b'ANNUAL MEETINGPraising Arizona!The Valley of the Sun welcomes the Academys 108 thAnnual MeetingIts hard to imagine a better place to be than central Arizona in late October. Known for its desert beauty, beautiful resorts, world-class golf, and year-round sun (the high temperature during the Annual Meeting should be in the low 80s), the Phoenix/Scottsdale area also offers sophisticated urbanscapes, southwest culture, and a wide range of outdoor adventure.The fifth-largest city in the country, Phoenix is surrounded by mountain parks and has six lakes in close proximity. The area is also home to some of the countrys most fascinating museums and legions of excellent restaurants, many of which offer beautiful outdoor seating options. Dazzling day tripsGrand doesnt begin to describe it! If youve never seen the Grand Canyon, you might want to give serious consideration to extending your stay in order to see one of the worlds most spectacular natural phenomena. Several companies offer one-day excursions to the Grand Canyons South Rim. Visitors could also choose to rent a car and make the 3.5 to 4-hour drive themselves before spending the night a nearby hotel. The Grand Canyon is truly a marvel to behold, and a destination that never disappoints.Kayaking in the desertTempe, a Phoenix suburb thats home to Arizona State University, is also home to Tempe Town Lake, featuring a 2-mile stretch of water perfect for paddling. Visitors can hire kayaks, canoes, dragon boats, outriggers, rowing boats, stand-up paddleboards, or even go sailing on the lake. A slightly more athletic and rustic paddle awaits you on beautiful Saguaro Lake, where you can marvel at the surrounding canyons and cliffsides. After receiving a paddling and safety orientation, as well as suggestions on where to explore, you can hit the water and go at your own pace.AAP Periospectives| 12'