About this Event
Friday 16th:
-3:00 P.M. Presentation by Erich Moraine on glass fracture analysis
-4:30 P.M. Presentation by Aaron Kirchhoff scoring and cracking tools
-5:30 P.M. We have the opportunity to join the ISU Gaffers Guild for a 2-3 hour guided hotshop experience. We will have pizza, socialize, and watch scientific glassblowers try their hand at making soft glass art.If you still have energy and want to socialize I recommend meeting up at Alluvial Brewing - Ames, IA ( it has a nice indoor and outdoor venue and is bring your own food)
Saturday 17th:
- 8:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. Morning coffee and bagels
- 9:00 A.M. – 9:45 A.M. Tour of the ISU Chemistry Building
- 9:45 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Dark field photography workshop by Ilia A. Guzei (See flyer below)
- 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. Lunch on campus (catered by Panera), followed by the business meeting
- 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Demonstrations
- Tracy Drier - Making a platinum electrode
- Jim Hodgson - Tips for a 6 jaw chuck
- Steve Anderson - Incalmo ornament
- Ashot Tumaghyan - 3D printed tool for the glass shop
- Aaron Kirchhoff - Blow-by device, check valve grinding, large to small tube no-blow but seal
- 4:00 P.M. Dollar auction
As usual, we will gather for dinner after the meeting at El hefe
A special thank you thank you to our sponsors:
Ian Duncanson
Iowa State University
Area Hotels:
Below are a handful of hotels that are in the area. The Midwest Scientific Glass Society does not necessarily promote any of the following, but is providing them here for your convenience. Please do your own research regarding which (if any) might be a good fit for your needs.
Gateway hotel
Courtyard Hotel
RedRoof Inn
Drving/Parking Instructions:
Please see the photo below. Parking on campus can be a bit tricky if you navigate to Gilman via GPS it will likely get confused. Insead navagate to Ames National lab and park in the green highlighted areas, Parking in these areas is free after 5:30. If you arrive before 5:30 please use a meter or park off campus, the parking police will find you, you have been warned.
October 12th Deadline
Please note that all tickets must be purchased through Eventbrite on or before October 12th. This will ensure an accurate headcount so we can properly plan for food and volunteers to make the event a success.
By purchasing a ticket, you agree to the following:
Agreement for Assumption of Risk, Indemnification and Release
IN CONSIDERATION OF MY VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION IN THE MIDWEST SCIENTIFIC GLASS SOCIETY MEETING ON APRIL 17 & 18 2026, I UNDERSTAND:
Assumption of Risks:
I understand that scientific glassblowing, by its very nature, includes certain inherentrisks to the body that cannot be eliminated, including but not limited to burns, cuts, falls, and injuries from machinery, and the work environment. I understand the risks that are inherent in the venue and programs associated with this meeting. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that I knowingly assume all such risks.
Hold Harmless, Indemnity and Release:
I agree to hold harmless, indemnify, and release the American Scientific Glassblower’s Society and its officers, from and against any and all claims on account of damage to person or property which may result from my participation in the above-listed activity. This release includes claims based on the negligence of the ASGS and its officers, employees, agents, and volunteers, but expressly does not include claims based on their intentional misconduct or gross negligence. I understand that by agreeing to this clause I am releasing the ASGS of any liability and surrendering my right to sue.
Photo/Video Release:
I understand that photographs and/or video recordings may be taken of me during my participation in the Midwest Section meeting of the American Scientific Glassblower’s Society (ASGS). By purchasing this ticket to attend, I hereby grant the American Scientific Glassblowers Society (ASGS), their representatives, the irrevocable right and permission to photograph and video me during the event and to use my image, and likeness in any media, including but not limited to websites, publications, social media, and promotional materials, for any purpose related to the organizations, without any further consent from or payment to me. I understand that all such photographs, video recordings, and other media shall be the sole property of ASGS. I waive any right to inspect or approve the use of my image, likeness and voice.
Event venue & nearby stays
Gilman Hall, 2415 Osborn Drive, Ames, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.