SWE National Conference

Marshall Space Flight Center and Boeing Facility
in Huntsville, AL
Wednesday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Attendance Limit: 50 Cost: $40
Come and tour NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, AL. This research and development facility focuses on space transportation technologies and systems, while increasing program and mission safety. They provide most of the critical components of the Space Shuttle, providing the propulsion system for every flight. MSFC is currently responsible for designing and building the life support systems for the International Space Station (ISS). The Payload Operations center is currently serving as the primary science command post for the ISS as well. MSFC also leads NASA's efforts in the area of Microgravity Research. In the afternoon, you will visit the Boeing Manufacturing Plant where they are working on projects such as the Pac 3 Seeker, Phantom Works among others.
o Lunch will be provided.
o All necessary safety equipment will be provided.
o Tours may be subject to proof of citizenship. You will be contacted in advance of any specific requirements.
o 90 minute bus ride each way with games and networking activities.

US Army Aviation and Missile Research Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC)
Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Attendance limit: 40
Cost: $20
AMRDEC's Prototype Integration Facility (PIF)
The PIF supports the development, fabrication, integration, test/qualification of prototypes and the limited production of missile and aviation systems. Capabilities include design and analysis, rapid prototyping, platform integration and proactive obsolescence management.

AMRDEC's Advanced Prototyping, Engineering and eXperimentation Lab (APEX) The APEX Lab is a research and development integration facility whose mission is to address the existing gap between warfighter simulation and engineering level simulation capabilities. An immersive simulation experience for soldiers is created for the purpose of exploring new weapon system concepts - technology, techniques, and the synergism between them.

AMRDEC's Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) Advanced Simulation Center (ASC) The ASC provides HWIL simulation capability for rotorcraft, missiles, and submunitions throughout their lifecycles. The ASC is recognized throughout the modeling and simulation community as a world class, state-of-the-art capability with an outstanding record of customer support.

AMRDEC's Automated Laser Seeker Performance Evaluation System (ALSPES) The ALSPES is a one-of-a-kind facility that provides complete open-loop test capability for semi-active laser (SAL) seekers/sensors. ALSPES has a commanding lead in electro-optical countermeasures susceptibility analysis.

LUNCH

AMRDEC's Software Engineering Directorate (SED) SED is a recognized leader in supporting some of the nation's most sophisticated weapon systems. SED has been certified at Level 4 by the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute. The tour of the new 300k square foot facility includes numerous visual and visitor interactive components.

Stockpile Reliability Firing at the US Army Redstone Technical Test Center (RTTC) Live-fire testing of a US Army missile system(s) at one of RTTC's many test ranges.

* Lunch may be purchased in Software Engineering Directorate (SED) Cafeteria at attendee's own discretion.
* All necessary safety equipment will be provided.
* Tours may be subject to proof of citizenship. You will be contacted in advance of any specific requirements.
* 90 minute bus ride each way with games and networking activities.

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama
Thursday, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Attendance Limit: 45 Cost: $25
We will be visiting the Honda Manufacturing of Alabama facility in Lincoln, AL where the 2003 Odyssey is produced. The tour includes a detailed look at many of the manufacturing departments including Stamping,Welding, Frame Assembly,Die Casting,Machining, and Engine Assembly. The walking distance is between one and one and a half miles and includes several flights of stairs. o It is necessary for tour participants to be approved by plant personnel three weeks prior to the tour, therefore attendees must pre-register and identification will be required on the day of the tour. On-site tickets will not be available for this tour.
o Must be 12 years of age.
o Cameras and video recorders are not permitted.
o Open toe or open back shoes are not permitted.
o Comfortable walking shoes and long pants are recommended. Shorts are not permitted.
o Canes, crutches and walkers are not permitted.
o Wheelchairs are permitted but not supplied. All wheelchairs must be pushed from behind by an escort.
o Handbags, backpacks, briefcases and packages are not permitted.
o 60 minute bus ride each way

