Storytellers: UCDA Design Conference

Thank you for registering for the 52nd annual UCDA Design Conference. As we descend on Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, we hope this information enhances your conference experience and your time in the great southwest.

Unlike recent UCDA Design Conferences, the schedule and setting are different this year. We will meet in the mornings and evenings giving you blocks of time in the afternoon to explore New Mexico and all the activities the Tamaya resort has to offer.

The 52nd annual UCDA Design Conference is hosted on the ancient lands of the Tamayame people and nestled at the foot of the Sandia Mountains—an area rich in storytelling. Sample a broad range of experiences and see what the heart of New Mexico has to offer. Come together to trade stories with your peers. Listen to the dynamic lineup of speakers. Return home inspired and ready to craft narratives that will deepen your institution’s brand. Connect with others who are attending via the UCDA Events app.

INSIDER TIP: PLAN YOUR VISIT
www.newmexico.org

New Mexico’s climate is arid in the west and south, while northern and eastern parts of New Mexico have alpine climates at high altitudes.

October is one of the best times to visit New Mexico at the peak of the fall season. The sunshine is optimum, and the conditions are pleasant. The average high temperatures are in the comfortable 61°F to 78°F range, while average low temperatures are in the range of 30°F to 48°F.

INSIDER TIP: DRESS IN LAYERS
Meeting rooms can sometimes be chilly, so dress in layers or bring a light sweater.

GETTING TO ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is located near downtown Albuquerque and is 27 miles southeast of the Hyatt Regency Tamaya. 

Alvarado Transportation Center (Amtrak) is located in downtown Albuquerque. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line runs through the heart of New Mexico with a stop at the Alvarado Transportation Center. Other stops on this line include Chicago, Kansas City, Flagstaff, and Los Angeles.

CAR RENTAL
Because the Hyatt Regency Tamaya is a resort property, we recommend renting a car or carpooling with other attendees for the best experience. 

If you do not drive, the hotel does offer plenty to do in your downtime, and it has several food outlets on-site as well at their neighboring Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel, just a short shuttle ride away (including a casino, restaurants, lounges, a food court, and bowling alley).

INSIDER TIP: RENT A CAR
We recommend renting a car because the hotel is a resort property. This gets you to and from the property, as well as a way to explore the region, including Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

 
GET YOUR DIGITAL COMPANION FOR THE UCDA DESIGN CONFERENCE
Download the official UCDA Events app for iPhone or Android by visiting www.ucda.com/app.

FEATURES
Schedule—Complete program at your fingertips with links to relevant information about sessions, speakers, and evaluations.
Attendees—Connect and chat with other attendees by using “shake” technology.
Sponsors—Learn more about and connect with our event sponsors.
Evaluations—Easy-to-use online evaluations for each session and overall event.
Floor Plans—Digital maps to help you locate where you need to be.
Area Guide—Everything you need to know about the area from exploring to enjoying a great meal.
UCDA Connect Game—Compete for prizes by answering questions, connecting with sponsors, and attending events.

INSIDER TIP: GET THE APP
Download the app now so it's installed and ready when the event launches and ready when you want it!

 
Let your friends, colleagues, and family know you are going! Share your experiences and photos before and during the event.

Here are a couple images to help you get started (download [control-click and save image] and share!):

 
UCDA is always focused on ensuring a safe and productive conference. The CDC guidelines encourage event organizers like UCDA to follow state and local regulations on gatherings (updates on Covid-19 restrictions in all 50 states can be found here). UCDA will continually monitor and make adjustments to the conference plan as needed. That may include additional safety and cleaning measures, social distancing, and/or the wearing of facial coverings.

UCDA will work to implement this guidance, adjusting to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community. See COVID-19 Code of Conduct.

