GLPA State Organizations
GLPA's State Organizations provide a local network of planetarians. The state organizations also convene annually for a meeting or mini-conference. You do not need to be a member of GLPA to participate in the state meetings. If you have questions about any of the state organizations or meetings, feel free to contact the appropriate State Chair below. News items about your facility that you'd like to see published in the GLPA Newsletter should also be sent to your State Chair in late-January (for spring), late-April (for summer), late-July (for autumn), or late-October (for winter).
The following chairpersons were elected during the state meeting at the election-year GLPA conference. (elections held in odd-numbered years) If you would like to be on the ballot to become a State Chair, contact the President-Elect to let her/him know, and come to the state meeting at the conference. Eligible candidates include anyone who identifies her/his self with that state organization, is willing to serve, and is able to attend the fall conference.
GLPA STATE CHAIRS
![]() Illinois Tom Willmitch ISU Planetarium Normal, Illinois |
![]() Indiana Melinda O'Malley PHM Planetarium Mishawaka, Indiana |
![]() Michigan Buddy Stark University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan |
![]() Ohio Dale Smith Physics and Astronomy Dept Bowling Green State University Bowling Green, Ohio |
![]() Wisconsin/Minnesota Sally Brummel Bell Museum Planetarium St. Paul, Minnesota |
![]() Beyond the Lakes Jackie Baughman East Amherst, New York |
Annual State Meetings
GLPA facilitates State Organizations that serve as local networks for planetarians. State meetings are usually held in the spring. Attendance at one of these meetings is usually very affordable. You don't need to be a GLPA member to attend.
2023 STATE MEETING SCHEDULE
Illinois:
Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023Host: Renae Kerrigan, Peoria Riverfront Museum, Peoria
Host: Keith Turner, Carmel High School, Carmel
Michigan:
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023Host: Shannon Schmoll, Abrams Planetarium, East Lansing
Ohio:
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023Host: Suzie Dills, Hoover Price Planetarium, McKinley Museum, Canton
Wisconsin/Minnesota:
Dates: Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29, 2023Hosts: Ben Senson, Madison Metropolitan School District Planetarium, Madison
Tips for Hosts of State Meetings
Quick Tips for State Meeting Hosts:
1. Keep the meeting simple in regards to planning and costs so that you don't need a large number of attendees to make it work.
2. Get address labels and email addresses from the GLPA membership chair.
3. Send out a paper mailing (save receipts) and an email invitation a couple of months before the event.
4. Reserve a block of rooms if you are hosting an overnight event.
5. Be clear about your expectations regarding an RSVP or registration.
6. Send an email reminder (or two) a couple of weeks before the registration deadline.
For complete instructions and suggestions for hosting a state meeting, refer to the State Meetings Guidelines document.