2026 SEGD Pre-Conference | Crystal Bridges Tour

Crystal Bridges Tour | October 21, 2026

7:00-6:00 PM CT

For those who want to begin the conference experience with something truly extraordinary, we are organizing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of one of America’s most celebrated cultural institutions: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.

The tour departs Kansas City at 7:30 AM for the three-hour drive south to Bentonville, and returns in time for the SEGD Conference opening party Wednesday evening.

Space is limited. Deadline to register: October 5, 2026

Transportation: The group will travel to Bentonville, AR by rental car. Registered participants will meet in the lobby of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown by 7:00am for a prompt 7:30am departure. An SEGD staff member will check in participants at departure but won’t be traveling with the group. Late participants cannot be accommodated. Expected arrival in Bentonville is around 10:30am; Crystal Bridges opens at 11:00am.

A few important notes:

• No SEGD staff will be on this tour. Álvaro Amat from Crystal Bridges will be your on-site contact, and Rachel Moran will be reachable by phone throughout the day.
• Participants are responsible for driving themselves and must rent their vehicle under their own name and insurance. Drivers must hold a valid license and meet the rental company’s minimum age requirement. SEGD is coordinating the rental car with designated drivers within the group.
• Car groups are self-organized. SEGD can assist with coordination, if needed.
• SEGD assumes no liability for participants during the Crystal Bridges tour.
• This tour is non-refundable once registered.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. You’ll be on your feet through the galleries.

Itinerary:

1. 11:00–11:20am — Introduction from Álvaro Amat, Crystal Bridges
2. 11:20am–1:20pm — Explore the permanent and temporary exhibits, Gallery 1 and 2, including Keith Haring, the Frank Lloyd Wright house, and the museum’s recent expansion (90–120 min)
3. Following exhibits — Lunch on your own at Eleven, the museum’s on-site restaurant featuring modern American comfort food, open 11am–2pm (60 min), with a staff Q&A. Note: If you’re running later in the galleries, the Coffee Bar or Quartz + Honey café are open throughout museum hours as a backup option.
4. Depart Bentonville by 2:30pm to return to Kansas City.
5. Return rental car. Rental car location closes at 6:00pm.
6. Arrive in time for the SEGD Conference Welcome Party, 6–9pm at Boulevard Brewing Company.

Assumption of Risk, Release of Liability, and Indemnification Agreement

By registering for and/or participating in any SEGD Conference Experience Kansas City tour or activity, including off-site excursions and self-transported trips such as the Crystal Bridges day trip, I acknowledge and voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation, including those related to travel, transportation, physical activity, and visits to third-party venues not owned or operated by SEGD.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release SEGD, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any and all liability for loss, damage, injury, or death arising from my participation, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, except for SEGD’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. I understand SEGD is not responsible for the acts, conditions, or policies of third-party venues or transportation providers, and that for self-arranged transportation (such as rental vehicles), I am solely responsible for my own arrangements, insurance, and safe vehicle operation.

I agree to indemnify and hold SEGD harmless from claims arising from my own acts or omissions. My participation is voluntary, and I may decline any activity at any time.

By registering, I confirm I have read and agree to these terms.