TRAVEL + VENUES
Shuttle Schedule
***shuttles will run a continuous loop between locations during hours listed
***George Pearl Hall pick up/drop off from loading zone on north side of the building
THURSDAY
6:15PM - 8:30PM
George Pearl Hall ->Hotel Parq Central ->ARRIVE Hotel
FRIDAY
7:45AM - 7:30PM
George Pearl Hall ->Hotel Parq Central ->ARRIVE Hotel
SATURDAY
7:45AM - 5:30PM
George Pearl Hall ->Hotel Parq Central ->ARRIVE Hotel
5:45PM - 10:30PM
Hotel Parq Central ->ARRIVE Hotel Fusion (evening reception venue)
Conference Venues
George Pearl Hall at the University of New Mexico
2401 Central Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
For events Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28
If using ride share, please direct drivers to pick up and drop off from 2401 Redondo Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Download a map of George Pearl Hall including session locations here.
Predock Center for Design Research
308 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Open House Sunday, March 1 from 9:00am-12:00pm
Getting to Albuquerque
Flying:
The easiest way to fly to Albuquerque is to fly into the Albuquerque International Sunport! Airport code ABQ. Located just 10 minutes from the conference venue, its easy to get to quickly join the conference activities.
Driving:
Located at the crossroads of I25 and I40, Albuquerque is about 4 hours north of El Paso, 6.5 hours east of Phoenix, 6.5 hours south of Denver. The scenery of New Mexico is beautiful to behold and worth a venture.
Staying in Albuquerque
Hotel Parq Central
806 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
http://www.hotelparqcentral.com/
ARRIVE Albuquerque
717 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Book here for discounted conference rate available through February 6, 2026:
Getting around Albuquerque
Provided Shuttles
We will provide shuttles from the conference hotel to the conference venue at intervals that align with the schedule of the conference.
The Albuquerque Rapid Transit System (ART)
The ART is a free bus service that runs along Central Ave (historic Route 66), which will connect attendees to the conference venue, hotels, restaurants, downtown, and places of cultural interest. It is available from 5:30 am until 10 pm Monday through Saturday, and 6:15 am to 7 pm Sunday. Convenient, yes, however it is unpredictable in both schedule and experience. Please also be careful around it as a pedestrian..
Ride Share
Albuquerque is also served by ride sharing and taxi services. If using ride share to and from George Pearl Hall, please direct drivers to pick up and drop off from 2401 Redondo Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Things to do in Albuquerque
While there are many things to do in Albuquerque, here are some of our favorites!
Access the city of Albuquerque’s 2026 Visitors Guide here.
Nature + Culture
Take a walk along The Bosque! We advise starting at Tingley Beach. (~10 min drive from SA+P)
Visit the ABQ BioPark which hosts our Botanic Garden, Aquarium, and Zoo (~10 min drive from SA+P)
Visit Petroglyphs National Monument, one of the largest Petroglyph sites in the United States (caution if using rideshare, make sure they drop off at a trailhead not the visitor center)
(~45 min drive from SA+P)
Take the Sandia Peak Tramway to the top of the Sandias! Reservations req. 1 day ahead. The Sandia Foothills Open Space is also a great place to spend some time outdoors. (~35 min drive from SA+P)
Culture + History
Old Town Albuquerque and the Old Town Plaza are a charming spot to learn more about Albuquerque’s centuries old history. Old Town features the18th-century San Felipe de Neri Church as well as the nearby New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the recently opened railtrail, and the Albuquerque Museum which features excellent rotating art exhibitions, and galleries on the history of the Albuquerque region. (~10 min drive from SA+P)
Saunter over to the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology offers an in-depth well-curated history of the region, located on the UNM campus. Also visit the historic reading room of the Zimmerman Library, built by the Works Progress Administration.
(~10 min WALK from SA+P, on campus)
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center provides artifacts and histories of the 19 pueblos in the region along with cultural dances Saturdays and Sundays at noon (~15 min drive from SA+P)
See the National Hispanic Cultural Center which offers exhibits and regional art events. (~35 min drive from SA+P)
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History provides an in-depth narrative on the development of nuclear weapons to today’s use of nuclear technology. (~30 min drive from SA+P)
The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum was developed to commemorate the hot air ballooning capital of the world. Early morning hot air balloon trips can also be reserved. (~45 min drive from SA+P)
The Wheels Museum is a homespun museum featuring transportation ephemera and history. (~10 min drive from SA+P)
Food + Drink
Eat at an array of restaurants near the university include the ever popular and historic Frontier Restaurant, faculty favorite Gyro’s Mediterranean, and tasty and spicy El Patio
Savor restaurants, coffee shops and bars that line Central Avenue in the adjacent Nob Hill Neighborhood. (Tractor Brewing is a fav!)
(<5 min drive from SA+P)
Further afield consider family owned Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen (open til 7pm), Mary and Tito’s (open til 3 pm), La Guelaguetza, or for fine dining and cocktails Los Poblanos. And, the top of the Parq Central Hotel features one of the best views on sunsets and the city at the Apothecary Lounge.
Faculty favorite coffee shops include Slow Burn, Zendo, and Little Bear.
Check out any number of local breweries including Ex Novo Brewing (adjacent to the ARRIVE Hotel), Gravity Bound, Tractor Brewing, or Differential to sample locally produced beers and ciders. Many offer a menu of snacks or dinner or host a rotating cast of local food trucks.
The 66 Diner is also a classic serving up some of the best shakes! 66 Diner
