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Saturday, March 09, 2013

Getting Ready for IAPS part 1

'Southwest Dreams'         8x10         pastel       ©Karen Margulis
The IAPS Convention is approaching!  In case you are wondering this is the biennial convention of the International Association of Pastel Societies. The convention is June 6-9 2013 in Albuquerque New Mexico.  This will be my third convention.  I have had a lot of questions from first-timers. I am not an expert but I would like to answer some questions to the best of my ability.  If I don't have the answer I will find out! Send me your questions!  Let me start at the beginning.....

The convention is held at the Hotel Albuquerque. The latest update on the convention blog stated that there are still openings in classes and workshops so if you are undecided about going....there are openings!  The last I heard the Hotel Albuquerque was full (check)

GETTING THERE:
There is a great FAQ on the convention website Click here.  I just checked and some of the links are broken so I will answer here and give you my experiences.

Airport:  You will fly into the Albuquerque International Sunport.  I got a great fare the last time by creating a fare watcher on Kayak.com. When the sale popped up I jumped on it.  For my Canadian friends asking about non-stop flights. I wasn't able to find one so if anyone knows about flight options from Canada please comment!

Airport Shuttle:  I took the Sunport Shuttle directly to the hotel. I made advanced reservations but knew that some artists who didn't were able to share a shuttle and pay less. They met up at the shuttle desk. Get yourself a 'Get Dusty' button to let everyone know you are a pastel person! It is $28 RT if you are by yourself.

Outdoor workshop at the Hotel Albuquerque

STAYING THERE:
The convention is at the Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town. I just called and they are filled to capacity. Even the waiting list is filled. They don't anticipate any openings.  The other option is the Best Western Rio Grande which is a few blocks away. I checked online and they do have rooms available. Here is the link...Best Western Rio Grande Inn

If you need a roommate there is a box to check on your registration form. Also you can email IAPS. See the directions here.

WEATHER & WHAT TO WEAR:
Typical weather for June is warm...highs in the upper 80's but cooler in the evening with lows in the 60's.  It is DRY which is very noticeable for us easterners! Also consider the altitude and be prepared to stay hydrated!

DRESS is casual for the convention. You want to be comfortable for long days in workshops and demos.

  • Past experience it has been COLD in the meeting rooms so be sure to have a sweater or light jacket if you feel the cold.
  • If you will be painting outdoors don't forget a hat and sunscreen! 
  • Comfortable shoes!
  • Dress for the evening/banquet seemed to be business casual....not extremely dressy but not your paint clothes either. A nice top with a skirt, dress slacks or capris is what I remember.


WHAT TO BRING:
Here are some of the things you may want to bring. Feel free to add to the list in the comment section!

  • Notebook and pen for notes during classes and demos.
  • camera....for taking pictures of demos and the scenery.
  • water bottle....it is dry and it is important to keep hydrated. 
  • lotion
  • snacks (more on food in another post)
  • tote bag or mini backpack. I like to put my stuff in a mini backpack to carry around during the day. This way I don't have to run back to the room in between session.
  • ART SUPPLIES....if you are attending a workshop you will need to bring supplies. If you are traveling by plane this can be a challenge. I will address this topic in my next post!


Inside the Candy Store....the trade show at the convention

I won the poster competition at the last IAPS convention. So exciting!
If you have any other questions send me an email or comment below!

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm attending vicariously through everyone else who is attending. Perhaps the next one... at least I'm planning on that. My hubby is taking me to Arizona for our anniversary this year. I want to learn as much as I can before I venture on a plane with supplies.

Karen Rodgers said...

Our altitude is about 6000 feet. Our humidity is less than the Sahara Desert 12-25%. The air density is lower so there is 25% less protection from sunburn and 'eye' sunburn (retinal damage). WEAR SUNGLASSES!!!!! Wear sunscreen and hats (a sunburned scalp is painful). The dry air makes it feel cooler, but you are still burning faster than sea level and there is a delayed reaction. If you have gotten 'pink,' you may already have 2nd degree burns. Drink 25% more water or you'll get a headache. If you use oxygen in tanks, make sure you have a higher setting and more of it. Check with your doctor.

Karen Rodgers said...

Wear Sunglasses!!! There is 25% less protection from the sun...you won't just sunburn quickly, you can damage your eyes! If you use oxygen in tanks, check with your doctor, you will probably need a higher setting.

Karen said...

Thank you karen for your valuable information!!! I will also include it in my next post in case readers miss the comments!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the poster win! Thanks for sharing about the environmental differences should I have the opportunity to travel out west some day.