CDC Travel Guidance
https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS
At this time:

• COVID vaccinations are not required to attend the UCDA Design Conference.
• We ask that if you feel sick or have a temperature that you do not travel to the conference; or if already arrived, stay in your room.
• Masks are not required. We ask that you are courteous to those who may want to wear one or request social distancing.
• Special name tag ribbons available:
  - Greet from Six Feet (red)
  - Elbows Only (yellow)
  - Handshakes and High Fives Approved (green)
• We request that you wash your hands (for 20-seconds) often.
• Hand sanitizer stations will be available.

THANK YOU
The safety of everyone is a priority. We thank you for helping us achieve this goal and doing your part.

CONFERENCE SITE
The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, located 20 miles northwest of Albuquerque and 50 miles southwest of Santa Fe. Experience a completely unique and authentic journey into the ancient lands of the Tamayame people. Nestled on 550 acres of the Native American Santa Ana Pueblo between the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande River, Tamaya is steeped in over one thousand years of rich history and culture. See the hotel’s COVID-19 updates and what to expect at the hotel during your stay.

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa
1300 Tuyuna Trail
Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, 87004
505-867-1234

ONSITE REGISTRATION
Saturday, October 15, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Be sure to pick up your name tag and conference registration materials at the registration desk located in the Tamaya Ballroom Pre-function area.

On Saturday, if you do not make it to the registration desk prior to 6 p.m., you may head straight to the Opening Mixer location—Cottonwoods Pavillion—on the property of The Hyatt Regency Tamaya. We will have someone onhand to check you in.

Name tags must be worn at all UCDA events.

INSIDER TIP: AVOID THE RUSH—AND LINES—AND PICK UP YOUR NAME TAG EARLY.

UCDA FOUNDATION AUCTION OPENING
Saturday, October 15, 1 p.m.
Closing reception: Monday, October 17, 5:30-6 p.m.
Each year we ask our members, speakers, sponsors, and anyone in our profession to submit items to be auctioned off at the annual conference. Proceeds from the UCDA Foundation Auction at the UCDA Design Conference will directly benefit UCDA.

Objects made by our members including photographs, paintings, drawings, prints, posters, jewelry, ceramics, weavings, cards, books, etc., are especially well-received by conference attendees. Also, quirky and unusual items such as pop-up books, collectibles, and objects d'art do extremely well in the silent auction. And, donated items from the conference city will forever remind the winning bidder of the wonderful time they had while attending the UCDA Design Conference.

Bring an item or two to donate for the silent auction: drop items off at the registration desk.

You may also contribute to the UCDA Foundation outside of the auction with a monetary donation.

1. Give or pledge online at the UCDA Foundation website
2. Give using CashApp: $UCDAFoundation
3. Give using PayPal

INSIDER TIP: STOP BY THE AUCTION’S CLOSING RECEPTION ON MONDAY TO ENSURE YOU DON’T GET OUTBID!

OPENING MIXER
Saturday, October 15, 5:45-6:45 p.m.
(followed by presentations and dinner from 6:45-9 p.m.)
It’s time to mix and mingle with other conference goers! Partake in refreshments (first drink is on us), food, and meet old friends and new contacts with our Networking Game (for a chance to win a free UCDA Design Conference registration for 2023).

Be sure to arrive on time to take advantage of the beautiful New Mexico skies during sunset.

COFFEE TALK, NATURE WALK, OR INSTAMEET

Sunday, October 16, 7-8 a.m.

Why not enjoy an early start with a walk down by the Rio Grande? Join UCDA leaders, colleagues, and friends for an invigorating beginning to your day. 

More interested in coffee at 7 a.m.? Come join colleagues, friends, and UCDA leaders for some down-to-earth coffee talk.

Are you an Instagrammer? Bring your camera for a stroll through the resort and property as you discover and share your photographs through Instagram. Tag your pics with #UCDA2022.

SUNDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES
Sunday, October 16, 7-9 p.m.
Following your afternoon exploring Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and the resort, join us after dinner for 20x20 Presentations where selected attendees will share their stories along with a dessert reception and game night!

