NSWA presents Night Out at the Museum, a press party for science writers

Seattle’s amazing natural-history museum comes alive after dark on Feb. 15 to host the best science-writer party and networking event of 2020. The newly renovated Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture will open its doors and labs to AAAS Annual Meeting newsroom registrants and members of the Northwest Science Writers Association for an evening of fun, learning, and camaraderie.

Saturday, February 15
6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture
4300 15th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, WA 98105 [ map ]

A Night Out at the Museum is hosted by the University of Washington and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. Admission, food, drink, transportation and entertainment are all free to our invited guests thanks to the generous contribution of our premier sponsor, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as well as additional support from Intellectual Ventures; the University of Washington College of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences, eScience Institute, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, College of the Environment, and School of Public Health; UW Medicine; Seattle Children’s Research Institute; Cognition Studio; and the National Association of Science Writers.

  • Free shuttle. Jump on one of the free charter buses that will shuttle guests from the Washington Convention Center to the Burke Museum and back. Shuttles will depart from the convention center from 6:10 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Return shuttles will depart the museum from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 
  • Free food + drinks. Feast at the free buffets and dessert station. Enjoy complimentary beer, wine, and other beverages.
  • Free access to all the exhibits and behind the scenes. Burke curators are “activating” the museum just for us. Normally closed specimen labs will be open, and staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer all your questions. Enjoy exhibits spanning the eons from the age of dinosaurs to the archeology of 19th century Seattle on all three floors of this world-class museum.
  • Selfies. Shoot selfies among the dinosaur fossils and in the Pacific Northwest Hall of Mirrors.
  • Dancing. Wear your dancing shoes! The special exhibits gallery is turning into a DJ-powered dance floor, complete with floor-to-ceiling video screens.

This event will be the talk of science media for years to come. Don’t miss it!

For AAAS newsroom registrants, your press badge is your ticket, so be sure to bring it to the event. No advance registration is necessary.

NSWA members must register to attend the event.  Register now

Membership lapsed? Not yet a member?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a ticket?
AAAS newsroom registrants must wear their AAAS-issued press badges―your badge is your ticket. NSWA members must register in advance: click here to register. Sponsor guest names must be submitted to NSWA in advance.

Is there a minimum age requirement to enter the event?
Yes. Only persons age 21 and up are invited to this event.

Can I bring a date/friend/relative?
This is an invitation-only event. Regrettably, we cannot admit guests who do not meet one of the three admission categories above.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
By free shuttle bus from the Washington Convention Center: show your AAAS conference press badge to board the buses. Buses for the museum will depart the Convention Center at intervals between 6:10 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Each bus will make two trips to the museum.
Return buses will depart the museum for the Convention Center from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

By car, transit, or bike. See the
Burke Museum’s directions page for details. Parking will be free during the event in the N1 lot adjacent to the museum. 

What can I bring into the event?
No firearms or other weapons are permitted. No smoking materials, outside alcohol, or illegal drugs are permitted.

Do I really have to wear my AAAS press badge to the event?
Yes, unless you are an NSWA member or sponsor guest and preregistered.

Will there be food options for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes. Both the appetizer and dessert buffets will include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. If you have other dietary restrictions, please contact NSWAparty@nwscience.org with details. We will do our best to accommodate you.

Can I bring a camera to take selfies?
Please do. Note that a professional photojournalist will be shooting at the event all evening, and highlight photos will be posted online. By attending, you consent to being photographed.

How can I contact the organizer with other questions?
Email your question to NSWAparty@nwscience.org.

SPONSORS

Many thanks to our sponsors, who made this event possible.

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