WELCOME FROM THE SOCIAL PROGRAM CHAIR

WELCOME FROM THE SOCIAL PROGRAM CHAIR

Hi, my name is Julie Wilt, and as Social Program Chair, I invite you to join the fun and festivities planned for the 37th Photovoltaics Specialist Conference. 

Throughout the week we’ll be offering a variety of organized and self-directed tours as well as social events related to the conference.  Most of the tours, events and receptions are family friendly and we have negotiated the lowest rates possible.  Please join in all or as many events as you wish, creating great memories among our community of Photovoltaic Specialists, families, and friends.

One important change to our program is that all companions will be required to register ($20.00 per person, ages 5 and over).  Registered companions will be issued a conference badge, which will be your ticket to access the Companions Room – located in the Sheraton’s Diamond Room – where we’ll have a continental breakfast, Monday through Thursday.  This badge will also provide you access to the  Exhibitor and Cherry Award receptions.  

I look forward to meeting you in Seattle and having a wonderful time together in this beautiful and historic city.
 
Welcome!

Julie Wilt

SUNDAY, JUNE 19

Take me out to the Ballgame!

Batter up!  Sunday, June 19 is the Mariners/Philly’s game.  The game starts at 1:10pm.

Please go to the Mariners Website to purchase tickets.

On game day, tickets cannot be purchased online; they can only be purchased at the box office.

Walking to the stadium will take about 1/2 hour.   Here are the directions from the Sheraton.

Head southwest on Union St. toward 5th Ave.  .3 mi
Turn left at 1st Ave.
Slight left at Railroad Way S. Continue onto Occidental Ave. S.
Stadium will be on left.

Other transportation options include taxi's or buses.

MONDAY, JUNE 20

Companions Room 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Seattle City Highlights Tour  8:30 AM.
We will meet in the Sheraton Lobby at 8:30 AM to walk to the busses.  The busses will leave promptly at 9:00 AM.

Sit back in a comfortable motor coach as a friendly, expert Seattleite guides you through the city’s must‐see attractions, famous landmarks and beautiful sights. Learn about Seattle’s history and culture, and get insider tips on special shopping and sightseeing areas.

The tour begins with a drive by Seattle’s waterfront en route to historic Pioneer Square, Seattle's oldest residential area and now a major visitor attraction with restaurants, galleries and lively clubs. Alongside Seattle’s bustling Elliott Bay waterfront, view the exciting maritime activities, piers, ferry docks, souvenir shops, restaurants, boat cruises, the Seattle Aquarium and other Puget Sound attractions.

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, commonly called the Ballard Locks, are a must‐see for every Seattle visitor. Watch as the locks guide boats between the saltwater of the Puget Sound and the fresh water of the Ship Canal connecting to Lake Union and Lake Washington.  In addition to the botanical garden, a highlight of this stop is the fish ladder, built to allow salmon to pass between fresh and saltwater. Glass panels make it possible to view the fish as they navigate their way through the ladder, adjusting to different levels of salt each step of the way.  The final stop is Pike Place Market, a celebrated treasure among locals and tourists alike. Known for its exciting sights, sounds and aromas (not to mention those crazy fish throwers), Pike Place Market began on August 17, 1907 and has remained a vital part of Seattle's social and economic fabric for over 100 years. A variety of farmers, merchants, vendors, cafés, restaurants, and even the original Starbucks call this nine‐acre historic district home.  There will be time to shop and explore this fascinating area, and easy‐to‐read maps will be provided for those who wish to linger on their own.

We will meet in the Sheraton Lobby at 8:30 AM to walk to the busses.  The busses will leave promptly at 9:00 AM.

Early Bird: 
•$45.00 per adult guest
•$35.00 per child (16 and under)

After 5/16: 
•$55.00 per adult guest
•$45.00 per child (16 and under)

TUESDAY, JUNE 21

Yoga offered at 7:00 AM in the Sheraton Cirrus Room

Companions Room – 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Sun Run - 6:15 AM

The 2011 IEEE PVSC Sun Run will be held Wednesday, June 22, during the 37th IEEE Photovoltaics Specialists Conference.  This event was initiated in 1980--and has graced every IEEE PVSC since.  The Seattle run will be held along Elliot Bay Trail (in Myrtle Edwards Park).  We will have to bus our runners to and from the start of this event--and the buses will leave from the Sheraton Hotel at 6:15 a.m.  This is an event for serious and more recreational runners!  Awards will be made in several age categories--and again, our special "Corporate Run" will be highlighted. To qualify, you need 3 runners (at least) to represent your company, university, government agency, or other organization.  The times are handicapped by age and sex, using the long-proven Arvizu-Kazmerski adjustment system which adjusts your time to that of a 20-year-old runner. The fee is $25--and includes a most tasteful T-shirt and many other commemorative items.  Registration can be made at the PVSC--in the registration area.