Miller Steam Plant

Thursday, 8:30am - 12:30pm
Attendance Limit: 50 Cost: $25
Alabama Power's largest and newest coal-fired generating plant, is located 17 miles northwest of Birmingham on the Locust Fork branch of the Warrior River. State-of-the-art equipment ensures Miller Steam Plant operates with a minimal effect on the environment. They remove 99.1 percent of the ash from combustion gases before the gases exit from the stack. Additionally,more than 90 percent of the water used to operate the plant is recycled, which minimizes water used from the Warrior River.
o Open toe shoes are not permitted
o Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Vulcan Materials - Dolcito Plant

Thursday, 12:30 - 4:00pm
Attendance Limit: 40 Cost: $25
Vulcan Materials Company is the nation's foremost producer of construction aggregates such as concrete, asphalt and road base. The Dolcito quarry began operation in the late 1800's and is Vulcan's third largest producing plant. The tour will include a visit down into the pit to see the stone being loaded onto 65-ton haul trucks. You will see the first step in the processing of the stone at the jaw crusher. The tour will also include a visit to Dolcito's newly designed and rebuilt screening and crushing tower.
o Any necessary safety equipment will be provided.
o Wear comfortable walking shoes
o Clothing appropriate for an industrial facility.
o Refreshments are not provided on this tour.

University of Alabama Transportation Technology Tour

Thursday, 1:00 - 5:00pm
Attendance Limit: 50 Cost: $20
Home of the Center for Advanced Vehicle Technology, the University of Alabama has established several research laboratories related to stateof- the-art research in transportation, including fuel cells and other alternative fuels, engine development, reduced emissions, and improved handling. The Alabama Institute for Manufacturing Excellence houses a number of laboratories for improved design and manufacturing of vehicles.
o 55 minute bus ride each way

Mercedes Benz
Friday, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Attendance Limit: 30 Cost: $25
http://www.bamabenz.com
Experience the star-studded history of Daimler-Benz, the world's premier automobile manufacturer. The story is chronicled in the Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center, the first of its kind out-side Germany. This architectural showcase, adjacent to Daimler's only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant, bring to life the company's vision-to produce nothing less than the most exceptional automobiles in the world. You tour will start at the Visitor Center Museum and be welcomed by your guide, who will remain with you throughout your visit. You'll get a chance to see how the M-Class is built, from the first weld to the finishing touches with a guided walking tour of the Factory. The Factory Tour is an approximate 1 hour personally narrated walking tour of the M-Class Production facility. o It is necessary for tour participants to be approved by plant personnel three weeks prior to the tour, therefore attendees must pre-register and identification will be required on the day of the tour. On-site tickets will not be available for this tour.
o No smoking on premises.
o Cameras are not permitted in Factory
o Canes, crutches, and walkers are not permitted.
o Children must be at least 12 yrs old to tour Factory
o Shorts and open toe shoes are not permitted
o Wheelchairs are permitted
o Skirt or dress must come below knees.
o 30 minute bus ride each way

Southern Company Power Systems Development Facility
Friday, 10:00am - 3:30pm
Attendance Limit: 50 Cost: $25
Jointly sponsored by many of the Nation's most forward-looking power equipment developers, the facility is a highly flexible test center. Private developers are able to test innovative electric power system components, new combustors, improved cleanup systems, and advanced turbines and fuel cells at a central location, saving the time and expense of building separate test facilities. The facility contains four technologies: (1) an advanced pressurized fluidized-bed combustor (PFBC) system (an extremely clean method for burning coal), (2) a transport reactor gas source (an efficient type of coal gasifier/combustor), (3) particulate control devices (PCD's) (to test filters for removing tiny particles from coal gases), and (4) an advanced topping combustor/gas turbine. Combining these technologies into a single structure saved more than $32 million compared with the cost of building stand-alone facilities.
o Lunch will be provided on this tour.
o Comfortable walking shoes, no open toes
o Appropriate clothing for industrial environment
o 60 minute bus ride each way

Vulcan Park Construction Tour

Friday, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Attendance Limit: 25 Cost $15
http://www.vulcanpark.org
Vulcan, cast in the image of the Roman mythical god of the forge, is the second tallest statue in the United States (after the Statue of Liberty) and the tallest cast-iron statue in the world. Vulcan is temporarily undergoing a renovation and will soon be back atop his pedestal. On this tour, you will get the insider's view of the renovations to this massive iron statue. During the "Taste of Birmingham" - you may get a preview by seeing Vulcan's restored head and outstretched right arm on display at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
o All safety equipment will be provided.
o Comfortable walking shoes and long pants, suitable for outdoor terrain recommended.

