Visiting Austin
Known for its casual and playful nature, Austin is the playground of Texas. Situated at the center of the Lone Star State, it stands as the gateway to the Texas Hill Country and the Highland Lakes. As the state capital and home to the University of Texas, the city supports a politically charged and culturally rich environment. It's hip, trendy, and high-tech. A large creative population-primarily musicians and artists-enhance its eclectic nature.

Natural Appeal
Blessed with a temperate year-round climate and 300 days of sunshine a year, Austin lives for the outdoors. Nature trails, parks and wilderness preserves create an oasis in the heart of the city. Town Lake bisects the center of downtown and is bordered by 10 miles of hike-and-bike trails where devoted joggers, walkers and cyclists flock every hour of the day.

From April through October, 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge that spans Town Lake. Onlookers flock to the shores nightly to watch the nocturnal creatures emerging from beneath the bridge.

Historical View
Originally a buffalo hunting ground favored by Tonkawa Indians, Austin was permanently settled in 1838 as a trading post. Now, more than a million people live in the city named for Stephen F. Austin, who colonized Texas.

The Texas State Capitol, an imposing pink granite structure, commands a stately presence in downtown. Actually 14 feet taller than the nation's capitol, the Texas Statehouse is the largest domed statehouse in the country.

Texas' larger-than-life history comes together under one roof at the new Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, which features intriguing artifacts, interactive exhibits, multi-media shows, and an IMAX Theatre.

Musical Talent
In the city where the music never stops, live music plays at more than 100 venues on any given evening. A little blues, a little country, the beat of rock and roll, and even a few jazz licks puts Austin music into a distinctive music genre that's difficult to label. The largest concentration of music venues is found downtown in the Warehouse District and along Sixth Street, a six-block stretch of bars and restaurants.

Now in its 28th season, Austin City Limits continues to be the best show in town. The long-running PBS series showcases American music and Texas music in particular. For ticket information, call the ticket hotline at 471-4811.

Cultural Scene
Austin is one of only a few U.S. cities with professional ballet, symphony, opera, and theater companies. With 20 museums, dozens of galleries, and as many as 35 theater companies, the city is experiencing a cultural renaissance.

Many of the city's cultural resources are found on the campus of the University of Texas, where the Blanton Museum of Art opens a new facility in 2005.

The Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum, also located on campus, remains the most visited of the nation's presidential libraries. A scale replica of the Oval Office, artifacts from Air Force One, and volumes of official papers chronicle the rise of a young man who would be president from Central Texas.

TRAVEL TIPS

AIR TRAVEL DISCOUNT
All registered Geo-Frontiers 2005 participants are eligible to receive a discount on their airfare when flying United Airlines to the conference. You MUST make your flight reservations via the following telephone number and reference the meeting ID Code listed below to receive the conference discount on your reservation: 800 521 4041 and Meeting ID: 597CH.

CAR RENTAL DISCOUNT
All registered Geo-Frontiers 2005 participants are eligible to receive a discount on any HERTZ Rental Car by calling 800 534 2210 or visiting www.hertz.com. Be sure to mention CDP#11381 and PC#945512 to receive the conference discount on your reservation.

CONFERENCE DRESS
Business casual attire is appropriate for most Geo-Frontiers 2005 events. You may choose to wear business attire for the Heroes Lunch. Also, be sure to bring good walking shoes and comfortable clothes in order to enjoy the sightseeing.

AUSTIN WEATHER in JANUARY
Average High Temperature - 60.3
Average Low Average Rainfall 40.0
Average Rainfall - 1.89"

MESSAGES
Messages may be directed to conference participants through Voice-Mail services provided in guest rooms. The telephone number to contact hotel guests is: +1 512 482 8000. Faxes to guests may be sent to +1 512 469 0078. Please indicate that the recipient is a Geo- Frontiers 2005 participant.









Jan 24 6:30-8:30pm
Jan 25 Noon-5:30pm
Jan 26 10:00am-1:30


Hilton Austin
Convention Center Hotel