NGC2007 Organizers offer a diversified program of networking and social events to meeting participants and guests. Please, visit this page for updates while planning your trip in Arizona. We also inform you in the Newsletters about networking and social events at the conference once event details and prices become available. We offer participants flexibility to prepay the social events along with the conference fee. We welcome the ideas, contributions and feed back from our participants and guests to help us all together make the 3rd Nano & Giga Forum in Arizona a productive, pleasant and memorable event!

Note: All tours will start from the Twin Palms Hotel, although pick up from the other hotels can be arranged when tour reservations are made.

• Conference Reception -- March 14: will take place Wednesday night in the fresh air at the small square near the ASU Art Museum. Food, drinks and entertainment are included in the conference fee. The bluegrass group Whistle Stop will be performing at our reception. The concert is sponsored by SRP. All participants and registered guests are welcome to join the meeting reception.
   
  
• Dinner & Networking Club -- March 12th, 13 & 15: will be open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights for networking, dining and entertainment from 7 pm to 10 pm, hosted by the ASU University Club. Bar will be open for individual purchase of alcoholic beverages. On Tuesday, March 13th, Marina V will be performing at our night club. The concert is sponsored by SRP.
   
  
• Day trip to Grand Canyon -- March 13, 15 & 17: -- The Grand Canyon is located about 4.5 hours driving distance from Phoenix. One day trip takes approximately 14 hours, and meeting participants can use time on the road as an additional networking option. Depending on the number of travelers, we will rent a bus or a van of appropriate size. For GC tour reservations, please, contact, Ms. Simone Lange (). There are also many commercial tour companies which offer Grand Canyon trips and visits to many other tourist attractions in Arizona. NGC2007 participants are most welcome to use those companies as service providers.
   
  
• Renaissance festival -- takes place in the "Valley of Sun" every year from the middle of February till the end of March. The organizers will arrange a group visit and transportation to participate in this unforgettable show! It's a lot of fun, but do not forget sun block lotion! It may be snowing where you live, but you can easily get sunburn in the middle of March in Arizona! Suggested dates for this event are March 11th and 17th. The Renaissance festival is open only on the weekends. Please, notify Ms. Simone Lange () of your preference.
   
  
• Daily hikes -- Arizona is a hiking paradise during the spring time and there are a few popular hiking places available within an hour drive from downtown Tempe, where we expect most of the out-of-state participants to be accommodated. We offer the following daily hikes:
  March 15th: Siphon Draw Trail to Flat Iron -- is a great short adventure for more experienced hikers. With an elevation gain of almost 3,000 feet (~900 m) on less than 2 miles of trail, it is pretty good exercise with a rewarding spectacular view of the Valley from the top. No special skills required, but good physical condition is recommended. Departure: 8:00AM - Return: ~ 4 PM.
  March 16th: Goldfield Mountain -- this 4 mile (6.5 km) hike will be led by Ted Tenny, the author of the book Goldfield Mountain Hikes. Further details and hike description are available on the web site of the Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club. Departure: 9:00 AM - Return: ~ 2 PM.
  
  You may also consider exlporing some hiking opportunities by yourself and invite other participants to join you. The following hiking options are available in close proximity to the venues (within approximately one hour driving distance) and are recommended for individual exploration. We will be happy to provide you further information and advice:
  South Mountain Park/Preserve -- has 51 miles of trails and a nice view of Phoenix from Dobbin's lookout point.
  Camelback Mountain -- is located close to downtown Scottsdale and offers a stunning view of the city in all directions. Two hiking trails lead to the top with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet (366 m).
  Piestewa Peak -- offers another opportunity for a great view of the city combined with similar elevation gain on a well maintained trail.
  Please contact Ms. Janna Lorenzen () if you would like more information.
   
  
• City Tours ($20 for transportation, admission is not included) -- are organized during the conference days primarily for accompanied persons and include:
  Desert Botanical Garden or Phoenix Zoo - March 13th;
  Heard Museum and/or Phoenix Art Museum - March 14th;
  Shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square and historic Old Town Scottsdale including a tour of art galleries - March 15th.
  City tours will start at 10 am and will take about 4-6 hours. Please, contact Ms. Janna Lorenzen () for reservations.
   
  
• Concerts -- are many during the year in multi-cultural metropolitan Phoenix, and the organizers will shop around and review the events which are scheduled in the Phoenix area. Check the Other Events page on our web site for entertainment ideas. We will arrange discount transportation to the most popular events and also help you commute with other participants who have rental cars to reduce costs and avoid cumbersome driving in a new city (and allow you to get one more margarita :)
   
  

For more information, please, contact our social program coordinator,
Ms. Janna Lorenzen ()