Patty Waid: Meetings

Patty first came to Albuquerque as a 16-year-old, when her father was transferred here by the U.S. Army. She still remembers what it was like to arrive in Albuquerque for the first time – the feeling of the warm, dry air, the sight of the Sandias, the warm welcome of her neighbors. Today, Patty knows Albuquerque like a native, but retains an understanding of its appeal to visitors. She is an event planning veteran, with over two decades of experience creating memorable meetings, weddings, trips and tours. She knows just how to make the most of Albuquerque’s special character to create an event that will leave a lasting impression on its attendees. Whether you’re looking to plan a Albuquerque convention for thousands, a wedding for hundreds or a retreat for just a few special people, Patty has great event planning ideas to share.

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Questions & Answers

Q: We are trying to locate several HOTELS in close walking distance to the Albuquerque Convention Center. Could you please help us with some names of HOTELS? Thank you very much.: A: We have several hotels in the downtown area, however the three closest hotels within walking distance to the convention center are: Hotel ANDALUZ (opening soon), The Doubletree Albuquerque and the Hyatt Regency. There is also a great hotel search function at www.itsatrip.org/lodging/default.aspx in case you'd like to browse around a bit more.

Q: I am coming the first week of November with my child and mother. What is a safe way for them to get around to do things from the Hyatt Regency Alb. Hotel? How is the best way for us to get from the airport to the hotel? What are our choices?: A: What a wonderful time to visit New Mexico! Fall is one of our best times of the year with our moderate weather, blue skies, and the leaves turning gold & red.

I always recommend that people rent a car when they come to Albuquerque because our city is so spread out. However Albuquerque does have a variety of public transportation options—you can catch a ride on the buses that service most parts of the city (see http://www.cabq.gov/transit for detailed schedule information), call a cab or ride the Rail Runner, a commuter rail that runs south to Belen and north to Santa Fe (www.nmrailrunner.com).

The Hyatt Regency is about a 10-minute drive from the airport and is located in downtown Albuquerque, which is very close to some of Albuquerque's best attractions. So once you get to the hotel, walking is always another option. The Hyatt is also a short distance to Albuquerque Old Town, the Bio-Park and a number of museums, so you need to make sure you set aside time to enjoy some of our city's best offerings. . . you will be very close to them! We do hope you enjoy your visit in the Land of Enchantment. ~ Patty

Q: I’ve planned one meeting in the southwest before, and it was so unbearably hot the entire time! What is the best time to bring a meeting to Albuquerque so my attendees don’t melt?: A: Albuquerque is situated in a high desert climate at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet. So, we aren’t a hot, flat, dry city like you might think. Many visitors cannot believe how many completely beautiful days Albuquerque enjoys year round. We bask in 310 days of sunshine, blessed with a mild, dry climate and four distinctly beautiful seasons. Very low humidity means that even when temperatures rise, summer is always comfortable, and our sunny winters are comparatively mild. Our average annual rainfall is about 9 in. and the average relative humidity is only 44%. For more information on temperatures during specific months, go to: http://www.itsatrip.org/albuquerque/perfect-weather/climate.aspx