MONDAY MOVIE NIGHT
Monday, October 17, 9-10 p.m.
From Nothing, Something: A Documentary on the Creative Process
From Nothing, Something profiles creative thinkers across a variety of disciplines to find the common techniques, habits, and neuroses that lead to breakthrough ideas. This is a thoughtful, intimate, often funny look at the creative process—straight from the brains of some of the most unique and accomplished talents.

PUBLICATIONS SWAP SHOP
Monday, October 17, 6-6:30 p.m. (Sponosred by Slate Group)
Share your work and pick up some samples for inspiration in this limited-time event. Doors will open for one hour, and once the samples are gone, they’re gone! Bring or send ahead approximately 30-50 samples (or as many as you can spare). If sending, please ship them to yourself at the hotel and drop off at the UCDA Registration Desk.

The Swap Shop is a run and get ’em sample exchange. The doors open, and it’s a free-for-all. Sort of like a bride’s bargain basement sale, only with publications instead of dresses, designers instead of brides, and the publications are free.

Those bringing or sending materials for the swap will receive an entry for a drawing to receive a “priority pass” to be at the head of the line!

Send them to:
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa
Attn: Your Name (hotel guest)
1300 Tuyuna Trail
Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, 87004
505-867-1234

INSIDER TIP: BRING MATERIALS FOR THE SWAP TO RECEIVE A “PRIORITY PASS.” 

UCDA EXPO
The UCDA Expo (formerly the Resource Center) includes an exhibition by various companies. Visit with company representatives, get answers to your most pressing questions, and see the latest techniques, products, and services.

Also included this year—check out the Sponsor Pods for additional programming and the Design Pods for some creative hands-on activities.

Special thanks to all our sponsors, exhibitors, and partners!

INSIDER TIP: LEAVE EXTRA ROOM IN YOUR LUGGAGE OR BRING A SHIPPING LABEL FOR ALL OF THE GOODIES YOU’LL PICK UP AT THE EXPO (AS WELL AS THE SWAP SHOP).

 

CODE OF CONDUCT
Please see UCDA’s Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy, including our Statement of Inclusiveness. We expect conference participants to follow these rules at program venues and program-related social events, along with the COVID-19 Code of Conduct (subject to change based on local requirements).
 

HYATT REGENCY TAMAYA
Experience a completely unique and authentic journey into the ancient lands of the Tamayame people at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa. Nestled on 550 acres of the Native American Santa Ana Pueblo between the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande River, Tamaya is steeped in over one thousand years of rich history and culture.



The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, located 20 miles northwest of Albuquerque and 50 miles southwest of Santa Fe. (photo courtesy of The World of Hyatt).

The resort fee at Hyatt Regency Tamaya (rooms within the UCDA block have the $34 daily resort fee waived) includes: free Internet access; 24-hour fitness center access; yoga and aerobic room; two complimentary bottles of water daily; resort recreation and activities including horseshoe pits; golf bag storage; self-parking; tennis and basketball courts (balls and racquets provided); bicycles and helmets; nature/jogging trails with fitness stations; daily nature walks; separate adult/quiet pool; outdoor games; and cultural activities).

INSIDER TIP: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL DISCOUNTS
UCDA attendees can get a 10% discount on trail rides at The Stables of Tamaya.

Discounts are also available at the Tamaya Mist Spa & Salon (10% discount).

Located at The Stables of Tamaya, Tamaya Horse Rehab was established in 2012. Through adoption and re-homing, they strive to help a horse live out a full, cared-for life. Visit The Stables during your stay at Tamaya, or schedule a trail ride to experience the horses firsthand (photos by Tadson Bussey).

INSIDER TIP: BIKE RIDE TO THE STABLES
Instead of walking to The Stables, grab a bike and helmet on property for a leisurly bike ride and visit the many animals that are on-hand without having to book a trail ride.

