Conference & Expo

Kick off your Austin experience with a pre-conference trip

Kayaking, rock climbing, or barbecue eating? You decide!

By the 2008 Host Committee

The NIRSA 2008 Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Exposition is less than six months away. As you begin your travel planning, consider participating in a pre-conference trip. It's a great way to start your Austin adventure!

The Host Committee is pleased to offer three pre-conference trips that will allow participants to experience Austin's outdoor and culinary scenes. All pre-conference trips will take place on Wednesday, April 2. Registration is required for all pre-conference activities and is limited. Look for registration information coming soon.

Kayaking the San Marcos River
Because it has year-round flow from Aquarena Springs and is easily accessible, many paddlers in Texas get their first taste of whitewater on the San Marcos River. The river flows 72 degrees year round and flat water stretches between the class II rapids are filled with subtropical vegetation and abundant bird watching. The group will depart the Austin Convention Center at 8 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. This trip is perfect for everyone from beginners to advanced kayakers. All equipment is provided, as well as transportation and lunch. Registered participants will receive an information sheet with specifics on what to wear and what to bring.

Rock climbing the Austin Greenbelt
The center of Austin's rock climbing universe is a protected nature preserve running through town called the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The "Greenbelt" offers classic 5.7 - 5.13 routes on some of the finest limestone Mother Nature ever baked. Explore both the "Seismic Wall" and the "Gus Fruh" climbing areas and quench your thirst for central Texas sport climbing. We will depart the Austin Convention Center at 8 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. This trip is perfect for everyone from beginners to advanced climbers. All equipment is provided, as well as transportation and lunch. Registered participants will receive an information sheet with specifics on what to wear and what to bring.

Austin barbecue tour
Barbecue is food for the soul and Texas barbecue is king. Participants will be treated to a culinary concord of six legendary Austin barbecue institutions. The group will depart the Austin Convention Center at 9:45 a.m. and will return at 3 p.m.

This month's recipe comes from the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, Texas, just up I-35 from Austin.