Pleiades National Planetarium Conference 2017
Oct. 10–14, 2017 | Saint Louis Science Center
Delegate Invitation Letter Sponsor Invitation Letter
The Saint Louis Science Center and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium is the conference site. For the first time in 47 years, seven regional organizations (GLPA, GPPA, MAPS, PPA, RMPA, SEPA, and SWAP) will come together for a national conference. Planetarium Manager Anna Green and her committee of regional representatives are planning a not-to-miss event.
The James S. McDonnell Planetarium features Boeing Space Station - two levels of exhibits illustrating the future of space travel. The Orthwein StarBay has several lab areas that give you a glimpse of what it's like to live and work on the International Space Station. The StarBay's most amazing feature is the central open area dominated by the Zeiss Planetarium Model IX which projects more than 9,000 stars onto a 24 meter dome creating a brilliant star field. Special features allow Planetarium staff to demonstrate eclipses, meteor showers and other celestial phenomena. The Planetarium’s lobby features a Mercury capsule and a Gemini capsule which were built in St. Louis!
Some conference events will also take place in the OMNIMAX® Theater. Massive, crystal clear images projected on the 5 story, 79 ft. diameter dome fill your entire field of vision, and combined with 14,400 watts of surround sound, create a truly immersive sight and sound experience.
Conference Site
Note that conference activities occur at multiple sites. The conference begins at the The Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel.
Saint Louis Science Center and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium
Time zone: Central Daylight Time (CDT) [GMT-6]
Physical Address for GPS directions
James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park
5100 Clayton Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63110
Mailing Address
James S. McDonnell Planetarium
Saint Louis Science Center
5050 Oakland Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63110
Contact Information
Anna Green
anna.green@slsc.org
314-289-4444
Click to learn more about the conference site.
Conference Hotel
The conference hotel is The Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel. In addition to a block of rooms being set aside for conference attendees, many of the conference events will take place at the hotel, including the Sponsor Hall.
The Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel
9801 Natural Bridge Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63134
314-429-1100
Hotel Rate: $109/night + $17.84 sales tax + an additional $0.93 for total of $127.77/night (includes free parking)
Dates Effective: Oct. 8 – Oct. 15, 2017
Book by September 19, 2017 for conference rate!
Call 800.468.3571 or 314.429.1100 and ask for the National Planetarium Conference OR
Click here to book your group rate for National Planetarium Conference
Transportation
Busses will be used to transfer the attendees between the conference site and hotel, so rental cars are not necessary (unless a delegate would like more freedom).
The conference host recommends flying Southwest Airlines as they are the most convenient by far. American, Delta, United and many others also fly into Saint Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). The hotel has a free shuttle between the airport and the hotel.
What to Pack
Climate: October in Saint Louis is beautiful with the changing leaves! The weather can be a bit unpredictable though (sometimes it’s still 80 degrees and sometimes it snows). Layers are advised and it is recommended attendees watch the weather for a week prior to arrival.
Banquet apparel: Some regions usually dress up while others do not. It is encouraged for delegates to follow their region’s tradition and/or do what makes them feel comfortable.
Area Events & Attractions
- Cardinals Baseball Game (Post-Season if applicable)
- Blues Hockey Game
- Anheuser Busch Brewery Tour (free and paid options)
- Saint Louis Zoo (free!)
- Saint Louis Art Museum (free!)
- Missouri History Museum (free!)
- City Museum (like a giant playground for adults)
- The Magic House Children’s Museum
Trip to Cahokia Mounds to explore the mounds and Woodhenge, and learn to about Native American Archeaoastronomy. Date: Tentatively scheduled for Saturday, October 14
Post-Conference Trip to Cahokia Mounds (optional)
Time: Tentatively scheduled from 3-6:30 pm
Cost: $60 (includes transportation, admission, and a meal)
Limit: 100 participants (first come, first served)