Boeing Aviation Tour – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
We will meet in the Sheraton Lobby at 12:00 PM to walk to the buses.

William Edward Boeing founded one of the greatest dynasties in commercial aviation. The Boeing Company has transformed the Pacific Northwest into a major aeronautical hub. Soar into the new world of commercial aviation by exploring Boeing’s newest, high‐tech facility, the Future of Flight Aviation Center. This 73,000‐square‐foot center in Everett is a unique, interpretive facility designed to showcase the phenomenon of commercial jet aviation and production. Featuring hands‐on exhibits, videos, graphics, and interactive stations, guests will have the opportunity to digitally design their own jet, try out the next generation of in‐flight entertainment systems, touch the high‐tech “skin” of the new Boeing 787, and learn how technology and aviation can serve to connect people and cultures across the globe.

Following the Future of Flight Aviation Center, you will be transferred to the Boeing Assembly Plant. In 1966, The Boeing Company announced that it would build the 747, a jetliner capable of carrying nearly twice as many passengers as previous models. To build the giant jet, Boeing had to construct a facility large enough to handle the world's largest commercial jetliner. The main assembly building, which the Guinness Book of World Records acknowledges as the largest building in the world by volume, is as large as 75 NFL football fields. This fascinating tour offers an in‐depth view into the many facets of the airplane industry and guests will see airplanes including the new 777 and 787 Dreamliner in various stages of assembly.

For security reasons, no photographic equipment, cell phones, backpacks, purses, or carry?on items of any kind are allowed on the Boeing Assembly Plant tour. Personal items must be left on the motorcoach.

We will meet in the Sheraton Lobby at 12:00 PM to walk to the busses.  The busses will leave promptly at 12.30 PM.

Early Bird: 
•$65.00 per adult guest
•$55.00 per child (16 and under)

After 5/16: 
•$75.00 per adult guest
•$65.00 per child (16 and under)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22

Companions Room – 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Experience Northwest Wine Tour – 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
We will meet in the Sheraton Lobby at 12:30 PM to walk to the buses.

In an intimate, relaxed setting, tour two of Washington’s most notable wineries: Novelty Hill | Januik and Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville. Nestled in the Sammamish River Valley, Woodinville is a small community that has become a haven for fine winemakers. With the perfect climate for wine, ideal growing conditions, quality wines, business innovation and social responsibility, Washington State is a premium wine producing region. Although a relatively young wine industry,it is now the nation's second largest wine producer and is ranked among the world's top wine regions. 

Uniting innovation with tradition, Novelty Hill and family‐owned Januik are two independent wineries that share a tasting room and production facility. The building’s contemporary design and surrounding landscape celebrate wine’s agrarian roots and the artistry of fine winemaking. Sample wines from distinguished winemaker Mike Januik, recently named one of the world’s 10 “Masters of Merlot” by Wine Enthusiast magazine. He has had numerous wines appear on Wine Spectator’s prestigious “Top 100” list, including the 2003 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon. Before starting his own winery in 1999, Januik was head winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle for 10 years and has been producing wine in the Columbia Valley since 1984.  Washington State’s oldest and most acclaimed winery offers award‐winning wines and a tasting experience second to none. Chateau Ste. Michelle, located on 87 acres of historic, chateau and arboretum‐like grounds, combines an ongoing dedication to research with a commitment to classic winemaking traditions. Winemaker Bob Bertheau crafts Washington wines that are expressions of the best vineyards in the state. Known for its highly‐acclaimed Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet, Chateau Ste. Michelle receives some of the highest accolades in the industry, including “American Winery of the Year 2004” from Wine Enthusiast magazine and “2005 Winery of the Year” by Restaurant Wine magazine. After viewing the art and science of wine‐making and tasting exceptional wines, visit the Chateau Ste. Michelle’s extensive wine and accessory shop before returning to Seattle.

While children are welcome to attend, please note that it is not the best tour for younger kids as the gift shop has a large quantity of fragile items and the kids do not have anything to do during the tasting.  The outdoors are great if the parents want to walk around and hang outside.  Cost will be $38.00 per child under 21.

We will meet in the Sheraton Lobby at 12:30 PM, to walk to the busses.  The busses will leave promptly at 1:00 PM.

Early bird:      $65.00
After 5/16 :    $75.00

THURSDAY, JUNE 23

Yoga offered at 7:00 AM in the Sheraton Cirrus Room

Companions Room – 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Lifestyles and Lakes Cruise – 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
We will meet in the Sheraton Lobby at 12:00 PM to walk to the buses.

