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The American Association of Woodturners

The 2009 Symposium of the AAW

(Last update: July 27, 2009)

  Albuquerque, New Mexico

The 23rd Annual National AAW Symposium: Friday June 26 - Sunday June 28, 2009
Albuquerque Convention Center, 401 2nd Street NW



Symposium Highlights
Symposium and Food Affair/Auction Gala Registration
  • Online registration for the 2009 symposium is available through June 14 by going to the Members Only area. After logging on, click on the button labeled "AAW Symposium 2009 Registration" on the left-hand side of the page. If you are not a current member of the AAW, and would like to participate in the symposium, just follow this link to join the AAW, and then log-on as a member.
  • If you are not already a member of AAW, and want to see symposium pricing before becoming a member, click on this link to view a screen-shot of the 2009 symposium registration page.
  • The symposium is open to anyone with an interest in woodturning. The full registration fee includes demonstrations, Instant Gallery, trade show and auction. For cancellation through May 15, 2009, a $30 processing fee will be deducted. After May 15, the registration fee increases from $250 to $270, and is non-refundable. On-site registration at the symposium is $290.
  • Many areas at the Symposium are open to the public, and do not require registration. These areas include the Instant Gallery, Trade Show, all of the Special Exhibits, and the Educational Opportunity Grant (EOG) auction. The banquet requires a ticket, but after the banquet, the doors will be opened to the public, so galleries and collectors who may not want to attend other symposium functions can bid on EOG auction items.
  • Technical and Vocational Ed teacher's symposium registration fee (not including banquet ticket) will be waived upon request. A Technical and Vocational Ed teacher is defined as: one who works in these fields full-time, and in an accredited public or private grade school, jr high/high school, technical school or college. If you qualify, give the AAW office a call at 651-484-9094 to register.
  • For those wanting to register for the 2009 symposium through the mail, please note that the cut-off date is June 3. Also, the registration form found in the winter American Woodturner Journal indicated that the Food Affair (banquet) price was still being negotiated. The Food Affair/Auction Gala price is now finalized - please include $40.00 per person for the Food Affair/Auction Gala, if registering by May 15, 2009. Food Affair/Auction Gala fees after May 15, but before 2 June, will increase to $45.00 per person.
 Youth Programs
 Raffle - Lathe Giveaways
  • As was done in Richmond last year, a 3520 Powermatic and Jet Mini-Lathe will be raffled. Monies raised will go into the AAW Emergency Relief Fund. Tickets will be 1 for $5, 5 for $20, and 15 for $50. Tickets will only be sold on site at the symposium with the drawing will be held on Saturday night at the banquet. Thanks to WMH Tool Group for their generous donations that make this raffle possible.

 Return to the Community Charity Donations
  • AAW local chapter, New Mexico Woodturners, who will be hosting the 2009 Symposium, have selected the Holland’s Rose organization as recipient of Return To The Community gifts this year. Holland’s Rose is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and other services to patients and families who must travel to Albuquerque for medical care. Click on this link for more information on Holland's Rose.
  • For those unable to attend the Symposium, mail your donated items to:

    AAW Symposium
    c/o Rich McCartney
    6519 Sun View Drive NW
    Albuquerque, NM 87120-4835

