While we continue with the AOU's tradition of welcoming and poster receptions, BBQ, and banquet, we hope that the exceptional venues and special events will make AOU Seattle's evening entertainment particularly memorable. Note that at both the Opening Night and Poster Receptions, heavy hors d' oeuvres, beer and wine, and non-alcholic beverages will be served; we expect this will be enough to make a satisfying meal for most people.

Wed 15 August 18.00-22.00 Opening Reception - Burke Museum (free with registration!)
As the host of this year's AOU meetings, the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is pleased to be opening our gallery doors wide for the welcoming reception. In addition to enjoying food and drink surrounded by an outdoor garden of Northwest native plants, delegates will get a chance to learn about the rich cultural and natural history of the Pacific Northwest by exploring the galleries of this 100 year old state museum, located in the Northwest corner of UW campus. Don't miss The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition - a major national exhibit from the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Delegates will have the opportunity to view this special exhibit, at no additional cost, as part of the opening reception. (The exhibit will also be open during regular museum hours, but at regular museum fees.) In addition, staff and students in the Ornithology Division will host an open house during the welcoming reception: take advantage of this opportunity to tour our collections and learn about some of our ongoing research projects!

Thu 19.00-22.00 Poster Reception - Meany Hall (free with registration!)
Meany Hall is the premier performing arts theatre on campus, and we will be taking advantage of most of the stage and multi-level reception areas for the poster session and reception on Thursday evening. Meany has a visually warm and stimulating atmosphere, and we hope those attending will take advantage of the opportunity to explore and mingle while enjoying the poster presentations.

Fri 18.30-22.00 BBQ - McMahon Hall Patio ($20 per person)
The BBQ will be held at McMahon Hall - the largest residence Hall on campus and only a couple of minutes' walk from other campus housing. On most summer evenings, McMahon's spacious outdoor patio affords spectacular views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains to the east. We will provide some fun music to accompany your food, drink, and conversation.

Sat 18.30-22.30 AOU Banquet - Royal Argosy Cruiseline (special $35 student rate; $55 for all others)
This year's banquet will allow you to experience Seattle's beautiful setting amidst hills and waterways from the unique perspective that only a boat can provide. We will cruise along Seattle's fresh and salt water coastlines on the Royal Argosy, a fine dining ship with unparalleled views of the Seattle skyline and surrounding mountain ranges from all dining areas and decks. On board, Northwest cuisine is freshly prepared by chefs in three restaurant galleys. We have reserved the entire ship for the evening; particularly fun should be traveling through the Hiram Chittenden Locks, where saltwater Puget Sound meets freshwater Lake Washington.

19:00 board the Royal Argosy at UW Oceanography dock
19:30 set sail!
22:00 dock at Pier 55 downtown (busses back to campus)