The “ASPB Meeting Dream Team” returned to Mérida in October to finalize logistics for the two upcoming meetings ASPB is holding, Plant Biology 2008 and The Pan American Congress Plant and BioEnergy Symposium 2008. Joining us on this trip were Dream Team members Sheri Stachowski, our exhibits manager from Hachero-Hill; Todd Marciano, our audiovisual manager from BAV Services; and our housing expert, Bill O’Laughlin, from Helms-Briscoe. We were joined at the end of the trip by ASPB’s Program Committee for its fall committee meeting.

During our trip, the team stayed at both the Hyatt Regency and the Fiesta Americana. Across the street from each other, both hotels will hold functions for the ASPB meetings. The quality of the hotel rooms and service staff was impeccable.

After long hours of logistics planning, we jumped in a van and headed out to Progreso for lunch. Progreso is breathtaking, with turquoise-blue water on a lovely beach next to a quaint town of friendly locals. The beach was littered with amazing seashells, and the water was warm and inviting. We enjoyed a lunch of fresh fish and Mexican dishes at Flamingos, overlooking the beach. Progreso was another place to add to our list of favorites!

On our drive back from lunch, we stopped at the Mayan ruin Dzibilchaltún, otherwise known as the Temple of the Seven Dolls. Only nine miles from Mérida, the temple is the only known Mayan temple with windows and a tower. At the equinox, the sunrise is positioned perfectly through the main door. The pathway is lined with foliage that we were told was the home of monkeys and lots of local creatures. Be sure to take your bug spray to any of the outdoor attractions you plan to visit.

For meals, we tried out the local restaurants and haciendas. We enjoyed a lovely dinner at Hacienda Temozon Sur. Sitting on the patio on a warm evening, looking out over the pool and gardens, was the ultimate relaxing experience, at least until a tarantula decided to pay us a visit. Later in the trip, we enjoyed lunch at Hacienda Teya, famous for its traditional recipes and limeade. By the end of the trip, we had eaten way too much and agreed that the food in Mérida is unbelievable!

We’d like to thank our destination management company, Amigo Yucatán, for its excellent service to ASPB in preparation for our 2008 meetings. Take a look at pictures from our visit at http://www.aspb.org/meetings/pb-2008/holafrommerida4.cfm.

Don’t forget to check out the passport and visa requirements for Mexico at http:// www.aspb.org/meetings/merida.cfm. Specific requirements are necessary for students residing in the United States who hold a J-1 or H-1B visa.

Rosenberg & Sahli
ASPB Meeting Planners
http://www.aspb.org/2008