Cheer cheer for old Notre Dame! The highlight of the weekend will be our Saturday evening tailgate party on the concourse of historic Notre Dame Stadium. Join in to feast on tailgate favorites and enjoy an open bar. Dueling pianos are sure to get your feet tapping (and maybe even dancing) while having tons of fun, and even a little friendly competition with classic tailgate games. Back by popular demand, we will have two caricature artists on hand creating custom caricature drawings so attendees have a souvenir to take home from this fun weekend.
The weekend kicks off Friday evening on the rooftop of the Embassy Suites Notre Dame (The Podium at Embassy Suites). Along with an open bar, heavy appetizers will be served, so feel free to make a dinner out of the delicious choices (but there are terrific restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, so if you want to eat before or after, that's great too!).
While this is a terrific time to catch up with old friends and network with industry colleagues, there will also be a few gift cards to be won during Music Bingo. Never heard of it? Think traditional bingo with a musical twist. We haven‘t forgotten the kids, either – a kids craft table will be set up as well to allow the Summer Meeting‘s youngest attendees the opportunity to create some fun projects.
While the APAI Summer Meeting is filled with educational and fun activities, we have coordinated several Satuday afternoon activities for attendees to enjoy all South Bend has to offer visitors. You may add any of these activities to your registration for an additional cost.
*Bus transportation is provided for the South Bend Distillery tour and the East Race Whitewater Rafting. Transportation to the Potowatomi Zoo, the Warren Golf Course and Campus Tours are on your own.
Cost: $130 per golfer (includes a box lunch)
*Transportation to the golf course is on your own.
Located just 10 minutes away from the Embassy Suites, the Potawatomi Zoo is home to over 400 animals. Spanning over 23 acres, there is lots to see and do! The zoo features giraffes, lions, tigers, sloths, and even spider monkeys! Your admission to the Potawatomi Zoo also includes a ride on the zoo train, as well as the carousel!
Cost:
Hours: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Location: 500 S. Greenlawn Avenue, South Bend
*Transportation to the zoo is on your own.
The Indiana Whiskey Company is a veteran owned small-batch distillery located in downtown South Bend. Each barrel of whiskey is brewed and distilled on site using locally fabricated fermentation equipment and a traditional alembic-style copper pot still. During this outing, attendees will have the opportunity to get a behind the scenes tour of the distillery and will taste test five different whiskeys. Each person will take home a bottle of the Indiana Whiskey Company's signature small batch bourbon.
Cost: $35 per person (includes a bottle of bourbon to take home)
*Charter bus will pick up participants at the Embassy Suites at 2:00 pm and will depart the distillery at 3:45 pm to return to the Embassy Suites by 4:00 pm.
The East Race Waterway is the first man-made whitewater rafting course in North America. With a length of 1,900 feet and featuring Class 2 rapids, the East Race will provide some exciting rapids and small drops without being TOO rough on its riders!
Summer meeting attendees who choose this adventure will receive an Unlimited Rides Pass, providing the opportunity to ride the rapids as many times as you would like throughout the afternoon (typical ride time is between 5-7 minutes).
East Race Waterway Requirements:
Required height for rafting is 54".
Children under the age of 16 that meet the 54" requirement need to be accompanied by an adult in the raft.
Rubber soled shoes with heel strap are required. Flip flops and sharp jewelry/objects are not permitted.
All equipment is provided.
It is recommended you bring an extra set of clothes and towels - you will get wet! Note: There are no changing rooms, but a handicap accessible portable restroom is available along with an outdoor rinse shower.
Cost: $20 per person
Hours: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: 126 South Niles Avenue, South Bend
*Charter bus will pick up participants at the Embassy Suites at 1:30 pm and will depart the waterway at 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm to return to the Embassy Suites by 3:15 pm and 4:45 pm, respectively. Limited parking is available on-site for those who wish to drive themselves.
The campus of the University of Notre Dame is one of the most visited sites in Indiana. This tour will offer a historical and social overview of life at Notre Dame. Included are visits to the Grotto, Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Main Building (the Golden Dome), and the Hesburgh Library (Touchdown Jesus). This is a walking tour, and lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Cost: $5 per person
Time: Campus tours begin at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm.
Location: Campus tours will begin at the Eck Visitor Center (100 Eck Center).
*Transportation to Notre Dame's campus is on your own.
Should you be interested in touring the South Bend area on your own, below are additional area attractions you may be interested in. Admission to these area attractions can not be added to Summer Meeting registration costs.
Four Winds Casino (3000 Prairie Avenue)
Rum Village Aerial Park (2626 Gertrude Street)
South Bend Chocolate Factory (3300 W. Sample Street, Suite 110)
Want to grab lunch before heading out to the afternoon's scheduled activities? South Bend offers several dining, brewery and bar options, many of which are located in walking distance of the Embassy Suites. Below is a list of just a few!