Logistics

Reserved (but not prepaid) parking is available for WiADS attendees at the following locations:

• University Ave Ramp

• Washington Ave Ramp

• Maroon Lot (Stadium)

If a lot is marked "by reservation only," inform the attendant you are here for the "WiADS Conference" to access our reserved spaces. Take a ticket and pay upon exit. If no attendant is present, just enter and take a ticket. 

If one lot is full, try the next one on the list. If all options are full, check the McNamara Alumni Center's website to view parking suggestions.

Directions to the University Ave Ramp - The alumni center is conveniently located off Interstates 35 and 94. From 35W north or south, take Exit #18, the 4th St-University Ave exit. Turn onto University Ave (a one-way). Stay in the right lane and drive 9 blocks to the University Ave Parking Ramp — located on the right side of the street. To access McNamara’s front circle drive, pass the parking ramp and drive another 1 block to Oak Street and take a right. 

For more travel information, including visit https://mac-events.org/directions/

Recording & Participation Options

We are committed to creating a comfortable and inclusive experience for all attendees. 

• Most sessions will be recorded and shared with attendees after the event—perfect for catching up on anything you missed

• “No photography” zones will be clearly marked in each room

• Optional “no photo” stickers available at check-in for those who prefer not to be photographed

• To facilitate engagement, we’ve implemented Q&A tools in every breakout room, with in-person microphone options to ensure virtual participants can hear all discussions

• For those requiring closed captioning or hearing assistance, you can connect to each room’s Zoom webinar via laptop (just bring your computer and don’t forget your headphones!)

• A private lactation room is available on the 2nd floor, located at the rear of the women’s restroom. If you need help finding it during the event, (ask event staff for directions)

• A break room available for quiet time, prayer, or informal meetings

• We’ve worked closely with our caterers to provide meals that accommodate a range of dietary preferences and sensitivities. Here’s what you need to know:

• We’ve got you covered throughout the day with morning refreshments, boxed lunch, and all-day coffee, tea, and water service

• Halal Requests: While the caterer’s meat is not halal-certified, vegetarian and fish-free vegan meals are available.

• Nut Allergies: Meals don’t contain nuts, but kitchens do process them—so we can’t guarantee against cross-contact.

• Ingredient Sensitivities: Avoiding specific items? Check ingredient labels at meal stations.

WiFi: Guest Access

UofM-Guest WiFi Network

Guests on campus may use the UofM-Guest network at no charge. As the name implies, UofM-Guest is a network for guests to the University that need to connect to the Internet, but do not have University accounts.

Connecting to UofM-Guest

1. On your device, navigate to the area where you can view all WiFi networks that are in range.

2. Select UofM-Guest from the list of available WiFi networks.

3. A web browser will automatically open to a network authentication page. This page explains the Terms of Use you agree to by using the guest WiFi.

   • You can open a web browser manually, if the Terms of Use page does not open automatically (e.g., Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer).

Good Practice

University Information Security (UIS) recommends using a virtual private network (VPN)  whenever you use public WiFi to access the internet. A VPN creates a private, encrypted tunnel for your online activity making it more difficult for anyone to watch or monitor what you are doing online. Please share this tip with your guests.

University Students, Staff, & Faculty

University employees and students should log in to the Eduroam network with their full University of Minnesota email address and password. University employees and students, follow connect to eduroam.

Contractors, visiting scholars without Internet accounts, and other non staff that need prolonged internet access can have accounts sponsored by a University of Minnesota staff member. The account sponsor can request the account through the University Account Self-Service page.

Additional Information

If you still cannot connect, contact Technology Help.

After the conference, join us for a celebratory evening at Sally's Saloon, located just across the street!

• All-access pass holders will receive a complimentary drink ticket—just show your WiADS name badge at check-in. 

• Virtual attendees are warmly invited to join us in person, though drink tickets are reserved for all-access registrants. 

Download the official app now:

Apple Store

Google Play

Get the most out of the app and have a more productive experience!

NAVIGATE the event agenda and logistics, even without Wi-Fi or data. Access useful information like ridesharing and local attractions through the Community Board

NETWORK effectively. Plan whom to meet by exploring attendee profiles and sending out messages

PARTICIPATE in event activities through session likes, comments, ratings, live polling, tweeting, and more