News Archive

Mike Lewandowski, FHPS, CHP, Local Arrangements Committee

The 70th Health Physics Society (HPS) Annual Meeting will be held 13–17 July 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.

HPS members spend a lot of time in technical sessions and continuing education during the annual meeting. However, during the evening and on the days before and after those sessions, there is some time to enjoy the host city. Madison is a fantastic place for you to experience with your family. In this article we'll touch on just a few reasons that will encourage you to bring your young children with you.

Henry Vilas Zoo
Photo by Sharon Vanorny, courtesy of Destination Madison

Henry Vilas Zoo is one of my favorite spaces in Madison. For more than a century, the Henry Vilas Zoo has been the home to animals from all over the world, providing a great way for visitors of all ages to meet and see these ambassadors from the animal kingdom. There are colorful birds and energetic otters, playful penguins and majestic lions and tigers. You'll even get a chance to meet Wisconsin's state animal, the badger. There is a train, a carousel, and even a playground to help burn off the excitement the zoo is sure to create. You'll need transportation to get to the zoo, but parking and admission are always free.

Children's Museum rooftop garden
Photo by Sharon Vanorny, courtesy of Destination Madison

Just a short walk from the Concourse Hotel or the Monona Terrace Convention Center is the Madison Children's Museum. This interactive museum serves up a wide variety of spaces for young children to explore and learn. The activities are fun and totally hands-on. You're expected to touch and climb on most of the exhibits. It's a perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon, especially if the hotel room is feeling a little small. Be sure to head up to the rooftop garden and visit the chickens and homing pigeons. The view of the city will be appreciated by adults as well.

There is a lot more to do in Madison. The Local Arrangements Committee (LAC) is building a curated list that will be posted on the meeting website in the near future. If you can't wait, explore what Madison has to offer at the Destination Madison website. Mark your calendar right now for 13–17 July 2025 to attend the 70th HPS Annual Meeting in Madison. If you have questions, feel free to contact LAC Cochairs Jessica Joyce and Jason Rusch.