TEAM 2009
Workshop and Tour Short Descriptions

Workshop 2:  Road Safety Audits

A Road Safety Audit is a process to determine the safety performance of an existing or future road or intersection by an independent, multidisciplinary team. The process qualitatively estimates and reports on potential road safety issues and identifies opportunities for improvements in safety for all road users.

By the end of the workshop, you will know the basic Road Safety Audit concepts and be able to express the benefits of low cost safety solutions to your constituents.

Time: 9:00 am – Noon
Workshop Limit:  40 participants

Workshop 3:  MoDOT Research and Innovation Forum – 
                  Highlights on Implementation and Innovation

The afternoon session of this all day event will showcase three very distinct but innovative research ideas that have developed within the past year. A panel of administrators, principal investigators, end users, private contractors and academia will showcase the studies from their individual perspective. This session will also focus on upcoming DOT research topics and finally, a call for research ideas for the coming year will be announced with an opportunity to discuss research focus areas with MoDOT managers.

Time:  1:00 to 4:00 pm
Workshop Limits:  125 participants

Workshop 4:  ADA - Creating Barrier Free Pedestrian Access

This workshop provides an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and uses a combination of lecture and field evaluation to teach participants how to apply design standards and best practices to pedestrian projects.  The following areas will be covered:

            Americans with Disabilities Act and our legal responsibilities
            Characteristics of pedestrians and a barrier free environment
            Accessible design of sidewalks and curb ramps
            Accessible design of intersections and signals
            Pedestrian work zones

Marcus Engel will be our special guest.  Marcus lost his vision due to a traffic accident and has many experiences to share as a person who must navigate the wide variety of "accessible" designs.

Time:  1:00 to 4:00 pm
Workshop Limits:  60 participants

Workshop 5:  Emergency Response/Incident Management

Emergency response and incident management is an integral element in reducing crashes and saving lives. This workshop will cover the newest equipment and innovative processes that MoDOT and others use to clear incidents and manage major events. By attending this workshop, you will see the equipment currently used in the state and have the opportunity to talk to the equipment operators and learn from their roadway experiences as well as recieving an overview of the MoDOTs best practices for managing incidents, emergencies and disasters.

Time:  1:00 to 4:00 pm
Workshop Limits:  40 participants

Workshop 6:  Kids Movie Night - FREE For Attendees’ Kids!

TEAM will host a movie night for children of attendees.  Children can come watch a movie(s) in a supervised location so that the attendee and spouse can attend the opening reception. 

We will not be able to provide supervision for children under 5 years old.  Children ages 3-5 may be accompanied by an older sibling (over age 13), or an adult.  Popcorn will be provided.  Parents will be required to sign their child in and out, as well as provide an emergency contact number.

Workshop 7:  Mad Science - For Attendees’ Kids and Spouses! ($5 per person)

Mad Science® is the world’s leading science enrichment provider. They deliver unique, hands-on science experiences for children that are as entertaining as they are educational. Mad Science is proud to introduce millions of children to a world of discovery while sparking their imagination. Mad Science encourages scientific literacy in children in an age when science is as vital as reading, writing and arithmetic.

9 to 10 am Stage show – Fire and Ice
Have science come alive with explosions and dry ice! — No limit to number of participants, but please register in advance so we can provide adequate space.

10:15 to 11:15 am Workshop — Harnessing Heat 
Explore the properties of heat, make a mini volcano, change different states of a material including making cotton candy.  Workshop will be a hands-on learning experience.  Age appropriate for children 5-12 years of age.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Workshop 8:  Kids Safety Zone - FREE For Attendees’ Kids and Spouses!

TEAM is partnering with Missouri Highway Patrol, FHWA and MoDOT to provide a fun and educational forum for children and spouses to learn more about transportation safety.  Presentations will include:

• Kids ID: Missouri Highway Patrol provides each child with an ID including photographs of the child, their height and weight, address, phone number, parents' names, birth date and a digitally scanned fingerprint.  The information is strictly for the ID card and is not saved or shared.
• Pedestrian Safety;
• Using Car Seats and Booster Seats Properly;
• And More!

Kids who participate will receive free t-shirts, coloring books and other items. 

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday Afternoon: 1:00  – 2:30 pm
Workshop Limit:  40 participants

Technical Tour A:  Ozark Underground Labs at Cedar Creek

This trip involves a visit to Tumbling Creek Cave.  Tumbling Creek Cave is a magnificent cave with over two miles of passages, a flowing stream and beautiful cave formations.  It also has the greatest diversity of cave fauna of any cave west of the Mississippi River, including three federally endangered species.  The cave is also home to as many as five endemic species (species that are found no where else in the world). 

