Saturday, February 5, 2005

The Saturday afternoon events are organized activities intended as an opportunity for Conference participants to digest the presentations of the previous day and a half, discuss them with their colleagues in a relaxed, informal atmosphere, and begin to formulate ideas and strategies to discuss on the concluding day. These events are an integral part of the design of this meeting and all participants are encouraged to register for one of these events or activities. The Tennis Tournament and the Golf Tournament require additional facility utilization fees and the proceeds will benefit the American Kidney Fund. Below is a brief summary of the events, activities, and the facilities to assist you in making your decision as to which event or activity you choose.

The Biltmore Fashion Park features more than 70 fine shops within a romantic open-air park setting of brick walkways, luscious landscaping and hacienda fountains. It is located just minutes away and a courtesy resort shuttle is available to take you there. Stores like Ann Taylor, Gucci, Macy’s, Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tommy Bahama’s, and Victoria’s Secret, to name a few, offer a world of elegant choices for the discriminating shopper. In addition, a vast array of dining options for the sophisticated palate awaits your visit. Don’t be surprised to see some shopping “trophies” on display at the Saturday Evening Dinner and Awards Banquet.

For the intensely competitive player, a tournament is scheduled with men’s and women’s singles. Plus, for those interested in a more social, yet competitive environment, men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles events are also planned. This event will be played on four world-class lighted tennis courts and requires court fees. The resort will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the American Kidney Fund. Trophies will be awarded at the Saturday Evening Dinner and Awards Banquet.

Participants will board a complimentary shuttle for a short ride to Lookout Mountain Golf Club at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort. It is a magnificent par-72 course and has been consistently voted one of the top 25 golf courses in the state of Arizona. Featuring lush greens entwined by carefully preserved Sonoran Desert Terrain, this championship 18-hole course combines spectacular scenery with challenging play. In fact, you may see quail or even coyote out on the course. Please let them play through. Registration and greens fees will be required for participation in this event, and, again, the Resort will be donating a portion of the proceeds to benefit the American Kidney Fund.

Using a scramble format, the tournament will include many special individual hole events, sponsored by renal care community vendors, and trophies for low net and gross will be presented at the Saturday Evening Dinner and Awards Banquet

Hiking and Nature Walk

The Phoenix Mountain Preserve provides the backdrop for a spectacular cornucopia of desert flora and fauna. Enthusiastic hikers will find challenging hiking and climbing trails, and the more sedate naturalists will also find undulating trails that provide stimulating and colorful desert vistas and sites including saguaro, barrel, stag horn and a plethora of cactus varieties without overly taxing the muscles and joints. Based on the number of participants, guides may be available for either hiking or nature walks.