By Liz Garcia, co-host of the 2025 Albuquerque conference, and Larry Royster, chair of the Site Selection Committee.
Even though the NCACC’s 2024 conference in Burlington, Vermont is still several weeks’ away, it is not too early to be thinking about, and getting excited for, the 2025 conference that will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. From distinguished art galleries and intriguing museums to significant archaeological and cultural sites, New Mexico offers a bounty of places to explore. The fifth largest state by size, it is also one of the most sparsely populated. Scenic and unspoiled views lie around nearly every bend in the road, inspiring artists and travelers alike. In addition, New Mexico’s strong ties to the area’s Native American tribes and pueblos and its Spanish heritage influence its art markets, one-of-a-kind regional cuisine and community traditions.
Co-hosts Liz Garcia and Colette Bruggman* have been hard at work securing the hotel venue and making preliminary plans for the educational sessions and social events. The 2025 NCACC conference will be held at the Marriott Albuquerque. The hotel completed a multi-million dollar renovation in 2020 and has amenities such as an indoor/outdoor pool, a fitness room, two restaurants (Cielo Sandia for breakfast and the Great Room for dinner and cocktails), a convenience store, and complimentary on-site parking. The Marriott is located approximately seven miles from the Albuquerque International Sunport, just off the Coronado Freeway (I-40) in Albuquerque’s uptown area with its shopping centers and restaurants, including the Coronado Mall, ABQ Uptown, and Winrock Town Center, as well as popular attractions and institutions like the University of New Mexico and the Sandia Peak Tramway. Visitors can spend their time hiking the nearby Sandia Mountains or by riding the 2.7-mile-long scenic Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the 10,378-foot summit. For the non-acrophobia inflicted, the tram takes you up to the crest of the Sandia Mountains for an 11,000-square-mile panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
Travelers looking to explore Albuquerque’s history and culture can browse the diverse collections at the Albuquerque Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. For a glimpse into Albuquerque’s past, head to Old Town, where Spanish and Pueblo Revival style adobe buildings now house numerous art galleries, restaurants and shops. For our golf enthusiasts, Albuquerque’s golf courses include Sandia Golf Course, Paako Ridge Club, Twin Warrior Golf Club and Iselta Golf Course, to name a few. The neighborhood’s 300-year history even includes some ghost stories (ask Liz about Tia Lala who haunts the historic Supreme Court of New Mexico Building). The many attractions in Albuquerque beckon culture hounds and outdoor enthusiasts to Albuquerque. From one-of-a-kind attractions to desert landscapes to historic sites, the Land of Enchantment has much to explore. You will see for yourself why New Mexico is known as The Land of Enchantment. In late July, early August, the temperatures in Albuquerque range from the mid-60s for the lows to the upper-90s for the highs, but with low humidity levels (mid-40s). So, get ready to pack your t-shirts, shorts, and sunglasses for another great conference of the NCACC! Liz and Colette look forward to hosting the NCACC 2025 Conference in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico!
#2025BestNCAACConf.Ever!
Liz and Colette will provide more specific information about the 2025 conference in upcoming editions of The Docket.
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* Liz and Colette are the Chief Clerk of the New Mexico Supreme Court and the Clerk/Executive Officer of the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, respectively.