Pre–conference Tours, Lunch during the pre-conference workshops, the Welcome Reception, Exhibitors' Reception, Birds of a Feather Breakfast, and the Conference Reception are great chances for socialising.
There are formal Sessions and less formal Interactions throughout the conference.
Pre-Conference Tours
The day before the Pre-Conference Workshops, cultural and scientific institutions in Indianapolis team up to provide attendees at MW2009 with behind-the-scenes tours of some of the most interesting new media programs around. Tours are a great chance to share experiences with other delegates in an informal environment.
All tours meet Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 9:00, Hyatt Regency, Level 1.
Tour 1 – Indianapolis Museum of Art, Children's Museum of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Zoo - FULL
Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
At the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) you will tour the IMA's video editing suite and learn how the museum uses tools like YouTube, iTunes–U, and custom online video applications to engage audiences with IMA content. The Web team will explain the software and strategies behind the IMA's Web site development, the IMA Dashboard, and the development and use of project management software designed specifically for museums. You'll also see and hear how IMA's technology infrastructure supports an integrated system for collection management, digital asset management, project planning, and migration of information to the Web, as well as how data preservation and disaster recovery procedures play into this mix.
Enjoy lunch at the IMA before you travel to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. There, you'll check out the ScienceWorks gallery to learn about the SciencePort distance education program. SciencePort consists of special science investigations that families and school groups access through an on-line learning management system. The tour group will partake in an activity in the SciencePort Lab, where SciencePort participants also come to take part in facilitated scientific investigations led by staff. Following the visit to SciencePort, you will have the opportunity to explore the museum while taking part in another science program called Curious Scientific Investigators: The Case of the Mysterious Stain. The museum received a grant from AT&T in 2008 to turn this popular school program into a self–guided Web-based experience using handheld devices.
From the Children's Museum you'll travel to the Indianapolis Zoo, where you'll meet animals face-to-face, discover how drivable animal Web cams engage Web visitors, and learn how the Zoo uses their Web site to promote sales, provide information, and emphasize their mission.
Tour 2 – Walking Tour of downtown museums and museum/university collaborations
Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
We'll begin with a five minute walk to the Indiana State Museum. There, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at selected collections storage areas and a sheet music collection digitization project called IN Harmony, done in collaboration with Indiana University. The group will have lunch at the Indiana State Museum.
Then we'll head to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, where you'll see Purdue professor Daniel Aliaga demonstrate a virtual restoration process using 3-D imaging. The Eiteljorg Museum marketing, education, and information technology staff will also present an overview of the Eiteljorg's Web site, including the museum's newly launched online store and the PRIME initiative, a multicultural education project to make the work of artists-in-residence available for ongoing learning.
The tour will wrap up at the Advanced Visualization Lab at Indiana University, which features demonstrations of applications of technologies such as the virtual reality theater, ultra high–resolution display wall, and 3D digital scanners. Interact with the displays and applications first-hand.
Tour 3 – Location-Aware applications at Purdue University
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 (cancelled)
Social Events
Throughout MW2009 there are numerous social events – as well as lots of coffee breaks in the program – to make sure that everyone has a chance to connect with other attendees.
Pre–Conference Workshop Lunch
Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
During the pre-conference workshops registrants sit down for lunch
to talk about what they've learned. All pre-conference workshop registrants,
including those registered for half-days in the morning and/or afternoon,
are invited to join the lunch.
First Timers' Orientation
Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Are you new to Museums and the Web? Join an informal session designed to orient first-time attendees and help you get the most out of the conference. A few old hands will explain how to make best use MW and answer questions. A buddy system will be available, to match up new people with some more experienced hands who share your interests. Our hope is to speed up the orientation process and to facilitate greater participation and networking. If you'd like a buddy, email
Welcome Reception – Indiana State Museum
Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
The
evening after the pre-conference workshops, and before the
first full day of sessions, MW2009 kicks
off with a Welcome Reception.
It's a great chance to reconnect with old friends and make some new contacts. Walking Directions to the Indiana State Museum.
Exhibitors' Reception – Exhibit Hall, Hyatt Regency, Indianapolis
Thursday, April 16, 2009, 5:30 – 8:00 pm
A reception sponsored by the Exhibitors opens the Exhibit
Hall. It features new products, services, and designs,
in a concentrated gathering of interactive
multimedia museum vendors. The Exhibit
Hall is open all day on Friday, April 17, 2009.
Birds of a Feather Breakfast – Hyatt Regency, Indianapolis
Friday, April 17, 2009, 7:30 – 9:00 am
On the morning of April 17, 2009, colleagues get together to talk about
topics of common interest. Each table is devoted to discussion
on a theme proposed by attendees.
To propose a BoF topic, leave a comment in the on-line community.
Conference Reception – Indianapolis Museum of Art
Friday, April 17, 2009, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
MW2009 delegates head out for an evening exploring the great collections at Indianapolis' treasure, the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Buses leave from the Motor Lobby of the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis.
Stay in touch, if you must
Throughout the conference a room is set aside to check your e-mail, and for speakers to test their presentations. Speakers have priority access to the computers provided.
WiFi access is available throughout MW conference areas of the hotel.