The owner of the cave, Tom Aley, is an internationally known hydrogeologist.  Mr. Aley will be your guide during this trip.  The trip will start with a short hike on the surface above the cave where you will see and learn about some of the surface features found in karst landscapes including sinkholes, losing streams, ground water recharge, etc.  Next, the group will go into the cave.  In the cave you will learn how the features visited on the surface relate to and impact features in the cave.  You will also get to view some of this beautiful cave. 

This is not a commercial cave, however, Mr. Aley has constructed a trail to walk on and you will not go through any real tight spaces or do any crawling.  Participants should plan to wear comfortable hiking boots or sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight.

Time:  9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tour Limit:  12 participants

Technical Tour B:  Jordan Valley Development/Stadium Tour - TOUR CANCELLED

Described as a "grand civic gesture," Jordan Valley Park is designed to mix open space and buildings, water and meadows, playgrounds and plazas. The park contrasts public space and solitude, recreation and revitalization.  Your tour will include a presentation on how this development came about through intensive public involvement, planning and design by the City of Springfield.  You will not only see the parks and green spaces of the development, but you will also get an exclusive tour of Mediacom Ice Park and Hammons Field.

Mediacom Ice Park opened in 2001. This premiere facility serves as home to Missouri State University Ice Bears Hockey teams, Springfield Youth Hockey Association and the Jordan Valley Figure Skating Club. In addition to public ice skating, the Ice Park offers a wide variety of programs and activities including figure skating, hockey leagues, birthday parties, facility rentals and city-wide events.

"The Jewel of Jordan Valley Park," Hammons Field, opened in April 2004.  The 7,986-seat ballpark in downtown Springfield is home to the Springfield Cardinals, the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. The facility, funded entirely by local businessman, hotel mogul and benefactor John Q. Hammons, is the centerpiece of the Jordan Valley Park Development Project.

Time:  9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tour Limit:  20 participants

Technical Tour C:  Titanic

Today the great Titanic lives on. A towering symbol of hope and courage recreated in all its glorious splendor in Branson. TEAM has contracted with Titanic to bring you an exclusive tour of the museum with an engineering emphasis. You will be guided through the museum by crew members who are very knowledgeable about the construction and failure of Titanic.  Mr. John Josyln, the owner of the museum, was co-leader of the $6 million expedition to the wreck site.  You will have an opportunity to view an exhibit, which highlights that expedition.

Time:  9:00 am to Noon
Tour Limit:  30 participants

Technical Tour D:  The Technology of Branson Landing

When the City of Branson decided to demolish 73 percent of their downtown and replace it with a $420 million public/private partnership redevelopment named “Branson Landing,” they didn’t just build a typical development.  Several key features of the project infrastructure had never been attempted before.  Come hear and see how these one-of-a-kind systems were actually invented for and incorporated into the project that you see today, which is also the site of this year’s TEAM conference.  This tour includes a presentation on the color-changing streetlights, the convention center ballroom “bird” lighting and the storm water filtration system.  You will get to go behind the scenes to look at the $7.5 million fire and water fountain with the project engineers.

Attendees will be leaving the hotel and walking to The Landing.  Come prepared to walk several blocks, rain or shine. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Time:  9:00 am to Noon
Tour Limit:  15 participants

Technical Tour E:  The Mountain Complex™ Data Center

The Mountain Complex™ is located in the heart of our country, just outside of Branson. It is a world-class, highly secure, underground facility. Built inside an Ozark mountain, this facility is considered by many mining, warehousing and security experts to be one of the best if not the best facility of its kind in the United States. Currently, 250,000 square feet of the mine has been sectioned off and converted to a secure facility that houses record and media storage as well as a world-class computer center.  An additional 3,000,000 square feet (75 acres!) of 34-foot ceiling space is available for conversion.

The current data centers located within The Mountain Complex™ were built with state-of-the-art technology including redundant electrical power, redundant uninterruptible power supplies, redundant fiber connectivity, state-of-the-art fire suppression, redundant data center cooling and world-class security systems.

Time:  9:00 am to Noon
Tour Limit:  12 participants

Technical Tour F:  Branson Scenic Railroad - TOUR FULL

Ride in the style of a bygone era aboard restored vintage passenger cars from the ‘40s and ‘50s.  Enjoy a nostalgic 40-mile roundtrip excursion through the Ozark foothills and tunnels while listening to a live narration. Learn about the communities that existed long ago, the wildlife and the history of each piece of equipment as you cross bridges and trestles.

You will begin your trip at the Branson Depot, located just outside the Hilton Convention Center.  It is nearly a century old and has been a destination of travel for generations.
 
Registration for this tour is open to spouses and families as well as engineers.  There will be an exclusive presentation for engineers on the history and importance of rail transportation on the return trip.

