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<br />Austin, the Capital City of Texas, was built to endure the ages, And endure she has! Serving as a seat
<br />of government under Six Flags, Austin has grown into a city of multi-cultural diversity, Austin's culture is
<br />down home, yet sophisticated; laid back, but bustling with energy; traditional and avant-garde at the same
<br />time, No matter what your tastes or style of life, Austin has something for everyone,
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<br />Austin was first founded in 1839 on the banks of the Colorado River at a site originally used for
<br />Tonkawa Indian settlements, Back in the early days, Austin was known as Waterloo for all its springs and
<br />creeks, Now, over one million people live in and around the city renamed for "The Father of Texas", Stephen
<br />F, Austin. The city's multi-ethnic heritage and historical prominence come alive in many places around the
<br />city, including the historic State Cemetery, several historic neighborhoods and over 220 historic landmarks.
<br />And, at night, 17th century-old, cast-iron Moonlight Towers (built in Paris) loom into the night time skies,
<br />each casting a luminous glow for four square blocks on the urban landscape, Legend has it that, if viewed
<br />from the air, the towers fonn the shape of the Lone Star of Texas ,
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<br />Austin, with over 225 square miles of urban and rural land within the city limits has something to
<br />offer for the casual visitor or the full time resident, If you like Rock and Roll or other fiues of live music,
<br />then Austin is your place since she is now known as the "Live Music Capital of the World", The historic
<br />Warehouse District or Old Pecan Street always has "good music, great food and cold beverage"! Along with
<br />the world-renowned live music scene, Austin offers plenty more to do, see and discover, It is home to the
<br />Great University of Texas and LBJ's Presidential Library. And if you are a "Tech Geek", Austin is fast
<br />becoming the "Silicon City of the Southwest",
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<br />Beautiful weather and an idyllic river setting in the hills make Austin a real recreational treasure, The
<br />Colorado River flows through the heart of the City and beyond, creating a series of sparkling lakes stretching
<br />for more than 100 miles to the west into the tabled Texas Hill Country, Town Lake borders the southern edge
<br />of downtown and is the site for our conference hotel - The Austin Hyatt Regency. Sitting on the banks of
<br />the river, the hotel offers a spectacular view of the downtown landscape, especially at night when many of
<br />the buildings come alive with glowing lights, Next to the hotel and surrounding the lake and river are more
<br />than 30 miles of trials, including the popular 10,l-mile Town Lake Hike & Bike Trail. The hotel offers
<br />bicycles to its guests for an enjoyable evening cruise around the lake, Next door to the hotel lies the historic
<br />Congress Avenue Bridge, home to the largest urban bat colony in the world, During the wann summer
<br />nights, you can line the bridge or trails to watch the nightly emergence of more than 1.5 million Mexican
<br />fteiHaitOal:s, an awesome sight iuJted!--- ---- --- --.-- ~- -- ----,
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<br />The people of Austin have a love affair with nature, In filet, Austin is probably one of the most
<br />environmentally conscious cities in the country, From local initiatives to "Save Our Springs" to very strict
<br />building requirements to protect the underground aquifers, Austin strives to maintain her natural heritage, the
<br />beauty that first brought Native Americans to the area. Some of nature's jewels include Barton Springs pool
<br />and Zilker Park. The spring-fed pool offers year round swimming in 68 degree water, and a refreshing dip is
<br />certainly in order when the temperature hovers around 100 degrees. Near by is the Balcones Canyonlands
<br />Preserve, a unique partnership established to set aside valuable habitat, which is an environmentally sensitive
<br />home to a number of endangered species, The beloved Mt. Bonnell offers fantastic sunset views of the lake
<br />and the city while just south of the city, Lady Bird Johnson's internationally renowned Wildflower Center
<br />showcases the Texas Hill Country native plant species and is home to North America's largest rooftop
<br />rainwater harvesting system,
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<br />Yes, Austin is the perfect city to host the ASFPM annual conference, With its long and colorful flood
<br />history, Austin has endured many floods, but through it all, she has learned to live in hannony with nature
<br />and is a showcase for multi-objective river management. So , . . see what Austin has to offer while you're
<br />here, and sample some of the best food in the country!
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