Sit down, strap in and get vertical...launch your next event at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Kennedy Space Center is 140,000-acres of inspirational, educational and entertaining experiences including IMAX® films, live shows, hands-on activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Meetings and events at Kennedy Space Center invariably leave a lasting impression on attendees. Whether awe-struck by the sheer size of the rockets, spacecraft and buildings or inspired by hearing first-hand stories from the actual men and women of the U.S. Space Program, the stage is set for an once-in-a-lifetime presentation or celebration. Experienced meeting and conference staff onsite provide turnkey planning and execution of events at any level of production or sophistication.

Coming in 2013 is the new home for Space Shuttle Atlantis. NASA selected Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to permanently display space shuttle Atlantis in 2011 and construction has begun on the $100 million facility. The 65,000 square-foot Atlantis exhibit will be the marquee element of the Visitor Complex's 10-year master plan. The exhibit will provide guests a unique vantage point to view Atlantis up close, while telling the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program through a number of hands on, interactive and immersive mediums. The grand opening of the showcase facility is slated for summer 2013.

Kenned Space Center Visitor Complex Facility Facts:

• Kennedy Space Center, located on Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, encompasses more than 140,000 acres - over 200 square miles - providing a truly unique environment.
•  Kennedy Space Center is accessible to groups of all sizes as it is just a 45-minute scenic drive from Orlando's convention center, theme parks and Orlando International Airport.
•  There are four main venues that can be configured for groups sizing from 30 to 3,000 including the main Visitor Complex, the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility, Apollo/Saturn V Center and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame:
•  The one-of-a-kind Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility can be used as a single room or converted into five fully functional meeting spaces (Juno, Jupiter, Vanguard, Atlas, and Redstone) supported by an onsite kitchen and multi-media audio/visual equipment. The Conference Facility overlooks the historic Rocket Garden, a full-sized display of eight vintage rockets from the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs, and can accommodate groups from 30 to 700.
•  The Apollo/Saturn V Center captures the authenticity of the moon landing missions within a 100,000-square foot facility. The centerpiece is the gigantic Saturn V moon rocket revealed in all of its awesome stages. There is banquet space available that can accommodate a 300-person plated dinner or a 3,000-person standing reception.
•  U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, operated by Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, features the world's largest collection of astronaut memorabilia plus displays, interactive exhibits, simulators and tributes to the heroes of the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. The Hall of Fame can host 40 guests for plated banquets and 150 guests for standing receptions. Simulators allow guests to recreate the feel of walking on the moon, driving a rover on Mars and the force of "4Gs."  

The Astronaut Appearance programsfeature inspiring presentations and give guests a chance to mingle, ask questions, take photos and even dine with a true space hero. Photo-ops with a fully-costumed "Spaceman" character can also be arranged.

Experience the thrill of Lunch With an Astronaut. Listen to inspiring space travel stories and ask questions of a NASA space hero, all while enjoying a delicious meal.  The program begins with a buffet meal and a video presentation of "everyday" life on the space shuttle. The main event is a personalized presentation by a featured astronaut about what it was like to live in space and concludes with a question and answers session and photo opportunity.

Themed group tours are a unique aspect of events, providing special access to areas of the spaceflight facility at the Apollo/Saturn V Center and Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry. These day-long excursions encourage people to arrive early and take advantage of the many exhibits and historical sites. Astronaut guided tours can also be arranged for corporate groups. 

Kennedy Space Center offers state-of-the-art audio/visual facilities and meeting space including two 400-seat IMAX theaters, and the 300-seat Astronaut Encounter Theater.

Kennedy Space Center provides elegant, full-service event catering for up to 3,000 guests. Choose between multi-course buffets, stand-up reception menus, pre-packaged lunches or plated dinners.

ATX - Astronaut Training Experience- This in depth program gives guests a glimpse of what it takes to be an astronaut.  The half-day of activities includes a realistic mission simulation in a full scale orbiter mock-up, meeting a real astronaut and simulator experiences including moonwalk and G-force training. 

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. Closing times vary by season.  Admission includes the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and all exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, open from noon until 6:00 p.m. daily. Parking, wheelchairs, strollers and pet kennels are free of charge. Admission is $45 + tax for adults and $35 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander's Club Annual Pass is $58 + tax for adults and $48 + tax for children ages 3-11.  For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. For event information, contact kscevents@dncinc.com.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts at KSC, Inc., a division of Delaware North Companies, one of the world's leading hospitality and food service providers. For more information, visit www.experiencednc.com.

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