Time:  9:00 am to Noon
Tour Limit:  30 participants

Tour G - Table Rock Dam Tour - TOUR FULL

Explore the secrets of Table Rock Powerhouse, traveling far below the level of Table Rock Lake on this highly informative, conducted tour. Table Rock is one of four multiple-purpose projects constructed in the upper White River Basin for the control of floods and the generation of hydroelectric power. At times the need for electricity exceeds the maximum output of coal, gas, oil and nuclear power plants. When this occurs, hydropower helps supply the additional electricity needs. Within five minutes, Table Rock's four 50,000-kilowatt generators can be "on line" delivering power, while other power plants take much longer to be brought to generating readiness.
 
Time:  9:00 am to Noon
Tour Limit:  12 participants

Tour H - Silver Dollar City – Behind the Scenes - TOUR FULL

What propels that roller coaster, and how do engineers inspect the track? Learn the technical details and history as well as some of the plans of one of America's most popular theme parks. Your tour will include the engineering feats of a Swiss B & M inverted coaster (Wildfire) and S & S's accelerator coaster (Powderkeg – taking passengers from 0-53 mph in 2.8 seconds).

Time:  1:00 to 4:00 pm
Tour Limit:  30 participants

Technical Tour I:  The Technology of Branson Landing - TOUR CANCELLED

When the City of Branson decided to demolish 73 percent of their downtown and replace it with a $420 million public/private partnership redevelopment named “Branson Landing,” they didn’t just build a typical development.  Several key features of the project infrastructure had never been attempted before.  Come hear and see how these one-of-a-kind systems were actually invented for and incorporated into the project that you see today, which is also the site of this year’s TEAM conference.  This tour includes a presentation on the color-changing streetlights, the convention center ballroom “bird” lighting and the storm water filtration system.  You will get to go behind the scenes to look at the $7.5 million fire and water fountain with the project engineers.

Attendees will be leaving the hotel and walking to The Landing.  Come prepared to walk several blocks, rain or shine. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Time:  1:00 to 4:00 pm
Tour Limit:  15 participants

Technical Tour J:  The Mountain Complex™ Data Center

The Mountain Complex™ is located in the heart of our country, just outside of Branson. It is a world-class, highly secure, underground facility. Built inside an Ozark mountain, this facility is considered by many mining, warehousing and security experts to be one of the best if not the best facility of its kind in the United States. Currently, 250,000 square feet of the mine has been sectioned off and converted to a secure facility that houses record and media storage as well as a world-class computer center.  An additional 3,000,000 square feet (75 acres!) of 34-foot ceiling space is available for conversion.

The current data centers located within The Mountain Complex™ were built with state-of-the-art technology including redundant electrical power, redundant uninterruptible power supplies, redundant fiber connectivity, state-of-the-art fire suppression, redundant data center cooling and world-class security systems.

Time:  1:00 to 4:00 pm
Tour Limit:  12 participants

Technical Tour K:  Branson Landing Cruise

Join Branson Landing Cruises for a captain-narrated, sightseeing tour of Lake Taneycomo on board the famous Lake Queen paddle wheeler. The 100-foot Lake Queen can carry up to 149 passengers and boasts a climate controlled lower deck with panoramic views and a spectacular outdoor upper deck.

On this 1.5 hour cruise, you will:

• Cruise south to the Historic Lake Taneycomo Bridge as you hear about Baldknobber’s, Branson’s first roller skating rink, and the Hillbilly Jamboree, Branson’s first music show;
• Pass beneath majestic Mt. Branson as you wind your way back north towards the 95-acre Branson Landing waterfront to witness the $7.5 million spectacular water attraction, merging water, fire, and music;
• View the immense diversity of Branson’s wildlife, from the American Bald Eagle, Night Heron and Brown Thrasher to foxes, coyote, mink and flying squirrels; and
• Listen to tales of how Branson got its name and why Rockaway Beach is no longer referred to as the Ft. Lauderdale of the Midwest

Registration for this tour is open to spouses and families as well as engineers. Attendees will be leaving the hotel and walking to The Landing.  Come prepared to walk several blocks, rain or shine. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Time:  1:00 to 4:00 pm
Tour Limit:  30 participants

Technical Tour L:  Empire Electric - Ozark Beach Dam - TOUR FULL

The history of the Empire District Electric Company in Taney County dates back to 1911 when construction of the Ozark Beach Dam was started.  In early 1911, two businessmen from St. Louis obtained permission from Congress to erect a hydroelectric dam on the White River and began the preliminary preparations.  The dam was finished in September 1913 and Lake Taneycomo filled in about 24 hours due to torrential rains that caused flooding in the area.

Today, Ozark Beach Dam stands as one of four dams on the White River.  Ozark Beach is the oldest and the only privately-owned and operated dam on the River.