Local Interest Tours

U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Wednesday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
(Also offered on Saturday)
Attendance Limit: 50 Cost: $40
http://www.spacecamp.com
The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is for the entire family. It offers the world's largest hands-on space experience through many interactive exhibits and space travel simulators. On site are actual vehicles and artifacts from U.S. and Russian Space Programs. This is the only place in the world you can stand behind a "full stack" - that being the Space Shuttle, external tank and two rocket boosters! Outside take the ride of your life on the "Space Shot" and lift off 140 feet into the air, experiencing four Gs of Force. Take the Mars Mission simulator ride across the Red Planet or climb the Mars Volcano Climbing wall. There will be a lunch cook out under the Saturn V rocket (the only standing replica anywhere in the world). This is the home of the famous Space Camp. Guests may wish to register family members for Space Camp, during, before or after our Conference. Please check the website listed above for schedule, pricing and on-line registration for Space Camp.
o Lunch will be provided.
o Wear comfortable walking shoes.
o Some of the activities are outside and open to weather conditions

DeSoto Caverns
Wednesday, 12:00 - 5:00pm
Attendance Limit: 50 Cost: $40
http://www.desotocavernspark.com
On this tour, you will visit one of the first officially recorded caves in the United States (1796), also the birthplace and legendary center of the Creek Indian Nation. You will participate in a guided tour with sound, laser light and water show. You keep what you find as you pan for gemstones the way they use to pan for gold!
o Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
o 1 hour bus ride each way with games and networking activities
o Light Refreshments are included in this tour

Sloss Furnace

Wednesday, 1:00 - 5:00pm
(Also offered on Friday)
Attendance Limit: 100 Cost $35
http://www.slossfurnaces.com
Come visit Sloss Furnace, a 40-acre National Historic Landmark that offers a glimpse into the great industrial past of the South, and the nation. It serves as both a museum of industry and cultural center and has the unique distinction of being the only publicly held industrial site in the world. On April 12, 1882, Sloss Furnaces began producing pig iron. It would continue operating for almost ninety years. You will tour the two existing massive 500 ton/day blast furnaces complete with all the auxiliary machinery and equipment, a web of pipes, and tall smokestacks. You will see the largest existing bank of 8 massive 30 ft tall blowing engines.While at the site, you will also tour the metal arts sculpture garden and may create your own metal sculptured art to take home. The Sloss Metal Arts Foundry has been ranked among the top three in the nation. In addition, you will get a glimpse of the site dressed in Halloween decor.
o Majority of tour is exposed to the weather so wear appropriate clothing, including good walking shoes
o Jacket may be needed if weather is cool or damp
o Hat and sunglasses may be needed, depending on weather
o Some portions of the site are not wheelchair accessible
o 15-20 minute bus ride each way

Bud's Best Cookies
Wednesday, 1:00 - 4:00pm
Attendance Limit: 45 Cost: $20
Come ride the 'cookie train' as you tour Bud's Best Cookies Factory. The only family owned cookie company in the United States, Bud's Best is in its 10th year of operation. They introduced the idea of bite-sized cookies to the market. Their most recent expansion has brought production up to 1M cookies/hr! You will watch as cookies are mixed, baked and packaged. There will be sample cookies for everyone.
o 30 minute bus ride each way

Cahaba Pumping Station

Wednesday, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Attendance Limit: 50 Cost $15
Come take a self guided tour of the Cahaba Pumping Station. This facility was built between 1888 and 1890 for the Birmingham Water Works. Its construction was a tremendous feat and it has a remarkable history. For over a century it has been the main source and first stop for all water on it's way to Birmingham. In 1995 the old Boiler building was renovated as a Historical Preservation Project, intended for Public display complete with a working museum to view the process and history of The Birmingham Water Works. Also to see is a river water aquarium containing all the fish indigenous to the Cahaba River. They also maintain a "911 Fish Tank"with a continuous river water flow to constantly monitor river quality. Included is a talk on the unique history of the Birmingham Water System by Don Kirkland, Birmingham Water Works Chief Engineer.
o 15-20 minute bus ride each way

Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Thursday, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Attendance Limit: 50
http://www.bbgardens.org
Cost: $15, or $25 for combination of Botanical Gardens and Zoo Tour The Botanical Gardens sits on sixty-seven acres of flora and is home to more than 230 species of birds. The Gardens hold the South's largest conservatory with an authentic Japanese tea house and garden. The gardens house the largest clear span glass greenhouse in the Southeast. Dunn Formal Rose Garden blooms from April to the first fall frost. The All American Rose Selections Display Garden showcases 150 types of hybrid roses.
o 15-20 minute bus ride each way

Birmingham Zoo
Thursday, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Attendance Limit: 50
http://www.birminghamzoo.com
Cost: $20, or $25 for combination of Botanical Gardens and Zoo Tour The Birmingham Zoo is home to 700 animals from many continents, including many endangered species. Feed the Lorikeets in the brand new walk through aviary. These small colorful parrots from Australia are trained to land gently on your arms and sip nectar from your cup.
o 15-20 minute bus ride each way

Golf Tournament
Thursday, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Attendance Limit: 140 Cost: $100
Sponsored by Christy/Cobb, Inc., Gallet & Associates, Inc., Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc., ITT Technical Institute and Volkert & Associates, Inc.
http://www.rtjgolf.com
Come play the Valley Course at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. There will be a cook-out lunch prior to teeing off. Range balls included. Awards, including $100 each for 1st place team, $75 each for 2nd place team, and $50 each for 3rd place team, will be presented over refreshments at the closing. This four person scramble has a reputation of being more fun than any other Tournament in Birmingham! Bring your clubs and your best game. No metal spikes are allowed. Club rentals are available.
o 30 minute bus ride each way
o Lunch is included in this tour

Golf Clinic & Short Course
Thursday, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Attendance Limit: 25 Cost: $75
http://www.rtjgolf.com
Beginners: If you're not up to playing in the Scramble, come for a Clinic at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Academy and play with the pro on the Par 3 short course. You will join the scramble players for the cookout lunch and awards presentation.
o 30 minute bus ride each way
o Lunch is included in this tour

Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Thursday, 1:00 - 4:00pm
Attendance Limit: 50
Cost: $15, or $25 for combination of Botanical Gardens and Zoo Tour
(See above for description of Tour)

Birmingham Zoo
Thursday, 1:00 - 4:00pm
Attendance Limit: 50
Cost: $20, or $25 for combination of Botanical Gardens and Zoo Tour
(See above for description of Tour)

Talladega Super Speedway and the International Motor Sports
Hall of Fame & Museum
Friday, 8:30am - 1:00pm
Attendance Limit: 45 Cost: $30
http://www.motorsportshalloffame.com
http://www.talladegasuperspeedway.com
Museums showcasing over 125 vehicles, valued well in to the millions of dollars, a rocket car that exceeded the speed of sound and an offshore power-boat that soars across the water at 170 miles an hour, are all on the Talladega Tour. In addition there are cars raced by legends, there are mint condition muscle cars, antiques, classics and also memorabilia dating from 1902. See victorious cars driven by your favorite drivers including Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliot, and Fireball Roberts. This collection is housed in a five building complex which is home to eight different Halls of Fame. The official home of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Hall of National Champions, The Mechanics Hall of Fame, the Quarter Midgets of America Hall of Fame, the World Karting Hall of Fame among others. This will be followed by a guided tour of the Speedway located on the same property.
o 45 minute bus ride each way

