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January 4–7, 2014
Welcome to Orlando!
Welcome to Orlando and the 2014 AAPT Winter Meeting: “The Magic of Physics”!
The 2014 Winter Meeting celebrates the wonder that is physics. The Orlando area is filled with excite-
ment and magic—and the physics behind the magic, whether it’s space flight or thrill rides. I hope that
you’ve scheduled some time before or after the meeting to visit the Kennedy Space Center and some of
the theme parks. The Rosen Plaza, the conference hotel, is across the street from Pointe Orlando, a major
dining, entertainment, and shopping complex. Orlando’s I-Ride Trolley stops outside the hotel and there
is complimentary transportation to some of the theme parks.
At the meeting there are great plenary and award talks. Don Pettit, Sunday’s plenary speaker, is a NASA
astronaut who, while aboard the International Space Station, conducted out-of-this-world physics demos
that appear as the 14-episode Science off the Sphere video series. Phillip Metzger, a NASA physicist and
lab manager, will be speaking Monday on Preparing Physicists for the Industrial Revolution in Space.
Monday will also feature the Richtmyer Memorial Award presented to Sir Michael Berry, noted for his
communication of the beauty of quantum mechanics to broad audiences. Be sure to stay through Tuesday
to see Dean Zollman receive the Oersted Medal and to attend the annual Symposium on Physics Educa-
tion and Public Policy.
Special events begin Saturday with the evening Opening Reception. Sunday is the High School Teachers’
Day and the schedule is packed with events and sessions of particular interest to high school teachers.
Also on Sunday are the First Timers Gathering, Early Career Professionals Speed Networking, and SPS
Awards Reception. The semi-annual Fun Run/Walk will be held Monday benefitting the Melba Phillips
Medal.
With poster sessions, approximately 20 workshops and 60 paper sessions, there is something of interest
for everyone. I encourage you to attend one or more of the 18 area committee meetings, which are open
to all. Don’t forget to stop by the exhibit hall to thank our exhibitors and view their wares—and for a
“second breakfast.”
Winter Meeting 2014 should be a great meeting. I hope that you experience the wonder, the excitement—
and the magic—of Physics.
Enjoy!
Mary Mogge
Program Chair 2014 Winter Meeting–Orlando
Vice President, American Association of Physics Teachers