Time:  1:00 to 4:00 pm
Tour Limit:  12 participants

Technical Tour M:  Branson’s New Airports

Branson’s New Airports

Where in the country can you find a brand new privately-owned commercial service airport and a new general aviation corporate airport under construction in the same community?  This is only happening in one place in the country, let alone the state.  Over $160 million are being invested in two airports to serve the thriving Branson tourism industry.  Get an up close and behind-the-scenes look at these two unique and unconventional airport construction projects.

Time:  1:00 to 4:00 pm
Tour Limit:  22 participants

Tour N:  Springfield – Creamery Arts Center/Discovery Center - For Attendees’ Kids and Spouses!

Registered children and spouses will travel from the hotel by motor coach to downtown Springfield.  The tour will include visits to The Creamery Arts Center and Discovery Center, two of Springfield’s premiere interactive experiences for children.  Lunch will be included.

The Creamery Arts Center, a City-owned building, is located in Jordan Valley Park, specifically designed as a "community gathering place." It is home to the Springfield Regional Arts Council, Springfield Ballet, Springfield Regional Opera and the Springfield Symphony.  The Creamery will provide an exclusive, hands-on arts experience for your children.  Kids will take home their hand-crafted piece of art.  

Discovery Center of Springfield is an interactive, hands-on museum committed to inspiring people of all ages with a life-long love of learning and an appreciation of the world and our place in it. 

Tuesday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tour Limit: 20 participants

Tour O:  Branson Scenic Railroad - For Attendees’ Kids and Spouses! - TOUR FULL

Ride in the style of a bygone era aboard restored vintage passenger cars from the ‘40s and ‘50s.  Enjoy a nostalgic 40-mile roundtrip excursion through the Ozark foothills and tunnels while listening to a live narration. Learn about the communities that existed long ago, the wildlife and the history of each piece of equipment as you cross bridges and trestles.

You will begin your trip at the Branson Depot, located just outside the Hilton Convention Center.  It is nearly a century old and has been a destination of travel for generations.
 
Registration for this tour is open to spouses and families as well as engineers.  There will be an exclusive presentation for engineers on the history and importance of rail transportation on the return trip.  The depot is a short walk from the hotel, but you will be exposed to the elements, so please dress accordingly.

Time:  9:00 am to Noon
Tour Limit:  30 participants

Tour P:  Branson Landing Sightseeing Cruise - For Attendees’ Kids and Spouses! - TOUR FULL

Join Branson Landing Cruises for a captain-narrated, sightseeing tour of Lake Taneycomo on board the famous Lake Queen paddle wheeler. The 100-foot Lake Queen can carry up to 149 passengers and boasts a climate controlled lower deck with panoramic views and a spectacular outdoor upper deck.

On this 1.5 hour cruise, you will:

• Cruise south to the Historic Lake Taneycomo Bridge as you hear about Baldknobber’s, Branson’s first roller skating rink, and the Hillbilly Jamboree, Branson’s first music show;
• Pass beneath majestic Mt. Branson as you wind your way back north towards the 95-acre Branson Landing waterfront to witness the $7.5 million spectacular water attraction, merging water, fire and music;
• View the immense diversity of Branson’s wildlife, from the American Bald Eagle, Night Heron and Brown Thrasher to foxes, coyote, mink and flying squirrels; and
• Listen to tales of how Branson got its name and why Rockaway Beach is no longer referred to as the Ft. Lauderdale of the Midwest.

Registration for this tour is open to spouses and families as well as engineers.  Attendees will be leaving the hotel and walking to The Landing.  Come prepared to walk several blocks, rain or shine. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Time:  1:00 to 4:00 pm
Tour Limit:  20 participants

Tour R:  Ride the Ducks! - For Attendees’ Kids and Spouses!

BRANSON LANDING ADVENTURE
Quack along with our tour of historic Branson and splash into Lake Taneycomo.

Everyone has fun aboard a Ride The Ducks sightseeing tour of Branson. It's the best way for families to enjoy Branson because your experience will combine fun and music with history and sights. Adults will have just as much fun as kids. It's the best way for locals and visitors to see all that Branson has to offer.

• Ride through historic downtown Branson.
• Splash into Lake Taneycomo for a fun cruise.
• Quack along with the Captain.
• Drive if you want to.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday Afternoon:  3:00 – 4:30 pm
Tour Limit:  34 participants

First Annual TEAM 5K/1M Fun Run/Walk - FREE!

Come join us for a 5K Fun run or 1 mile walk!

We will be meeting in the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel Lobby at 6:30am on Wednesday Morning, March 18th. We will be running along Branson Landing and the River Front. Maps, water and T-Shirt will be provided.

It will be a great way to start your day as well as the Conference.

Wednesday Morning: 6:30 am

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