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2026 Forum Annual Meeting
Facing Complexity, Finding Solutions
Registration Pricing
| Registration Type | Early Bird (ends February 6, 2026) | Regular Registration (ends March 4, 2026) |
| Member-Attendee | $225.00 | $275.00 |
| Non-Member Attendee | $725.00 | $775.00 |
| Executive Committee Member | $175.00 | $225.00 |
| Speaker | $175.00 | $225.00 |
| Sponsor | Registration Fee Waived | Registration Fee Waived |
| Western Academic Leadership Academy 2025 Participant | Registration Fee Waived | Registration Fee Waived |
| Western Academic Leadership Academy – Alumni | $175.00 | $225.00 |
| WICHE Academy for Leaders in the Humanities Participant |
Registration Fee Waived | Registration Fee Waived |
Please note that even if your registration fee is waived, you still need to submit your registration online.
If you run into challenges with your registration, please contact Onnika Hanson White, ohwhite@wiche.edu.
Refund/Cancellation Policy
A cancellation request must be received in writing prior to March 10th, 2026, to receive a refund, less a $100 processing fee. No refunds will be made for cancellations after the March 10th deadline. Send cancellation requests to Onnika Hanson-White at ohwhite@wiche.edu. Please note that WICHE / Forum is not responsible for canceling hotel reservations.
Accommodations
Meeting attendees are required to make their own reservations for flights to Albuquerque and for accommodations at the host hotel, Hotel Chaco.
To reserve a room in the WICHE hotel block at Hotel Chaco, go to the link HERE. To make a reservation by phone, call 855-997-8208. The call-in code is “WICHE 2026” and the group name is “Academic Partnerships Forum Annual Meeting.” Room rates are $249/night with the WICHE code.
The deadline for reserving a room within the Forum’s block is 5pm on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, unless the block fills sooner. We encourage you to book your hotel when you register for the meeting.
Airport Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is served by most major airlines. ABQ is located approximately 7.5 miles from Hotel Chaco.
Transportation
Taxi – Fare is approximately $29 from Albuquerque International Sunport to Hotel Chaco.
Rideshare – Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft are available for pick up at ABQ to Hotel Chaco. Pick up is located on the Baggage Claim level at Door 7.
Due to the meeting taking place on the University of New Mexico campus, shuttles will be provided at the beginning and end of each meeting day. The shuttle schedule will be provided to all attendees closer to the meeting date. If you need transportation outside of these shuttles, WICHE staff would suggest Uber or Lyft.
Dress
Dress for the meeting is business casual. The average temperature in the Albuquerque area in April is slightly cool with mostly dry weather, but the possibility of rain. Average temperature is between 45°F to 70°F during the day with temperatures dropping in the evening.
Local Attractions
Historic Old Town has been the heart of Albuquerque since the city was founded in 1706. Today, Old Town is the city’s cultural center, with numerous museums and more than 100 shops, galleries and restaurants.
Albuquerque features a multitude of museums. Highlights include:
- ABQ BioPark – The ABQ BioPark is four facilities: Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden and fishing lakes at Tingley Beach.
- Zoo is located at 903 10th St. S.W.
- Aquarium & Botanic Garden are located at 2601 Central Ave. N.W.
- Tingley Beach is located at 1800 Tingley Dr. S.W. (South of Central Ave.)
- Albuquerque Museum – In the heart of Old Town just off Route 66, Albuquerque Museum is a leading institution for art, history and culture in New Mexico and the American Southwest. This family-friendly museum has interactive spaces, a sculpture garden, store, and café.
Old Town Albuquerque is home to a variety of local food vendors, wineries and breweries, and local shops. Highlights include:
- Noisy Water Winery – Internationally award-winning wine is what we do. Family-owned local winery located in the heart of Old Town ABQ.
- Level 5 Lounge, Hotel Chaco – On the top floor of Hotel Chaco experience a refined, chic, contemporary atmosphere at Level 5. Enjoy creative culinary options for dinner, and brunch with magnificent panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains, downtown skyline and historic Old Town.
- Sawmill Market – Located just across the street from Hotel Chaco, the Sawmill Market is a great place to find plenty of comforting dishes. Sip on warming soups, enjoy crisp, hearty salads, or keep it light with fresh poke bowls and sushi, plus so much more. Whatever your mood, you’ll find plenty of comforting flavors and feel-good options to enjoy.
- Fire of Sandia – Fire of Sandia candle bar is a social venue to create unique fragrance candles. Candle makers choose fragrance oils to mix together into melted wax that results in a one-of-a-kind candle.