we will have other decorations (cacti, balloons, etc). The local group will raffle off some of the decorations. Attendees will be able to get raffle tickets for volunteering and teaching at the conference.
Lunches
Marriott Pyramid is located near Balloon Fiesta Park, which is a great plus, however, not near many restaurants and shopping. At the edge of the Marriott property will be The Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival (additional entrance fee). It would be a nice short excursion during lunch and we will have a "Grab & Go" lunch for you as part of the Early Bird Package this year.
Southwest Convention
As part of the Early Bird Package you will receive a convention book with a special collection of southwestern themed models, with enchanting models (many not published before) from Robert Lang, Michael LaFosse, Beth Johnson, Sok Song, the Shumakovs and many others.