Conference Events

21st Annual Visitor Studies Conference
July 16 -19, 2008
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).

Evening Events
July 16, 17, and 18

Dinner, Dancing and Dialogue: A Progressive Dinner in the Houston Museum District
Wednesday, July 16, 6 – 11 p.m.
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 Houston-based 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.
$45
Explore the creativity, ingenuity and independent spirit of The Orange Show. This zany outdoor maze-like monument was envisioned, designed, and created by one man, and sets the stage for exploring the creativity and quirkiness of visionary art. Put on your sneakers,
t-shirt and shorts and experience Houston 's local color at this informal event under the Texas stars. While you explore you'll feast on some of the city's best Mexican food and music.
Pre-registration required. Includes dinner, entertainment, and transportation. Cash bar will be available. In the event of rain, this event will be held at an alternate venue.

Taste of Texas at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
Friday, July 18, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
$45
Calling all cowboys, cowgirls and city slickers! Saddle up for a hoot' and hollerin' good time at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft in the Houston Museum District. 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.  Do-si-do with resident artists as they demonstrate the dynamic world of their process and craftsmanship.  Sashay through the museum's outdoor craft garden and boot-scoot with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo entertainers. 
Pre-registration required. Includes buffet dinner, one beer or wine, and bus transportation. If you're interested in checking out Houston 's light rail system, hosts will be available to guide you from the hotel to the event venue using METRORail.

LUNCHEONS
July 18 and 19

11 th Annual April Award Luncheon
Friday, July 18, 12:30 – 2 p.m.
$40 ($10 of the ticket price is a tax-deductible donation to the April Award Fund).

Whether new or seasoned veterans, the April Award Luncheon gathers visitor studies practitioners together to welcome and honor an outstanding new professional.  An April Award recipient is selected each spring and introduced at the annual luncheon. In addition to meeting the 2008 April Award winner, luncheon attendees will enjoy a presentation from this year's featured speaker Julie I. Johnson, Distinguished Chair of Museum Leadership, Science Museum of Minnesota. Ms. Johnson will reflect on the past and look toward the future to provide a snapshot of visitor studies in the present; the theories, practice and conversations that will allow visitors studies to continue to influence informal learning settings. Johnson serves the VSA Board of Directors as Vice President for Professional Development, is co-chair of the CAISE steering committee, and is a former NSF program officer. Pre-registration required.

Closing Luncheon
Saturday, July 19, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Free
Join your colleagues for a final farewell conversation as you have the last word on your in-person thoughts and set the stage for more dialogue across the ether.
Pre-registration is required.

2nd ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP & NEW ATTENDEES COFFEE TALK
Thursday, July 17, 8 – 9 a.m.
Free (REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED)
VSA's membership Committee invites new attendees, members and prospective members for coffee and conversation! This is an opportunity to meet other members, network with colleagues, see what VSA membership is all about and share your ideas about how VSA might better serve your needs. If you have any questions, please contact either Anna Lindgren-Streicher at  alstreicher@mos.org or Kerry Bronnenkant at Bronnenkant@ilinet.org . Hope to see you there!  Fabulous door prizes will be given.  

POST-CONFERENCE TRIP TO NASA's SPACE CENTER HOUSTON
Saturday, July 19, 2 – 10 p.m.
$60
We have lift off to the Space Center Houston!  Experience the story and history of NASA's space flight program through the museum's exhibits, attractions and activities.  After your space adventure, enjoy the views of Galveston Bay while you explore the nearby Kemah Boardwalk, featuring themed restaurants, retail shops, rides, games and amusements.
Bus departs hotel at 2 p.m. , NASA Center 3 - 6 p.m. , dinner on your own at Kemah Boardwalk 6:30 - 9 p.m. , return to hotel at 10 p.m. Pre-registration required by June 15, 2008. Includes transportation and visit to Space Center Houston .