Chasercon, the world’s largest meeting of storm chasers and meteorologists also known as the National Storm Chaser Convention, will be held in Wichita for the first time in its history. The conference will take place Feb. 8-10, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Wichita.
“It’s really exciting to welcome this conference to Wichita for the first time,” said Susie Santo, president and CEO of Visit Wichita. “From the moment they arrive at our state-of-the-art airport terminal, to the riverfront experience they will enjoy at the Hyatt Regency Wichita and the many wonderful eateries, attractions and more they can find downtown – we cannot wait for them to see why Wichita is a must-visit Midwest destination.”
This conference will feature presentations from the field’s leading experts, will host a panel featuring Reed Timmer of AccuWeather and is open to the public. Tours of AccuWeather’s Extreme Weather Center in Wichita will also be provided during the event.
“Chasercon is a unique gathering of meteorologists who specialize in forecasting and warning of severe storms, as well professional storm chasers and storm tourism directors – and weather aficionados are most certainly welcome,” said Mike Smith, former Sr. Vice President of AccuWeather. “For years, I have had a vision of bringing meetings of weather scientists to Wichita, so I am thrilled to welcome hundreds of visitors from all over the country into the city for this internationally-known conference.”
Featured speakers include:
- Dr. Greg Forbes, The Weather Channel
- Tim Marshall, world expert on engineering buildings to minimize storm damage as well as an expert storm chaser, Haag Engineering Co.
- Roger Edwards, meteorologist and forecaster, National Storm Prediction Center
- Dr. Jason Persoff, storm chaser, photographer, physician and assistant professor of Internal Medicine at University of Colorado Hospital
- Jon Davies and his storm forecasting class
On Saturday, Feb. 9, Smith will be the keynote speaker and will moderate a panel of storm chasers, law enforcement and emergency management on how to make storm chasing safer. Reed Timmer of AccuWeather, formerly of Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers, will be a participant on the panel.
A seminar on Sunday, Feb. 10, "How to Forecast Severe Storms," will be useful to not only storm chasers, but also for emergency managers and anyone interested in learning more on predicting tornadoes and extreme thunderstorms.
“Chasercon has been one of the longest-running conventions for storm chasers, weather enthusiasts, spotters, meteorologists and anyone interested in weather,” said Roger Hill, convention coordinator. “This will be the 21st annual event and the first time we’ve brought it to Wichita. We’re excited to bring the event to such a great Midwest city, and have an exceptional lineup of speakers who are experts in their field. They will not only provide vital information, but will also be entertaining for anyone who wants to attend.”
To attend Chasercon 2019, registration is required. To learn more about the event and register online, visit www.chasercon.com.
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About Visit Wichita
Visit Wichita markets the greater Wichita area as a major convention and tourism destination, thereby enhancing the economic development of the city, county, region and state. Visit Wichita is led by president and CEO Susie Santo, and in 2017 travel and tourism contributed more than $1.1 billion in economic impact to the greater Wichita area.
