Social Events

68th Annual International Conference on Mass Properties Engineering
Wichita, Kansas
May 16-21, 2009
Hyatt Regency Wichita

Sunday - 17 May 2009

Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center

Cosmosphere

Take off . . . to a place where excitement knows no boundaries.  It’s a place where outer space launches your inner child and where a world of activity revolves around you. Welcome to the Cosmosphere!  You don’t want to miss this opportunity to spend a day at a world class space exploration museum.  The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center has many venues to tickle the space enthusiast’s quest for knowledge. You will have enough time to tour each of the four space galleries, see a show from ALL THREE Cosmosphere theaters (including IMAX, Justice Planetarium, and Dr. Goddard’s Lab), take a ride in the centrifuge, and shop in the Cargo Bay gift store. Lunch is provided.

Opening Reception (7:30 pm - 9:00 pm)

Monday - 18 May 2009

Karg Art Glass and Ulrich Museum of Art – Day Event

Karg Art MuseumKargTake a trip to Karg Art Glass to see artisans at work creating unique blown glass sculptures (all for sale!).   Rollin Karg is a renowned glass artisan from the Midwest who designs and creates small and massive sculptural pieces from molten glass, usually shaped in a freeform, asymmetrical manner. He brings the glass to life through his dynamic use of color. Following the visit to Karg Art Glass you will be treated to lunch at one of Wichita’s eateries serving regional and local fare.  UlrichYou will end your tour at the Ulrich Museum of Art located on the Wichita State University campus. Aside from more than 6,000 works of contemporary art and more than 70 outdoor sculptures (ranked in the top 10 in the Nation), you will have the privilege of seeing the ‘On the Verge: Contemporary Ceramics’ exhibit.  The exhibit boasts the voice of six artists who consider ceramic tradition as they carve out new practices and stylistic modes in ceramic art today.

Exploration Place - Evening Event

Keeper of the PlainsThe Monday night event is our opportunity to share one of Wichita’s most unique venues.  This isn’t any normal eat and greet. Located on the WaterWalk, Exploration Place is within easy walking distance of the hotel (transportation will also be provided). While at the Exploration Place you will have access to two of the permanent exhibits, the History of Kansas and Exploring Flight and Design.  The Exploring Flight and Design exhibit celebrates the world of aviation from its very beginning to today’s aircraft industry.  You can try your hand at flying the Wright Flyer in a horizontal simulator or you can try flying one of today’s contemporary jets in a more traditional flight simulator. If that’s not enough, try creating your own wind patterns on a 40 foot wall of shimmering metal discs! And finally, why not end the night with a short stroll along the WaterWalk to the Keeper of the Plains? This spectacular sculpture is the symbol of the city and is the perfect way to cap the evening’s event. Dinner provided.

Tuesday – 19 May 2009

Trolley Tour - Day Event

TrolleyWorld TreasurersCelebrate the history of the River City! Step back in time to the days of Carrie Nation and Wyatt Earp. Take in the beauty of the winding Arkansas River to see today’s energy in Exploration Place and ongoing river projects.  The Trolley Tour lasts approximately 1 ½ hours and will end in Wichita’s Old Town where you will find more than abundant shopping and eating.  The day will end at Wichita’s Museum of World Treasures located (you guessed it) in Old Town. Experience a trip through time at one of America’s most exciting museums. You’ll be amazed as you discover 10 real dinosaurs, 2 Egyptian Mummies, and much more.

Dinner Shuttle to Old Town - Evening Event

Traditionally, there is no Tuesday night event.  This is no exception…sort of.  As anyone who goes on the trolley tour can tell you, Wichita’s Old Town is where it’s at.  Whatever it is that you may be looking for (good Eats, Live Music, Movie Theaters, Cigar Bars and Microbreweries), it’s all located in Old Town! As part of our Midwestern hospitality, continuous transportation will be provided from the hotel to Old Town at no cost from 6 P.M. until 10 P.M.

Wednesday – 20 May 2009

Botanica - Day Event

BotanicaWith 24 gardens, pavilions, and collections you will be hard pressed to find a place in Wichita more pleasant to spend the morning smelling flowers or a location for a grand lunch. Enjoy all of the Wildflowers, Perennials, Herbs, Iris, Azaleas, Peonies, Old-fashioned Roses, and Pansies which will be in full bloom during your stay. It will be your treat to eat lunch in the Centennial Pavilion overlooking the gardens (pictured here).  And if smelling flowers isn’t your cup of tea and you prefer nature of the more furry, slinky, feathery, or noisy kind, the Sedgwick County Zoo (ranked as one of the top zoos in the U.S.A) is a short drive away from the gardens offering you the opportunity to sneak away and spend time observing the more than 2,000 animals from 400 species.

Scholarship Fund Silent Auction - Evening Event

The San Fernando Valley Chapter, which hosted the 2006 International Conference in Valencia, California, successfully ran a silent auction prior to the Wednesday night Awards Banquet. The purpose of which was to benefit the SAWE Scholarship Fund.  The Wichita Chapter is going to continue that fine tradition. We expect a great turnout so don’t be late! We have already received many generous donations for the auction, but we could always use more. Please contact us.

Awards Banquet (6:30 pm - 9:30 pm) 

Thursday – 21 May 2009

Big Dog Motorcycle Tour - Day Event (8:30 am - 12:00 pm)

Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC, started production in 1994 and has since built neary 25,000 motorcycles, becoming the world’s largest maufacturer of custom motorcycles. The company’s entire line of five motorcycles uses a V-twin 117 cubic inch engine (either carburated or fuel injected), 6-speed transmission, stretch one-piece steel tank, right side drive, super fat tires, chrome components, steel fenders, and an extensive variety of custom paint colors and graphics. The company’s motorcycles are distributed through 100 dealers throughout the United States. Designing, manufacturing, and distributing are performed at the company’s 175,000 square-foot world headquarters in Wichita. Come and see the excitement!

Big Dog Motorcycles