Social and Companion Program
BANQUET - THURSDAY EVENING, JULY 31
The Conference Banquet will be held in the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, 44 miles south of the Conference Hotel location. Transportation will be provided between the hotel and the Aquarium (~50 minutes drive each way).
Evening timeline:
- 5:45- 6:00 PM - Buses leave from Chaminade
- 7:30- 9:00 PM - Buffet Dinner served in the Ocean's Edge/Marine Mammals Gallery
- 10:30-11:00 PM - Buses leave Aquarium back to Chaminade
The aquarium highlights include:
- Kelp forest in gigantic ocean water tanks
- Otter and deep-ocean exhibits
- Life on the Bay exhibit
EXCURSIONS - WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, JULY 30 (ADDITIONAL FEE APPLIES)
The following social activities will be offered for participants on Wednesday afternoon, when no presentations are scheduled:
Group Activities - will be organized by the conference if there is sufficient booking. Participants must directly book reservations for these activities before June 30 2008 by contacting Dianne Fitzgerald at phone: 831-465-3464, or e-mail: dfitzgerald@benchmarkmanagement.com.
- Wine Tour, 2-3 hours, $65 per person
The Santa Cruz Mountains have been producing award winning wines since the late 1800's, and there are over 20 wineries within a 10 mile radius. Our tour will sample two or three of these, which may include: Bargetto, Hunter Hill Vineyard & Winery, or Soquel Vineyards. Participants will taste estate grown wines as well as specialty blends and unique dessert wines. Includes transportation (~30 minutes from the hotel), wine tasting, cheese/baguettes, and bottled water. - Guided Hike , 2-3 hours, $45 per person
Update:Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a forest that looks much the same as it did 200 years ago. Zayante Indians once lived in the area, where they found shelter, water and game. Henry Cowell Redwoods is home to a centuries old Redwood Grove that features a self-guided nature path. It also boasts other old-growth woods such as Douglas fir, mandrone, oak and a stunning stand of Ponderosa pines. Includes transportation (~15 minutes from the hotel), tour guide, snack, and bottled water.
Individual Activities - participants may organize additional activities among themselves with the help (maps, directions, further contact information) of the Hotel and the Local Organizing Committee. Selected options are:
- Golf, ~3 hours, $35 per person (twilight rate after 3:30 pm)
Local courses include the Seascape Golf Course. Transportation is on your own (~15 minutes from the hotel), maps to course will be provided. Price is for 9-holes and includes cart. - Kayaking, 2 hours, $30 per person
KayakConnection offers outings on Santa Cruz Harbor. Transportation on your own (15 minutes from hotel), maps and company names provided at the conference hotel. In addition to the paddling the bay, participants may see harbor and marsh wildlife including seals, otters, loons, egrets, pelicans and other birds. - Sailing, 2 hours, $52 per person, "Wednesday Night Races" with Chardonnay II
Santa Cruz Harbor offers good winds and beautiful views of the coast and marine life, often including otters, kelp, and even whales. Transportation on your own (15 minutes from hotel), maps provided at the conference hotel. Fee includes pizza, beer, wine and soda. Other boats are also available if full.
Prices are set by the providers, and may change from time to time.
COMPANION PROGRAMS - July 28 to August 2
Available every day based on interest, and will be organized through the hotel's leisure department and concierge desk. Additional fees may apply.