Embark on a luxurious, two‐hour cruise in Lake Union and Lake Washington. Amidst the backdrop of sparkling water, majestic Mt. Rainer, and the unique inner‐city shoreline, view the stunning estates of Seattle’s rich and famous. While seeing how the other half lives, be entertained with fun, interesting facts about Seattle with live narration.  Beginning in Lake Union, see kayakers and the historic houseboat community, including the houseboat from the film Sleepless in Seattle.

Cruise into Lake Washington and pass the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium and Seattle’s famous floating bridge. While cruising, see Bill Gates’ house up close amongst other million‐dollar mansions, including Charles Simonyi, the Nordstrom family and Kenny G, as well as more handcrafted houseboats.

We will meet in the Sheraton Lobby at 12:00 PM, to walk to the busses.  The busses will leave promptly at 12:30 PM.

Early Bird:
$70.00 Per Adult Guest
$45.00 Per Child Guest (Ages 5 – 12)

After 5/16:
$80.00 per adult
$55.00 per child (ages 5 – 12)



PVSC Banquet: A Rock & Roll Event - 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM 

We have organized an incredible evening for you to enjoy!  First, there will be a Dinner at the Experience Music Project (EMP), after which you will be able to tour the EMP, the Science Fiction Museum, and the Space Needle. The banquet is from 7 - 10 pm. Those who have bought tickets should meet in the lobby around 6:40 to start making their way over to the EMP. Staff from Seattle Hospitality will be there to help people find their way.

Experience Music Project provides dynamic, multifaceted, ever– changing experiences through new and exciting explorations of American popular music.  EMP is a one‐of‐a kind music museum combining interactive and interpretive exhibits to tell the story of the creative, innovative and rebellious expressions that define American music.  Featuring a world‐class collection of artifacts, unique architecture by Frank O. Gehry, state‐of‐the‐art technology and exciting interactive presentations, EMP encourages visitors of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power and joy of music in its many forms.

Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame
The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame is co‐located within EMP. The world’s first museum devoted to the genre of science fiction opened its doors on June 18, 2004. The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (SFM) combines artifacts and information that immerse visitors in science fiction's "alternative worlds.“ Featured exhibits and galleries at SFM include: The Changing Face of Mars, Homeworld, Fantastic Voyages, Them! and Brave New Worlds. The museum is also the home of the Hall of Fame, honoring the legends and luminaries that have shaped our visions of the future.  Ascend to the event space called, Level Three, through a tunnel of neon lights and aluminum pipe. An exciting remodel awaits this area. Memorabilia and sets from the blockbuster 3D film Avatar will transform Level Three into Pandora, the imaginary planet where the film is set.

Space Needle
Seattle Center is the park‐like setting created for the 1962 World's Fair and home to Seattle's most famous landmark, the Space Needle. The tower stands 605 feet (184 meters) tall and boasts fabulous views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges and, of course, the beautiful city of Seattle. The Observation Deck offers complimentary Swarovski telescopes to get an up close and personal view of Seattle’s commanding sights. From snow‐capped mountains to sparkling Elliott Bay, every degree of the O Deck’s 360º view commands attention.

$75.00 per adult
$60.00 per child 5-15
Please DO NOT purchase tickets for children 4 and under.  They are free.

Cancellation Policy

We will refund all activity fees for conference attendees and/or their companions who for any reason are unable to attend the conference.

To request a refund, you must notify us by email at [email protected] no later than June 15, 2011.  

There will be no refunds for on-site registration.

Self-Directed Tour Opportunities

Pioneer Square was settled in 1852 and burned to the ground in 1889, Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square District features 88 acres of beautifully restored architectural masterpieces, including buildings designed in the Second Renaissance-Revival, Beaux-Arts Classical, and Richardsonian-Romanesque styles... one of the largest collections of unique architecture in the United States..  Please note that most shops in Pioneer Square are closed on Mondays.   Also located in Pioneer Square are:

•Glass Blowing Demonstrations
•Dale Chihuly glassworks in the Seattle area
•Underground Tour

International District : It's the only neighborhood in America where Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Vietnamese and Southeast Asians live and work together, side-by-side.

Space Needle (please note:  this is part of our banquet experience)

Pike Place Market (we will be visiting here on Monday w/ a city overview tour)

Local coffee shops

Museums   (map of the following): 

•Seattle Art Museum
•Olympic Sculpture Park
•Seattle Asian Art Museum
•Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
•The Museum of Flight
•Klondike Gold Rush Museum
•Seattle Aquarium
•Woodland Park Zoo

Outdoor Experiences and Transportation options:

•Mount Rainier
•Tillicum Village
•Snoqualmie Falls
•San Juan Islands
•Mount St. Helens
•Forks

•The flagship REI Store has a National Park Service office (ORIC) within the facility.  You can work with the Rangers to design an outdoor experience that suits your needs, interests and abilities.  We have also received a number of 15% off coupons for REI.  Please ask for one at registration or in the Companions Room.