Frequently Asked Questions

1) Are there still have any scholarships available?
NYAC had a limited number of youth registration scholarships, but the deadline for applications was August 2. If you are a LGBT youth who lives in New Mexico, the Albuquerque Host Committee for this year's Regional Conference has a limited number of youth scholarships available if you contact Steve Ridlon at SDridlon@aol.com, by Monday, September 2.

2) What exactly is "Coffeehouse"? How can I participate?
A regular event at Common Bond's Under 21 Group is "Coffee House Night" when members of the group share their creative talents. In Albuquerque, there's a wealth of young LGBTQ musicians, poets, actors and filmmakers. Saturday night at the NYAC Conference, several of the U21G performers will be on hand. If you'd also like a turn in the spotlight, please contact Mishell at tigergrrrl@lycos.com. There'll also be an "open mike" portion of the show. Don't miss it!

3) What exactly is "Youth SpeakOut"?
The Youth Speakout on Sunday is essentially when everyone gathers together for about an hour and young people 22 and under can basically talk about how they felt the event went, what they liked/didn't like, what they've learned, whatever they want to say. It's an open forum for youth. Then we typically have a debriefing/feedback session open to everyone.

4) How's NYAC's policy on alcohol and drug use?
The entire NYAC conference and all of its associated NYAC off-site events are strictly drug free and alcohol free for all participants (including for 21 and up). We hope that participants will help us create an atmosphere that supports the health and well-being of fellow participants.

5) I want to be more than a participant in the conference, What can I do?
Throughout the weekend, a handful of volunteers would be fantastic, especially as additional muscles and gophers. Please contact Steve Ridlon if you would like to volunteer.

6) Where can I find food?
That depends on what you feel like eating- Chinese, Greek, New Mexican, or even McDonald's and Taco Bell. There are more than two dozen restaurants within walking distance of UNM and Le Baron Hotel. For the deal on meals see question 13.

7) So, why is Albuquerque so cool?
Well, it's not called the Land of Enchantment for nothing... Albuquerque has it all, really, a rich history and cultural diversity, something to do no matter what your interests are, a daylife and nightlife, plus the Southwest's most complete LGBTQ bookstore! Click here and find out for yourself what Albuquerque has to offer.

8) Will there be a Rosh Hashanah observance for Jewish attendees at the Conference?
Yes. If you are interested in attending a LGBT-friendly Rosh Hashanah observance Friday evening, please contact Lena McQuade of the Albuquerque Host Committee at grrllena@unm.edu for more information.

9) Where do I show up for the Conference?
If you arrive by 7 p.m. on Friday, come to the Le Baron Conference Center (Santa Fe Room). That's where we're holding Friday registration and the community reception for the Conference, and where folks will leave by bus for an evening at the State Fair. If you don't arrive until Saturday, come to Ortega Hall on the University of New Mexico campus. Last minute registration will take place there, as well as all the Saturday workshops.

10) How do I get to the Le Baron Hotel and Conference Center?
Le Baron Courtyard Hotel and Conference Center is at 2120 Menaul NE, two blocks east of University Blvd. It's about a 15 - 20 minute drive from the Albuquerque International Sunport.
By hotel shuttle: The hotel has a small, free shuttle that will pick you up from the second island (marked "Bus and Shuttle") outside the baggage pick-up area of the airport. Call the hotel (884-0250) from inside the airport and let them know where you'll be waiting.
By car from the airport to the hotel: 1) Exit the airport onto Yale Blvd. and then turn left at the second stop light onto Gibson Blvd. 2) Take Gibson Blvd. to the first stop light and turn right onto University Blvd. 3) Continue on University past Central Ave. and Lomas Blvd. When you see the Hilton Hotel on your left, get into the right hand lane. Make a right turn at the stoplight at Menaul. The hotel will be two blocks ahead on the right. You can't miss their sign -- it's huge! By cab from the airport: A cab ride to the hotel should cost under $15.
Click here to view an interactive map and driving directions.

11) How do I get to Ortega Hall at the University of New Mexico?
Ortega Hall is about 3 miles from the Le Baron hotel. It is not possible to walk from the hotel to UNM because of freeway access roads. You'll need a car or a ride.
By hotel shuttle: The hotel will be operating a free, small capacity shuttle between 8 and 9 a.m. and 5 and 6 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8-9 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. on Sunday.
By car from the hotel: 1) Turn left (west) onto Menaul from the hotel. 2) At the stoplight, turn left (south) on University Blvd. 3) Continue on University past Lomas and at the second traffic light, turn left (east) on Central Avenue. 4) Continue on Central to the first stoplight; then turn left on Stanford Drive to enter the UNM campus. 5) Park in the Visitors parking lot which is on the corner of Central and Stanford. 6) Ortega Hall is a short walk from the Visitors parking lot. Walk north on the campus through the plaza past the Student Union Building, which is being renovated; and then turn left (west) towards Smith Plaza, which is down the steps on the left. Ortega Hall is located right after Smith Plaza.
Click here to view an interactive map and driving directions.

12) What should I bring to the Conference?
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn
• About $30 (or more) for meals (see below)
• Your talent for the Coffeehouse!
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A camera if you have one to capture weekend memories
• A small stack (50 pieces or less) of your organizational or group information to leave on the Take One Table

13) What's the deal on meals?
• What's included in your registration: Saturday lunch
• What's included for guests at the Le Baron hotel: Saturday breakfast and Sunday breakfast
• What you should bring money for: Friday dinner, Saturday and Sunday breakfast (if not staying at the hotel), Saturday dinner

14) What's the weather likely to be?
Average Albuquerque temperatures for September are 82 / 56 degrees F, with a small possibility for rain (usually in the late afternoon). Click for a link to Albuquerque weather reports.

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