  • Your donation of a family oriented item, turned or otherwise, will be gratefully appreciated.  Donated items may be sold during the symposium and money donated to the Holland's Rose charity. While new legislation effectively prohibits the sale of donated toys only, other items such as utilitarian bowls, ornaments, pens/pencils and small gift items are encouraged. Some toys, including finger tops, pull string tops, toy cars and trucks, baby rattles and the like are still welcome and will be used (not sold) by Holland's Rose and may be shared with other charities.
  • The New Mexico Woodturners chapter wishes to thank all AAW members in advance for the items that will be donated to Holland's Rose.
 Special Demonstrations and Presentations
  • The Spindle - This special gallery, organized by the Professional Outreach Program (POP), will represent the work of more than 50 invited woodturners, all to be auctioned at the symposium.
  • Believe It or Not: Thursday 7:30pm - Join Terry Martin and Jacques Vesery for an entertaining look at famous artists as they might not want to be seen.
  • TWIRLINGS: an exhibition of work by Gary Knox Bennett
  • Resident Artists - The resident artist program is in its second year. For details about the work of Jean-François Escoulen, see page 16 of the winter AW.
  • "Spirit of the Southwest" exhibition - click here for details
  • Chapter Collaborative Challenge - click here for details
Demonstrators and Resident Artists
  • Click on this link for a complete listing of demonstrations (who - what - when - where)
  • A comprehensive rotation "grid" may be viewed by clicking here.
  • A compact printable version of the rotation "grid" may be viewed by clicking here.
 Trade Show and Vendor Information
 Instant Gallery
  • Thursday, June 25, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Register pieces for Instant Gallery
  • Friday, June 26, 7:00 a.m. - 7:50 a.m., Registration/Instant Gallery Receiving
  • Sunday, June 28, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Instant Gallery Critique
  • Sunday, June 28, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Instant Gallery Pickup
  • No size restrictions for turnings placed in the Instant Gallery, as long as AAW members drop off and pick up their own pieces.
  • One change this year -  Demonstrators may bring up to 6 pieces to show, AAW members may bring up to 3 pieces.
 Special Interest Night (SIN) - Friday, June 26 from 7:30 - 9:30pm
  • This is an opportunity for groups and individuals to have panel discussions, meetings, and special presentations. The AAW will provide the rooms and digital projector. Past year sessions have included groups of Segmenters, Pen Turners, Box Makers, Collectors of wood Art, Educators, Disabled Turners, Ornamental Turners, WOW and more.
  • If you wish to set up and sponsor a Special Interest session - Contact Al Hockenbery – al@woodturner.org
 Spouse and Significant Other Information
  • Three packaged tours have been set up for your non-woodturning enthusiast travel partner. Click on each link for more info.
  • Spouse Craft Room - Enjoy your own crafts with others while your spouses enjoy theirs.
    • The craft room will be open during Symposium hours
    • Various craft demos are being planned
    • Bring your own projects to work on
    • For information, contact Carol Ellis at elliscjw@aol.com
 Symposium Schedule
  • Thursday June 25, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. - Registration/Check-in (registration also on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 7:45 am).
  • Saturday June 27, 5:30 pm to 6:00 PM - Social Hour, followed by the Food Affair/Auction Gala at 7:30 PM
  • Friday-Sunday: Rotational Demonstrations, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
  Accommodations & Lodging
  • Ask for the AAW discount to receive our special rates. Be sure to reserve your room early as rooms are limited and available is on a first-come, first-served basis. Need a roommate? See the AAW on-line forums.
  • Host Hotel: Hyatt Regency Albuquerque, 330 Tijeras NW (Hyatt is reported full but check anyway for cancellations)
    (505) 842-1234 - Local, (800) 233-1234 - Reservations, Group Code: G-AAWT
    Rate is $135 for a Single or Double
  • Alternate Hotel: Doubletree Hotel Albuquerque, 201 Marquette Avenue NW
    (505) 247-3344 - Local, Ask for Reservations, Group Code: ACO Woodturners Conference
    Rate is $139 Single, $149 Double
  • Alternate Hotel : Plaza Inn Downtown Albuquerque, 900 Medical Arts Ave
    (505) 243-5693 - Local, Ask for Reservations, Group Code: American Association of Woodturners
    Rate is $99 for a Single or Double
  • Local Campgrounds:
    - El Rancho Mobile Home Park, 201 Wyoming Blvd SE, (505)266-1455
    (8.6 miles form the Albuquerque Convention Center)
    - KOA Campground, 12400 Skyline Road NE, (505) 296-2729
    (10.2 miles from the Albuquerque Convention Center)
    - Enchanted Trails Camping Resort, 14305 Central Ave NW, (505) 831-6317
    (11.7 miles form the Albuquerque Convention Center)
    - Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau campground and RV park listings
Transportation
  • TRANSPORTATION FROM AIRPORT TO HOTELS:
    - Transportation from airport to hotel and convention center runs about 20 minutes.
    - SUNPORT SHUTTLE is about $11.00 one-way first person, $5.00 second person. ($20.00 Round Trip, $5.00 second person each way), (505) 883-4966
    - ALBUQUERQUE CAB CO. approximately costs $18.00 to $20.00 one-way from the airport. (505) 883-4888
    - YELLOW CAB CO. approximately costs $18.00 to $20.00 one-way from the airport. (505) 247-8888 or (505) 243-7777

  • The City of Albuquerque operates a transit system to help visitors and citizens get to their destination all over town. The Rapid Ride buses provide quick and easy access to major business centers, attractions, dining, shopping, hotels and special events. A trolley car service operates between Downtown and Old Town. Please call (505) 243-RIDE for updated schedules and rates or visit http://www.cabq.gov/transit.

  • AMTRAK: Amtrak Albuquerque, New Mexico, Alvarado Transportation Center spacer
    320 1st Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, (505) 842-9650
    For rate and route info visit: www.amtrak.com

10 Great Things To Do - in and around Albuquerque
Bulletin Board and Photo Wall
  • A bulletin board is available to post messages. Also a photo wall - everyone is welcome to bring pictures of interesting or humorous lathes, jigs, tips, or turnings. Also, bring copies of your chapter newsletter to share.
Highlights from last year's (2008) Symposium