Download Advance Program / Registration Form

The conference will take place at the Sheraton Tamarron Resort in Durango, CO. You can even buy poems produced by our most talented writers in case the situation requests it.

DURANGO AREA: 
The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad founded the town of Durango in 1880 when they extended their line from Durango to Silverton to haul precious metals from high country mines.  The Durango area offers camping, horseback riding, hiking, white water river rafting, and golf. There are archeological sites to explore and museums to visit where you can learn about the Indians of the area or the rigors of the silver and gold mining business in the 1880’s.  Explore the ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park, selected by the National Geographic Traveler as one of “The Best Places of a Lifetime to Visit”.  Or travel to other archeological sites at Crow Canyon Archeological Center, The Anasazi Heritage Center and the Ute Mountain Tribal Park.  Come visit the Center of Southwest Studies and enjoy a vast and remarkable collection of Indian artifacts.  All are within an hour’s drive of Durango.  The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum offers a ride on an antique coal burning, steam-powered narrow gauge railroad that travels through the spectacular San Juan Mountains. Originally built to serve the various mines during the gold and silver boom of the late 1800’s, the trains now carry passengers.  A tour of the railroad museum and freight yard is included with the train ride.  The rail follows the Animas River through breathtaking gorges and unbelievable scenery, which, in early October, will have the colorful leaves of fall.   Durango itself offers a great mix of one-of-a-kind family owned shops and art galleries featuring western and southwestern art.  Enjoy the Diamond Circle Theatre Melodrama complete with heroes, heroines and dastardly villains at the historic Strater Hotel or dine at one of the over 65 restaurants after a horse drawn carriage ride through the historic downtown district.

WEATHER: 
Durango is 6,512 feet above sea level in a semi-arid desert region.  Expect cool days between 50-70 degrees with cold nights.  October makes for changeable weather, so be prepared with warm clothes and a good jacket or coat.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
From the Denver Airport: Take Interstate 70 west to Durango (approximately a 6-hour scenic drive).

From the Durango Airport to Sheraton Tamarron: Take County Highway 172 north to US Highway 160, turn west (left) on US Highway 160 towards Durango.  US Highway 160 joins US Highway 550 at Farmington Hill.  Continue straight on US Highway 160/US Highway 550.  At the Double Tree Hotel continue straight on US Highway 550 (approximately 8 miles after the intersection of County 172 and US Highway 160).  Continue north on US Highway 550 to the Sheraton Tamarron Resort (approximately 18 miles – watch out for Elk and other wildlife crossing the road!)

AIR TRANSPORTATION:
The Durango Airport is nearest the hotel.  Either take the shuttle to the hotel or rent a car.  The main information number is (970) 247-8143.  Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

The Denver Airport is a 6-hour scenic drive to the Sheraton Tamarron. There is a shuttle flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport.  The main information number for the Denver Airport is (303) 342-2000.

CAR RENTAL:
The Denver Airport provides car rentals from all the nationwide car rental companies.  Remember to factor in the approximately 6-hour scenic drive to Durango.

 Durango Airport provides car rentals from:
 Avis  (800) 831-2847
 Budget   (800) 527-0700
 Dollar  (800) 800-4000
 Hertz  (800) 654-3131
 National (800) 227-7368
Car rental stations are open during the entire flight schedule of the Durango airport.

SHUTTLES:
The Sheraton Tamarron provides a shuttle between the hotel and the Durango Airport at $45/person round trip.  There is no van shuttle service to and from the Denver Airport and the hotel.

HOTEL:
 SHERATON TAMARRON RESORT
  40292 US Highway 550 North
  Durango, CO 81301
  (970) 259-2000 phone
  (970) 382-7811 fax

Nestled in the majestic San Juan Mountains 18 miles north of Durango in southwest Colorado, the Sheraton Tamarron Resort offers alpine comfort with award-winning banquet and conference facilities.  The resort is situated on 750 acres in the middle of the San Juan National Forest.  Come savor the challenge of The Cliffs, the resort’s 18-hole championship mountain golf course or just relax and enjoy the scenery.  The Tamarron offers condominium living with kitchenettes, queen size beds and sitting area.  Some units have a spiral staircase to a loft with twin beds.  Invigorate your spirits in the new health spa or come visit the Golf Pro Shop. 

HOTEL POLICIES AND RESERVATIONS:
The Sheraton Tamarron Resort is offering discounted rates of $119 for either single or double occupancy rooms.  Executive suites are available at $201.  In order to ensure availability, rooms should be reserved no later than August 30, 2001.  Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at (970) 259-2000.  When contacting the hotel, please identify yourself as an IEEE conference attendee.

All reservations must be accompanied by a deposit or credit card guarantee equal to one night’s stay plus 6.9% tax (subject to change).  The deposit will be applied to the first night of the reserved stay.  The deposit is refundable if notice is received at least 2 days prior to arrival and a cancellation number is obtained.

For additional information, please contact:
2001 SOI Local Arrangements Chair

Honeywell Solid State Electronics Ctr. 
12001 State Highway 55 
Plymouth, MN 55441, USA 
612/954-2422

 Back to SOI Home Page