21st Annual
VSA Conference
THEORY, PRACTICE, & CONVERSATIONS
July 15 -19, 2008
Crowne Plaza - Houston Downtown
Houston, Texas
Register for the 21st Annual Visitor Studies Conference now and enjoy opportunities to network with some of the most forward thinking professionals in the field today while exploring Houston, Texas, the nation's fourth largest city and home to an outstanding variety of cultural institutions. To download a registration form, click here. To register on-line go VSA's on-line store and click on Conference, Conference Events, and Workshops. (Please note that pre-registration is required for all events, even those that are free with full conference registration).
CONFERENCE HOTEL
Crowne Plaza - Downtown Houston
1700 Smith Street
The conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza - Downtown, just 4 blocks from Metro LightRail, which provides direct access to the Museum District. The hotel features complimentary high speed internet access in guest rooms as well as in meeting spaces. And you can take advantage of free shuttle transportation throughout the downtown area. Special conference room rates are: $115 single or double; $125 triple; $135 quad.
Call (713) 739-8800 or (1-800) 227-6963 to make your reservation. Mention that you attending the Visitor Studies Association conference to receive the special conference rate. Rate is valid through June 30, 2008.
CONFERENCE SESSIONS
July 17 - 19, 2008
Expect the unexpected … and talk about it. At VSA 2008 there will be conversations, in the hallways, in the sessions, in the plenaries, in the socials. All of these conversations will be intentional and meant to inspire inquiry about theory, practice and the intersection of the two.
Download the session schedule here (please note: the schedule is subject to change).
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
July 15 - 16, 2008
Explore topics in-depth at 14 full and half-day workshops held at the Conference Hotel and informal learning venues across the city. Workshop fee for members is $125 full day, $65 half-day; non-members fee is $155 full day, $80 half-day. Registration is required. Download complete descriptions and schedule here.
FEATURED SPEAKER
Keynote Speaker: July 18
Ford W. Bell
As President & CEO of the American Association of Museums, Ford Bell brings an impressive record of scholarship, community engagement, proven leadership and a passion for championing museums as places of lifelong learning and enjoyment. His many public service endeavors underscore his commitment to developing organizations and strengthening communities. Bell will share his perspective on the future of museums and role of visitor experience in shaping that future.
FEATURED CONVERSATIONS: July 17 and 19
Keynote Speaker: YOU.
The opening and closing plenaries are not to be missed this year, as the speaker is … you. Structured methods for initiating meaningful dialogue are being planned with a modified open-space for Thursday morning and directed dialogue used for the closing program and luncheon. These sessions are designed to bring the memorable hallway, cocktail, and dinner conversations directly into the conference.
EVENTS
Click here for more information about evening events, luncheons, and members' coffee talk.
Dinner, Dancing and Dialogue: A Progressive Dinner in the Houston Museum District
Wednesday, July 16,
FREE with full conference registration
Converse with colleagues and explore three of Houston's finest museums to kick-off the conference. The evening begins with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the Children's Museum of Houston, one of the top Children's Museums in the country. Then it's on to an elegant dinner among the masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where you'll be treated to a unique performance by the Hope Stone Dance Company. Created especially for VSA, this interpretation of visitor experience through dance is sure to spark further dialogue. The celebration wraps up with dessert and dancing under the dinosaurs at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, followed by a special after-hours flashlight tour of the museum!
Sponsored by the Houston Museum District Association and the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, this event is free with full conference registration. Pre-registration is required.
A Night of Irreverence at The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
Thursday, July 17, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
Explore the creativity, ingenuity and independent spirit of The Orange Show, an outdoor maze-like monument that was envisioned, designed, and created by one man. Put on your sneakers, t-shirt and shorts and experience Houston 's fabulous Mexican food and music at this informal event under the Texas stars.
Taste of Texas at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
Friday, July 18, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Calling all cowboys, cowgirls and city slickers! Saddle up for a hoot' and hollerin' good time at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft where you'll chow down on authentic Texas BBQ, beer and wine. Rustle up local art in CraftTexas 2008 , an annual juried exhibition showcasing the best in Texas-made contemporary craft.
2nd Annual Membership and New Attendee's Coffee Talk
Thursday, July 17, 8 – 9 a.m., Free
11th Annual April Award Luncheon
Friday, July 18, 12:30 – 2 p.m., $40
A portion of the ticket price ($10) is a tax-deductible donation to the April Award Fund.
Closing Luncheon
Saturday, July 19, 12 – 1:30 p.m., Free
Post Conference Trip to Space Center Houston
Saturday, July 19, 2 - 10 p.m., $60