ALBUQUERQUE
“At the heart of New Mexico beats the pulse of a vibrant city. In Albuquerque, diverse cultures, authentic art, and dynamic traditions have helped shape our centuries-old story. No matter your interests, the city has countless opportunities for you to explore. Sample traditional New Mexican cuisine that takes minutes to make and hundreds of years to prepare, experience world-class museums, stroll along Central Avenue under the vintage neon glow of Route 66, or soar high above the city in the hot air ballooning capital of the world—a sight sure to change your perspective.”

White adobe building near Old Town Albuquerque (left); and Route 66 Diner along Route 66 (Central Avenue) which runs through downtown Albuquerque. (Photos by Tadson Bussey)

SANTA FE
With legendary history and culture around every corner, Santa Fe’s art scene spans from traditional to contemporary and is home to Meow Wolf Santa Fe. Its award-winning cuisine is as eclectic as it is sumptuous, and with countless experiences to encounter, you’re sure to uncover something different about yourself when you visit.

There is plenty to do in and around Santa Fe, incluing Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return, a mind-bending, explorable art experience for people of all ages (far right).

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM AREA MEMBERS AND ATTENDEES
Frank Nichols, Principal, Nichols Design
Unitarian Church in Albuquerque
Alexander Girard designed an amazingly beautiful assemblage of wooden pieces for a Unitarian Church in ABQ. The church staff has always been very accommodating whenever I’ve asked them to allow me to show it to visitors.

Tadson Bussey, UCDA
SANTA FE
Santa Fe Plaza—lots of Native Jewelry and art
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum—small, but amazing if you like her art—www.okeeffemuseum.org
Bobcat Bite (for their Green Chili Cheeseburger). Under new ownership, but kept the original recipe. One of Michael and Jane Sterns to go on “Roadfood.” Two locations—www.bobcatbite.com
Loretto Chapel and the Miraculous stairway—lorettochapel.com

MADRID
Just south of Santa Fe; old hippie town (part of the Turquoise Trail), funky, cool place.
The Mine Shaft—old biker bar in town (the movie Wild Hogs filmed in town)

CERRILLOS
Between Santa Fe and Madrid—old ghost town that is starting to get reinhabited.
Casa Grande Trading Post and Petting Zoo—exactly that. Rooms of antiques, rocks and minerals, and yes, a petting zoo.

ALBUQUERQUE
Range Cafe—several locations in ABQ. The one in downtown is in a former Standard gas station along Route 66. Also one near Tamaya—www.rangecafe.com
Frontier Restaurant—An ABQ institution. Go for breakfast food (or the green chili) but do not miss the Frontier Sweet Roll (I always get a frozen six-pack and put in my suitcase on the way to the airport so I can bring some home—frontierrestaurant.com
Albuquerque Hotel—Just a block from Old Town, stop by for their amazing blood orange margarita
Central Avenue through town is one of the old Rt. 66 routes. Some cool neon still standing and lit; some not so much.
Old Town. Similar to Santa Fe’s Plaza. Lots of shops and restaurants. A new wine tasting shop is there, along with the Albuquerque Museum (art museum)—cabq.gov/artsculture/albuquerque-museum
Duran Central Pharmacy (pharmacy side is OK, but the cafe side: amazing. Where the locals eat! duransrx.com/
Breaking Bad. If you were a Breaking Bad fan (the TV series), you can look up online some of the filming locations: Walter White’s house; Jesse’s apartment; the car wash, etc. A fun thing to do. (Some places also do tours)
Petroglyph National Monument. A fun short hike, but you have to hunt for some of the petroglyphs. Very close to town, so easy to get to—www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm
Nob Hill on Central Ave. has some fun and funky shops
66 Diner (on Rt. 66) has great milkshakes and a huge tin sign selfie wall in the parking lot—66diner.com

Brandi Sea Heft-Knifflin, mainstage speaker and native New Mexican
Brandi offered up so many suggestions, we highlighted them here.