Southern Living
Friday, 9:30am - 11:30am
Attendance Limit: 30 Cost: $15
http://www.southernliving.com
This is a walking tour that lasts about 1 hour. Learn about the history of Southern Progress Corporation and each of their magazines-Southern Living, Progressive Farmer, Southern Accents, Cooking Light, Coastal Living, Health, and Sunset. Guests also learn about some of the more interesting architectural and design features of the buildings. As part of the tour, guests will be able to walk through the Southern Living test kitchens and photo studios.
o 20 minute bus ride each way

Sloss Furnace
Friday, 1:00 - 5:00pm
Attendance Limit: 100 Cost $35
http://www.slossfurnaces.com
See description above

Civil Rights Museum, 16th Street Baptist Church
and Kelly Ingram Park
Friday, 1:00 - 4:00pm
Attendance Limit: 50 Cost: $20
http://www.bcri.bham.al.us
The Civil Rights Institute chronicles the Civil Rights Movement with permanent and traveling exhibits and extensive archives. The tour begins with a twelve minute introductory film. The permanent exhibition visit is designed to be self-guided. Then we will travel across the street to the 16th Street Baptist Church, the site of the 1963 bombing that killed four young girls. These buildings are in the heart of the six block area known as the Birmingham Civil Rights District.
o Cameras and video equipment are not permitted
o 5 minute bus ride each way or short walk from Hotel

Cahaba River Canoeing & Kayaking
Saturday, 7:00am - 2:30pm
Attendance Limit: 50 Cost: $50
http://www.cahabariversociety.org
Canoe come out and play today? Wear your bathing suit and river shoes; we're going down the Cahaba River in Canoes or Kayaks. There will be a catered deli lunch. All safety equipment will be provided. We will be accompanied by a representative from the Cahaba River Society who will enlighten us on the ecosystem of the river. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
o Bring change of clothes and river shoes. Hat, sunglasses and sun block may be needed
o 30 minute bus ride each way
o Lunch is included in this tour

Freshwater Aquarium in Chattanooga

Saturday, 8:00am - 7:00pm
Attendance Limit: 50 Cost: Adults $65, Children ages 3-12 $55
http://www.tnaqua.org
The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga inspires wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Journey through a spectacular 60-foot canyon and two living forests, where you'll see more than 9,000 animals that swim, fly and crawl in natural habitats. The Tennessee Aquarium tells the story of fresh water ecosystems. Follow the Tennessee River from its Appalachian beginnings through the swamp waters of the Mississippi River and into the Gulf of Mexico, making side trips to some of the world's other great rivers. Aquarium tours are self guided. Included in this tour is an IMAX Theater viewing which features 3-D films! Also included in this tour is lunch on the Southern Belle river boat and a souvenir T-shirt! For an additional fee guests may participate in a "Behind the Scenes" tour at the Museum. Tickets are $7 per adult and $5 per child and may be purchased on site. Guests may also visit Bluff View Art District. Tucked neatly atop the tall stone cliffs of the Tennessee River, the District is a creative haven of restaurants, galleries and shops that beckons visitors to spend time exploring its unique and colorful in-town setting. It is within easy walking distance from the Aquarium.
o This tour must be pre-registered. On-site registration is not permitted.
o Comfortable walking shoes recommended
o 2 hour bus ride each way with games and networking activities
o Lunch is included in this tour.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Saturday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Attendance Limit: 50 Cost: $40
http://www.spacecamp.com
See description above

Arlington Antebellum Home & Garden
Saturday, 11:30am - 3:30pm
Attendance Limit: 50 Cost: $25
Built between 1845 and 1850 by Judge William S. Mudd, one of the ten founders of Birmingham, the Arlington Antebellum Home preceded the founding of Birmingham in 1871. The mansion is a fine example of Greek revival architecture, fully restored and is home to an exquisite collection of antiques and decorative arts. Arlington, the city's only antebellum mansion, has a fine collection of 19th century furniture, textiles, silver, and paintings. Located on six acres in the heart of Old Elyton, the first permanent County Seat of Jefferson County, Arlington is a center for historical, cultural, and civic activities. Lunch will be served in the Tea Room on the premises. This will be followed by the house tour.
o Wear comfortable walking shoes
o 20 minute bus ride each way
o Lunch will be provided on the way to the Arlington Home and will be followed by the house tour

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